Get ready for a super speedy showdown! Fan-favorite actor Keanu Reeves is officially joining the cast of the upcoming “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” movie. But he won’t be voicing the speedy blue blur himself. Instead, Reeves will be lending his voice to Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic’s dark and mysterious rival.
Who is Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog?
Shadow the Hedgehog is a complex character in the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series.
Role in the video games: First introduced in 2001’s “Sonic Adventure 2,” Shadow is an anti-hero. Initially driven by a desire for revenge, he eventually becomes a reluctant ally to Sonic.
Physical appearance and abilities: Shadow is a black hedgehog with red stripes. He possesses many of the same abilities as Sonic, including super speed and the ability to curl into a ball for a powerful attack. However, Shadow is also able to teleport and control Chaos energy, a powerful force in the Sonic universe.
Keanu Reeves to Voice Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3
The news of Reeves’ casting as Shadow was met with excitement from fans and media outlets alike. The Hollywood Reporter and Variety were among the first to confirm the news, originally reported by The John Campea Show.
Fans took to social media to express their approval. Many felt that Reeves’ brooding persona and action hero image perfectly fit the character of Shadow.
Why Keanu Reeves is the Perfect Choice for Shadow
There are several reasons why Keanu Reeves is a great choice to voice Shadow.
Similarities between Reeves and Shadow: Both Reeves and Shadow are known for being cool, mysterious, and a little bit edgy. Reeves has also portrayed characters with dark pasts seeking redemption, similar to Shadow’s arc in the video games.
Previous voice work in animated films: While best known for live-action roles, Reeves is no stranger to voice acting. He previously voiced Duke Caboom in the critically acclaimed Toy Story 4.
Excitement for Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Reeves joins a cast that already includes Ben Schwartz as Sonic and Jim Carrey as the villainous Dr. Eggman. Idris Elba recently voiced Knuckles the Echidna in “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” and his character is getting a spin-off series on Paramount+.
“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is expected to be released in December 2024. Plot details are still under wraps, but with the addition of Shadow, the movie is sure to be an action-packed adventure.
Conclusion
The casting of Keanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog is a major win for the “Sonic the Hedgehog” film franchise. With Reeves’ star power and the already strong cast, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is shaping up to be a must-see movie for fans of both the video games and the films.