The Sonic movie universe is something that I never saw coming. Well, not since I dreamed about it in the ‘90s as a lover of the speedster’s video games and TV show. But that is what we got when the first Sonic film sped into theaters at the beginning of 2020. You know, back in the olden days before, well, all of this stuff happened. Since then, we’ve gotten the gift of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 with famous characters like Tails and Knuckles (the best angry sweetie ever) coming into the fold. Better yet, we got news that a third Sonic the Hedgehog movie and a Knuckles series were coming our way. Now, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 officially has casting information, teaser trailers, and a release date. We seriously cannot believe that Keanu Reeves will lend his voice to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 as Shadow.
Keanu Reeves Joins Sonic the Hedgehog 3 as Shadow Plus Other Cast Announcements
First, let’s start with returning cast news. It’s not the end for Jim Carrey’s Dr. Robotnik. Although it seemed like Carrey’s Dr. Robotnik tumbled to his death at the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, a post-credits scene teased the villain’s body had not been found. And this, of course, sets up the news, which we saw on Variety, that Jim Carrey will return as Doctor Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. We assume that Robotnik’s mustache survived the fall, too, but if not, we can’t wait to see what manner of facial hair the villain will have in the third Sonic movie.
In addition to the announcement about Carrey’s return, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 confirmed other and returning cast members. Returning to the franchise are Ben Schwartz (Voice of Sonic), Lee Majdoub (Agent Stone), Idris Elba (Voice of Knuckles), Colleen O’Shaughnessey (Voice of Tails), Tom Butler (Commander Walters), James Marsden (Tom Wachowski), and Tika Sumpter (Maddie Wachowski).
Perhaps the biggest new casting is that Keanu will portray Shadow (more on him later) in Sonic the Hedgehog 3! Other new cast members include Krysten Ritter, Alyla Browne, James Wolk, Sofia Pernas, Cristo Fernández, Jorma Taccone. It sounds like it will be an exciting film, for sure.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Teasers Reveal Shadow’s Arrival
Now, what will happen in the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie? We don’t know any firm details right now. But the movie’s first teasers put Keanu Reeves’ Shadow front and center. He and Sonic even share the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 logo.
An early look at the movie even gave us a glimpse of Shadow’s iconic shoes.
More About Sonic the Hedgehog 3
The end of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 left us with the Wachowskis taking in even more furry and powerful creatures. Tails and Knuckles are part of the family alongside Sonic, and they are guarding the Master Emerald. But the end of the film hinted at a new set of troubles. We find out that Shadow the Hedgehog is in a secret facility, primed to break out and cause havoc. And we bet that havoc will head our way in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
In the game universe, Shadow was created by Doctor Eggman’s grandfather and plays more of an antihero role in many storylines. Think the Punisher vs. Daredevil except with much less violence. We aren’t sure if Shadow the Hedgehog will be the sole villain in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, but they certainly won’t be friends. The Wachowskis cannot take in another cartoony animal at this point. And, he will give Knuckles something to smash. Our guy likes a good fighting/venting session.
When Will Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Release?
The third Sonic movie is coming on December 20, 2024. It’s a holiday celebration, so we expect to see our favorite characters sipping hot chocolate.
Until then, fans can rewatch the second Sonic film on Paramount+ and check out the Knuckles series to carry us through until the end of 2024. In either case, we feel excited to finally know when we can expect Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Originally published on August 9, 2022.
