I was worriedSonic the Hedgehog 3’s Shadow storyline would just copy Knuckles’ arc from the last sequel, but thankfully, the trailer has confirmed it’s doing something different. Set to be released in theaters on June 20, 2025,Sonic the Hedgehog 3will follow up on the last film’s mid-credits scene, which saw Sonic’s evil counterpart Shadow the Hedgehog in a vat at a G.U.N. research facility. Keanu Reeves has been cast to play Shadow and the trailer has promised the franchise’s most formidable villain to date.
When “Project Shadow” was revealed at the end ofSonic the Hedgehog 2, I was concerned that the filmmakers would just repeat Knuckles’ story with Shadow inSonic the Hedgehog 3. Now thattheSonic the Hedgehog 3trailer has dropped, I’m relieved that that’s not the case. There will likely be some overlap between Knuckles’ story and Shadow’s story – like an inevitable redemption arc that turns Shadow from a villain into an ally – but it won’t just be a carbon copy of the previous sequel.
Shadow’s Story In Sonic 3 Is Not Repeating Knuckles' Sonic 2 Role
Shadow isn’t working for Robotnik like Knuckles did
As soon as Shadow was revealed in that G.U.N. facility at the end ofSonic the Hedgehog 2, I wasworriedSonic the Hedgehog 3would repeat Knuckles’ storyfrom the second movie. Knuckles was introduced as a villain inSonic the Hedgehog 2. He was a superpowered henchman working for Dr. Robotnik. I thought the third movie would just copy the second movie and have Shadow working for Robotnik.
But mercifully,theSonic the Hedgehog 3trailer has confirmed that Shadow isn’t working for Robotnik. In fact, Sonic reluctantly teams up with Robotnik to take down Shadow. This is a nice twist on the story ofSonic the Hedgehog 2that should make the threequel stand out from its predecessor. Rather than just emulating what worked before,Sonic the Hedgehog 3is trying something new, which more Hollywood franchises should do.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Will Still Likely Copy Knuckles' Hero Turn With Shadow
Like Knuckles, Shadow will likely become a hero by the end of the movie
While Shadow’s story isn’t copying Knuckles’ story directly, there will probably still be a major parallel between their character arcs. By the end ofSonic the Hedgehog 2, Knuckles had seen the error of his ways and switched sides to fight alongside Sonic and Tails.Sonic the Hedgehog 3will likely have a redemption arc for Shadow. It would be too dark for this franchise to kill off a character, soSonic will likely defeat Shadow with compassion and he’ll switch from a villain to an ally, which will be a repeat of Knuckles’ story.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Cast
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reunites Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they face a formidable new adversary, Shadow. With Shadow’s unprecedented powers posing a significant threat, Team Sonic seeks an unexpected alliance to thwart his plans and safeguard the planet.
