The upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie has cast Keanu Reeves as the voice of the popular character Shadow the Hedgehog, according to multiple sources. This high-profile casting choice builds anticipation for the sequel, set to be released on December 20, 2023.
Keanu Reeves is one of Hollywood’s most beloved and bankable stars, known for lead roles in major blockbuster franchises like The Matrix and John Wick. His casting as Shadow indicates that the character will play a pivotal role in Sonic 3.
Details about Shadow’s inclusion in Sonic 3 were teased at CinemaCon 2022, where Paramount debuted the first footage from the sequel. The clips established that the villainous Dr. Robotnik, played by Jim Carrey, has sunk into depression after his defeats in the prior two Sonic films. However, Robotnik rebounds upon creating Shadow, who appears poised to serve as Robotnik’s powerful new henchman. Shadow, introduced in the 2001 video game Sonic Adventure 2, is a dark counterpart to hero Sonic with similar speed-based abilities.
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“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” also teases introducing Maria Robotnik, a key figure from Shadow’s past, and incorporating elements like the famous theme “Live and Learn” from the video game Sonic Adventure 2.
Reeves was one of the frontrunners for the role; along with rumors of Hayden Christensen joining the race. After being the spoiler companion Johnny Silverhand for video game “Cyberpunk 2077”, the voice acting bug seems to be snacking well on Reeves’ talent. After a small, but entertaining role as the voice of Batman in the DC Superpets film, Sonic 3 will represent the iconic actor’s first-ever major voice acting role in a studio animated film and Reeves’ voice is sure to amplify Shadow’s menacing presence.
The Sonic the Hedgehog film series has rapidly grown into a box office juggernaut since its first installment shocked prognosticators by earning $319 million globally in 2020. With a worldwide gross of $404 million, 2022’s Sonic the Hedgehog 2 managed to surpass its predecessor’s tally.
Regarding the films, producer Toby Ascher stated: “We knew that, with Shadow coming into Sonic 3 and some of the bigger things that we want to do, the Sonic franchise on the movie side is going to be these Avengers-level events. They’re going to be these big, exciting stories that have a lot of different characters,”
Director Jeff Fowler, who helmed the first two Sonic films, returns for the threequel. Key cast members like Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic and James Marsden as Tom Wachowski, Sonic’s loyal human friend, also reprise their roles. The continuity in creative leadership and cast instills confidence that Sonic 3 will capture the same winning blend of humor, action, and heart that made the first two films so widely embraced.
Reeves has built his reputation portraying stoic action heroes, making his voice a natural fit for the brooding Shadow. His star power also further cements Sonic as one of Hollywood’s most successful modern adaptations of a video game property.
Reeves’ Sonic 3 casting comes amidst a particularly busy period for the versatile performer. He recently starred in the fourth John Wick thriller, which opened at #1 at the box office in March 2022. He has several intriguing projects on the horizon, such as a supporting role in Ana de Armas’ John Wick spinoff Ballerina and an angelic part in Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut Being Mortal.
Yet Sonic 3 perhaps represents Reeves’ most family-friendly endeavor yet as well as his largest animated film role to date. Longtime fans eager to hear the beloved actor’s voice applied to a bold, heroic character won’t have to wait long, with Sonic 3 racing into theaters this holiday season.
Are you excited about Keanu Reeves being added to the Sonic Movie Universe? Let us know in the comments!
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This is Great, he’s gonna make a great Shadow the Hedgehog.
Count me in