Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a film full of references to the game series, and one Easter egg revealed in the trailers could hint at some changes for Tails' Tornado biplane. In order to adapt the games to film, some changes obviously must be made, but this one is a little more subtle. In the spot where the word "Sonic" is usually inscribed in white letters, the side of the plane actually reads "761" in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Sonic the Hedgehog follows the titular blue blur as he attempts to protect his home and his friends from the evil Dr. Robotnik, given the demeaning nickname Dr. Eggman. The highly anticipated sequel has already revealed several surprises from the games, such as the Master Emerald, Knuckles, and Robotnik's Death Egg. Another iconic element that is making its debut in the film's sequel is the Tornado, a red biplane that first appeared in the game Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on the Sega Genesis. As seen in the trailers for the film, Tails tends to fly the plane while sonic rides on top, using it to chase down enemies or fly over obstacles. The plane has been a staple of Miles "Tails" Prower, showing off the character's technological genius and making an appearance in almost every game alongside him.
Some fans have wondered why the side of the Tornado now displays the numbers "761," as it seemingly has no connection to any aspect of the games. However, after doing some math, the secret that this number is hiding becomes apparent. How fast Sonic actually is has been the subject of constant debate, but the canonical answer is that he can run faster than the speed of sound. When converted to miles per hour, the speed of sound is roughly 761 miles per hour. Not only is this a reference to Sonic, but the unit of measurement is also a reference to Tails. Tails' real name, Miles Prower, is clearly a joke name meant to sound like miles per hour. So, the speed of sound being in miles per hour acts as an homage to both characters. This is a neat reference on its own, but the Tornado's new look could actually hint at some significant story details.
While the Tornado's origins have varied over the years, it tends to be something that Tails gets from Sonic or one of his friends, with him later making renovations to it. Much like hinting that Super Sonic may appear, though, the trailer hints that the Tornado's origins may be tweaked. In Sonic 2, the Tornado lacks modifications made by Tails such as the aforementioned Sonic name, as well as machine guns and a Tails emblem. This suggests that the Tornado is not something that Tails has been in possession of. Rather, Sonic and Tails most likely come across it and decide to use it to stop the Death Egg, as it is seen dodging the machine's missiles in the trailer. Further backing this up is the fact that Sonic is never shown to have a plane in the first film, and the viewers see Tails arrive on Earth in Sonic the Hedgehog's end-credits scene. Neither comes to Earth with a plane, so (unless they travel back to their home dimension), Sonic and Tails have to find it on Earth. How big of a role finding the Torando plays in the story is unknown, but it can be expected that at least a little time is dedicated to finding the plane.
Sonic 2 is already packed full of references and storylines, and as speculation increases for what may be contained in the film, so does general anticipation. The scene of Sonic and Tails battling the Death Egg while flying the Tornado is one of the most heavily advertised set pieces, so it is sure to be a thrilling and important scene in the film's overall story. How the duo gets the Tornado is unknown, but the trailers for it and Easter eggs involving it ensure that this exciting question will be answered in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
