With Sonic’s (Ben Schwartz) dark rival set to speed onto the big screen inSonic The Hedgehog 3, Jeff Fowler has emphasized the hard work of Keanu Reeves in bringing Shadow the Hedgehog to life in the upcoming sequel. After his family grew in the 2022 sequel, Sega’s iconic blue hedgehog comes face to face with his red-and-black doppelgänger with a tragic past, forcing him to make an unexpected new alliance with old foes.Shadow the Hedgehog made his debutin 2001’sSonic Adventure 2and has become a firm fan-favorite character.
Recently, Fowler appeared onSonic Revolution’sShadow Revolutionlive-stream event to tease what can be expected from the upcoming movie. While not revealing a single spoiler,the director praised Reeves' dedication to the role, stating that he not only understood the character’s place in the story and fit with the rest of the cast, but that he would offer multiple takes to ensure his delivery fit.
“How about I just say it’s so awesome that we got Keanu Reeves to voice the character, and he was so fantastic to work with. I think he thinks the character is awesome, I think he definitely understood what we were going for, and was very excited to do his version of it but he, like all the cast, just really wants to get it right, really cares. I mean he would just give us so many different versions of line readings and and just want to keep going.
Furthermore, Fowler revealed that even in the earliest stages of his involvement,Reeves showed an incredible awareness for the character, indicating that he had researched the role. As such, Fowler is confident that audiences will resonate with the actor’s portrayal of the character.
Like, it was not just sort of showing up and reading the script into a microphone. Like, he really wanted to create a very fan sort of faithful version of the character, he did research. Like in our first meeting, he very clearly had gone, and done his homework, which was awesome you know, and so… No, I just can’t say enough wonderful things about Keanu and what he brought to the character, and just the experience of making this movie, so… I just think people are going to really love his version of Shadow, it’s awesome.”
Keanu Reeves’sSonic The Hedgehog 3Preparation Is A Positive Sign For The Sequel
The Movie’s Plot Is More Complicated& Darker Than Past Installments
Fowler’s praise for Reeves' performance will leave many relieved, astheSonic the Hedgehog 3characterbrings several challenges that past installments had not encountered. While 2022’s sequel had clear inspirations from the premises ofSonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, andSonic & Knuckles, the third installment will adapt a game whose plot marked a drastic shift for the franchise.
Who Is Dr. Robotnik’s Grandpa? Jim Carrey’s New Sonic The Hedgehog Character Explained
In addition to Keanu Reeves' Shadow, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 introduces another key character from the games — Dr. Gerald Robotnik (Jim Carrey).
Sonic Adventure 2’s storyintroduced Shadow as a vengeful being wanting to make the people of Earth pay for the lossof his loved ones, with later installments adding further layers to his origins. With the 2001 game’s premise and the potential inclusion of later elements, the movie is tackling a much more complicated story than a simple fight against Robotnik (Jim Carrey). As such, audiences will appreciate the dedication that Fowler and Reeves have given to bringing the story to life.
Our Thoughts On Reeves’Sonic the Hedgehog 3Performance Praise
Shadow’s Big-Screen Debut Brings Many Fan’s Dreams To Life
Shadow stands out as one of the franchise’s most recognizable characters, with a strong reception elevating him from being intended as a one-off villain to leading his own game within four years. As such, fans have been eagerly awaiting the character to take center-stage for two years, ever sinceSonic the Hedgehog 2’s post-credits tease.
Sonic 3: How Powerful (& Fast) Shadow Is Compared To Sonic & Knuckles
Sonic 2 introduced Shadow, the Ultimate Lifeform, leaving many wondering how powerful he will be in Sonic 3 compared to Sonic and Knuckles.
Fowler’s own history with the character due to his involvement in 2005’sShadow the Hedgehogvideo game has proven he has a good level of experience in the character, and it is clear Reeves has been just as dedicated to ensuring his portrayal lives up to expectations. As such, viewers both familiar and new with the character will be hyped to see how the actor brings Sega’s dark anti-hero to life inSonic the Hedgehog 3.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Cast
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reunites Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they face a formidable new adversary, Shadow. With Shadow’s unprecedented powers posing a significant threat, Team Sonic seeks an unexpected alliance to thwart his plans and safeguard the planet.
