The highly anticipated Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has officially announced Keanu Reeves as the voice of Shadow the Hedgehog. Discover more about this exciting casting choice and the upcoming film.
Keanu Reeves to Voice Shadow in Sonic 3
First Official Trailer Expected Next Week
Hollywood icon Keanu Reeves will lend his voice to the iconic anti-hero, Shadow the Hedgehog, in the next Sonic the Hedgehog movie. The news broke via a playful teaser on the film's official TikTok. The video hinted at the casting with the phrase "ForeSHADOWing," culminating in Sonic enthusiastically declaring Reeves a "national treasure."
Speculation about Reeves' involvement began months ago. Shadow's presence was subtly introduced in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, where he was seen cryogenically frozen. Known for his complex character and ambiguous allegiances, Shadow has often been both rival and ally to Sonic, suggesting a potential showdown in the new movie. A full trailer, possibly arriving next week, should offer a clearer picture of their dynamic.
Ben Schwartz, Sonic's voice actor, previously expressed his excitement about Shadow's introduction to Screen Rant, highlighting the filmmakers' commitment to fan satisfaction.
Returning cast members include Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik, Colleen O'Shaughnessey as Tails, and Idris Elba as Knuckles. Krysten Ritter joins the cast in an as-yet-unrevealed role.
The success of the Sonic films has significantly impacted the broader Sonic franchise. Takashi Iizuka of Sonic Team noted in a 2022 VGC interview the challenge of balancing the needs of long-time fans with a wider, newer audience. The films' success has broadened the franchise's reach, requiring content creation for a much larger fanbase.
With Sonic the Hedgehog 3 set for release on December 20th, fans can soon witness Sonic, Shadow, and the rest of the cast in action.
