Famed actorKeanu Reeveswill appear as the voice of Shadow the Hedgehog in the upcoming gameSonic X Shadow Generations, but there’s a catch. During a new trailer showcased during the September State of Play, fans saw theirfirst look at the Reeves-voiced hedgehog in scenes from the video game, but not every player will be able to experience this.

Confirmed during State of Play, only players who purchase theDigital Deluxe Edition will be granted access to the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie Pack DLC,which includes a unique level inspired by the upcoming movie where players will get to play as Shadow, voiced by Reeves. As Reeves joins the Sonic franchise when theSonic the Hedgehog 3movie releases, players will get a sneak peek at his debut when the DLC drops on Dec 12.

Sonic x Shadow Shadow grinding on a rail with a starfish-like giant creature behind him

This title is thesecond-ever in the Sonic franchise to feature Shadow as a playable protagonist- and is the first time Reeves appears in the Sonic franchise.Sonic the Hedgehog 3releases in theaters on Dec. 20, a little over a week after the exclusive movie-inspired level hits the video game.

Sonic X Shadow Generations Gives Shadow A New Story Campaign

A New Twist On The Classic Game

The release of the upcoming game keeps the release of the third Sonic movie in mind.Takashi Iizuka confirmed toScreen Rantduring Gamescom earlier this year thatSonic the Hedgehog 3will heavily feature Shadow, which inspired the direction of this upcoming game.

“We wanted to make this really the year of Shadowand not only in the movies have a good spotlight put on Shadow, but in the games as well.We wanted to portray Shadow as the cool character that he is and really give him another vehicle for fans to play, enjoy, and understand more about why he’s such an appealing character.”

Johnny Silverhand crouched next to V with his sunglasses on from the 2019 E3 Cyberpunk 2077 Cinematic Trailer.

Keanu Reeves Is No Stranger To Video Game Roles

Reeves' Voice & Likeness Have Been Seen In Gaming Before

Fans of the Reeves' will remember he made his video game debut when he contributed his voice and likeness to therole of Johnny Silverhand inCyberpunk 2077. He then returned to the role for the game’s 2023 DLCPhantom Liberty,as well as reprising hisMatrixrole as Neo forThe Matrix Awakens: An Unreal Engine 5 Experience.In the base game, though,Kirk Thornton is expected to contribute to Shadow’s voice lines, as he’s voiced Shadow in many previous Sonic games.

How Keanu Reeves' Cyberpunk 2077 Reveal Helped Spiritfarer

A Screen Rant interview with ID@Xbox Director Chris Charla revealed a connection between Keanu Reeves presenting Cyberpunk 2077 and Spiritfarer.

Sonic X Shadow Generationsis currently set to release on Oct. 22, though those who pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition for the PlayStationwill be able to play it three days early. Those looking for an exclusive look at Reeves' rendition of the edgy hedgehog will have special interest in the DLC.

Spiritfarer and Keanu Reeves.

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