In an exciting development, Keanu Reeves will bring his acting prowess to ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ as the voice of Shadow, Sonic’s mysterious rival. The announcement, confirmed by multiple sources to The Hollywood Reporter, has sent fans of the franchise into a frenzy, eagerly anticipating the star’s portrayal of the iconic character.
The news comes hot on the heels of Paramount’s CinemaCon presentation, where the studio unveiled the first tantalizing footage of ‘Sonic 3.’ The sneak peek offered a glimpse into the world of the film, revealing a depressed and out-of-shape Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) who finds new purpose in creating Shadow the Hedgehog. First introduced in the 2001 video game ‘Sonic Adventure 2,’ Shadow is known for his dark and edgy persona, serving as a stark contrast to Sonic’s heroic nature while possessing similar powers.
Reeves, fresh off his success in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4,’ brings a wealth of experience and star power to the role. His casting adds an extra layer of excitement to the third installment of the ‘Sonic’ movie franchise, which has already proven to be a box office juggernaut. The first film, released in 2020, defied expectations by grossing $319 million globally, while its 2022 sequel, ‘Sonic 2,’ further cemented the franchise’s popularity with an impressive $404 million worldwide.
Under the direction of Jeff Fowler, who has helmed all three films, the ‘Sonic’ series has carved out a unique space in the video game adaptation genre. With Ben Schwartz lending his voice to the titular character and James Marsden portraying Sonic’s human ally, Tom Wachowski, the films have struck a chord with audiences of all ages.
As Reeves takes on the role of Shadow, fans are eager to see how his portrayal will shape the character’s dynamic with Sonic. The actor’s ability to bring depth and nuance to his performances, as seen in his recent roles in ‘The Matrix: Resurrections’ and the upcoming ‘Good Fortune’ and ‘John Wick Presents: Ballerina,’ has only heightened anticipation for his contribution to the ‘Sonic’ universe.
With ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3′ set to speed into theaters on December 20, Paramount is undoubtedly banking on the film’s star-studded cast and the franchise’s proven track record to deliver another box office hit. As the release date draws nearer, fans will be eagerly awaiting more details about Shadow’s role and how Reeves’ portrayal will elevate the character to new heights.
