Summary
Sonic the Hedgehog 3brings Shadow the Hedgehog into the franchise with a major role, and one of Hollywood’s biggest actors voices the black hedgehog. TheSonicmovie franchise told audiences that the popular video game character was coming inSonic the Hedgehog 2’s post-credits scene. The sequence set up Shadow’s role in a sequel, teasing his game-accurate look, but leaving a major question regarding who would voice him. The result was plenty of fan casts and suggestions for who should voice Shadow inSonic 3.
The officialSonic the Hedgehog 3castincludes several returning actors from the past movies. Ben Schwartz is back to voice Sonic, while Idris Elba returns as Knuckles and Colleen O’Shaughnessy is back voicing Tails. James Marsden and others reprise their human character roles, including Jim Carrey’s return as Dr. Robotnik. The biggest new addition to the ensemble comes with Shadow’s introduction, as he’s the most notable new character, and who voices the villainous hedgehog inSonic 3only makes his involvement more exciting.
Don’t Worry, The Sonic The Hedgehog Movies Already Proved They Will Nail Shadow
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will properly introduce Shadow, and there’s little doubt that the upcoming sequel will nail this fan-favorite game character.
Keanu Reeves Is The Voice Of Shadow The Hedgehog In Sonic 3
He Was A Popular Fan Suggestion
It is officially confirmed that Keanu Reeves is voicing Shadow inSonic the Hedgehog 3. His casting was confirmed in April 2024 after over two years of speculation that he could be the choice. The announcement came afterSonic the Hedgehogreferenced Keanu Reeves. Meanwhile, the actor’s popularity and persona made him a fan-favorite choice to voice the character. In the end, the movie franchise agreed and brought Keanu aboard to play Shadow the Hedgehog inSonic 3.
Keanu Reeves
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
It was not until the release ofSonic the Hedgehog 3’s trailerthat Keanu Reeves' Shadow the Hedgehog voice was heard. As the start of the film’s marketing campaign, Paramount held off on revealing Keanu’s version of Shadow until then. Unsurprisingly, the actor does not change his voice to play the character. Shadow sounds exactly like theJohn Wickfranchise star inSonic the Hedgehog 3as a result.
Keanu Reeves' Other Notable Movie Roles Before Sonic 3
John Wick, The Matrix, & More
Prior to being the voice of Shadow inSonic the Hedgehog 3, Keanu Reeves' movies include some notable roles. His biggest role in recent memory is playing John Wick in theJohn Wickfranchise, where he has made four appearances. He’s also well-known for playing Neo inThe Matrixand its sequels. Keanu’s action movies also include hits likePoint BreakandSpeed, while he’s also done comedy with theBill & Tedmovies.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3marks one of the rare times when Keanu Reeves is voicing a CGI or animated character instead of playing a physical part. He previously voiced Duke Caboom inToy Story 4and Batman inDC League of Super-Pets. However,Keanu Reeves has had several villain rolesin the past, so the villainous role for Shadow inSonic the Hedgehog 3is not completely new territory for him as an actor.
