Despite being one of the most powerful characters inSonic the Hedgehog 3, Shadow almost meets a tragic fate at the end of the film. After being teased at the end ofSonic 2, Shadow finally debuts inSonic the Hedgehog 3and does not disappoint.Shadow’s origin inSonic the Hedgehog 3is changed slightly from the video games, but most aspects of his character are the same. The most recentSonicmovieestablishes the special relationship Shadow had with Maria, Gerald Robotnik’s granddaughter, and then reveals how she was taken away from him.
Therefore, Shadow is on a quest for revenge throughout the majority of the movie. However, at theend ofSonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic manages to convince Shadow that letting his hatred guide his actions is not the right path forward. Once Sonic and Shadow team up at the end of the movie, Gerald Robotnik and his Eclipse Cannon, which he wants to use to destroy the Earth, are in serious trouble. However,despite defeating Gerald at the end ofSonic 3, Shadow seemingly dies when the Eclipse Cannon explodes.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3’s Post-Credits Scene Confirms Shadow Did Not Die
Shadow Shows Up In Sonic 3’s Post-Credits Scene
Even though Shadow is portrayed as a villain throughout the majority ofSonic the Hedgehog 3, the fact that he is willing to sacrifice himself to save humanity proves that he is not wholly evil. In fact,Sonic 3goes out of its way to show that Shadow’s backstory is the reason why the majority of his actions are villainous. Therefore,Shadow is not actually a true villain inSonic the Hedgehog 3, but rather an anti-hero. This is why it’s a relief when it is revealed that Shadow survived the explosion during the climax of the film.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Didn’t Include 1 Character From Shadow’s Backstory, But The Next Movie Should
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 didn’t include one important character from Shadow’s backstory, but the next movie should introduce them the film franchise.
After the firstpost-credits scene inSonic the Hedgehog 3introduces both Amy Rose and Metal Sonic, the second post-credits scene places the attention back on Shadow. After seemingly dying in the explosion at the end ofSonic 3, Shadow’s shoes can be seen in the post-credits scene as he steps through an unknown field. In the scene,Shadow picks up the Inhibitor Ring that he lost earlier in the finale. This post-credits scene seemingly confirms that Shadow will once again appear in a future project.
How Shadow Survived The Space Station Explosion In Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Shadow Is Extra Powerful At The End Of Sonic 3
In addition to Shadow, both Ivo and Gerald Robotnik are seemingly killed when the Eclipse Cannon explodes at the end ofSonic the Hedgehog 3. However, unlike Ivo and Gerald, it is not at all unrealistic that Shadow survives the explosion. In general, Shadow is already much more powerful than Ivo and Gerald. However, Shadow also uses the Chaos Emeralds to turn into Super Shadow during the finale ofSonic the Hedgehog 3. Therefore,Shadow most likely uses his Chaos powers to shield himself from the explosion at the end of the film.
The power of the Chaos Emeralds is the reason why the fight between Sonic and Shadow does not disappoint inSonic the Hedgehog 3.
During the climax ofSonic the Hedgehog 3,Shadow happily accepts the powers given to him from the Chaos Emeralds while fighting Sonic. The power of the Chaos Emeralds is the reason why the fight between Sonic and Shadow does not disappoint inSonic the Hedgehog 3. However, once they make peace with each other, it only makes sense to remain in their super states to take down Gerald Robotnik and his Eclipse Cannon.
Therefore,since Shadow was extra powerful during the climax ofSonic the Hedgehog 3, it makes sense that he survives that Eclipse Cannon explosion. Even if he didn’t shield himself, he was probably able to maneuver away from the impact of the explosion.Sonic the Hedgehog 3’sclimax purposely doesn’t show how Shadow survives the explosion, so unless a future project includes a flashback to this moment, it will probably just have to be left to the viewer’s imagination.
Shadow’s Apparent Death In Sonic 3 Mirrored The Sonic Video Games
Shadow Also Seemingly Dies In The Video Games
The plot ofSonic the Hedgehog 3takes a lot of inspiration from the 2001 video gameSonic Adventure 2. SinceShadow made his debut inSonic Adventure 2, it makes sense that the most recentSonicmovie looks to it for inspiration. InSonic Adventure 2, Shadow works with Dr. Eggman, who wants to use the Eclipse Cannon to destroy the world. Sonic and his allies attempt to prevent this from happening, but it eventually takes Shadow joining their side to foil Dr. Eggman’s plans.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Handling Shadow So Well Is Unsurprising Considering This 19 Year Old Connection
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 handled Shadow’s backstory amazingly, and Jeff Fowler’s 2022 revelation proves why he was the perfect director for the job.
At the end ofSonic Adventure 2, Sonic and Shadow fly through space to destroy the Eclipse Cannon, just like they do inSonic the Hedgehog 3. In the video game, Shadow actually hears Maria’s voice right before he decides to sacrifice himself to save humanity. Maria pleads with Shadow to save the planet, which he does. A moment similar to this is not included in the movie, but it goes to show how much Shadow cared about Maria.
Another major difference between Shadow’s apparent deaths inSonic the Hedgehog 3andSonic Adventure 2is that the video game doesn’t eventually reveal that he is actually alive. Seemingly,Shadow was actually meant to stay dead after the events ofSonic Adventure 2, but since he was such a popular character, Sega decided that they wanted to tell more stories which included him. Therefore, Shadow next appeared in the 2003 video gameSonic Heroes.
What Shadow’s Survival Means For The Sonic Franchise’s Future
Shadow Will Almost Certainly Appear Again In A Future Movie
Since Shadow is such a popular character, it is not a surprise that he survives the events ofSonic the Hedgehog 3. It is highly likely that Shadow will appear in a futureSonicfilm, but many fans also want him to get his own spinoff. Therefore, whether he will appear again in theupcomingSonic the Hedgehog 4or a potential Shadow spinoff is currently unknown. After being introduced inSonic 2, Knuckles received his own miniseries on Paramount+, which means it would also make sense for Shadow to get a spinoff.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
64%
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)
69%
75%
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)
85%
A Shadow the Hedgehog spinoff could reveal more about his mysterious origin and how he crash-landed on Earth. A Shadow spinoff would be very exciting since it could alsointroduce characters like Black Doom, who is a major villain in the franchise. However, it would be just as exciting for Shadow to return inSonic 4after his complicated relationship with Sonic and his allies is established inSonic the Hedgehog 3.
