Sonic the Hedgehog 3: Shadow hits theaters

Summary

• A triumphant release at Christmas 2024
• Shadow, played by Keanu Reeves
• The Plot: Following in the Footsteps of Sonic Adventure 2
• Jim Carrey in a dual role
• The complete cast
• A box office record
• What's next after Sonic 3?
• Summary table
• FAQ

It's finally here! After two triumphant initial films, Sonic 3, the movie was released at the end of 2024 and delivered on all its promises: a darker narrative, a record-breaking box office, and most importantly, the long-awaited arrival of Shadow the Hedgehog. We take a look at this third installment, the most ambitious of the saga.

🎬 To place this film within the trilogy, (re)read our complete guide to Sonic films.

A triumphant release at Christmas 2024

Sonic 3, the movie was released in France on December 25, 2024 (December 20 in the United States, after a premiere in London on December 10). An ideal Christmas release for a family film, still directed by Jeff Fowler, with a screenplay by Pat Casey, Josh Miller, and John Whittington.

Shadow, played by Keanu Reeves

This was the big anticipation for this installment: Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic's most iconic rival, makes his debut — and he is voiced in the original version by none other than Keanu Reeves. A vocal cast that perfectly matches this dark character, haunted by his past.

🖤 To understand who Shadow is in the games, (re)discover Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic's complex rival.

The star of Sonic 3

Shadow The Hedgehog Figure — Movie Edition (16 cm)

Shadow as he appears in the film, collector's version.

€29.90

View figure →

The Plot: Following in the Footsteps of Sonic Adventure 2

The film draws heavily from the cult game Sonic Adventure 2. We discover Shadow's past, linked to the space station Space Colony ARK, Professor Gerald Robotnik's "Project Shadow", and the tragedy of young Maria. This gives the film an unprecedented emotional dimension in the saga.

🛰️ The central location of this story has its own entry: discover the Space Colony ARK.

🧪 And the origins of Project Shadow are detailed here: (re)read Gerald Robotnik and Project Shadow.

💫 The emotional core of the story is her: the story of Maria Robotnik.

Jim Carrey in a dual role

Good news for fans: Jim Carrey is indeed back! And he even takes on a dual role: he plays both Dr. Robotnik and his grandfather, Professor Gerald Robotnik, a key figure in the plot. This is an opportunity for the actor to showcase his full range of comedic and more sinister talents.

🎮 Want to compare the film to its video game source? Here is our analysis of the lore of Sonic Adventure 2.

The hero of the film

Sonic The Hedgehog Figure — Movie Edition (16 cm)

The Sonic from the movies, to be paired with his great rival Shadow.

€29.90

View figure →

The complete cast

In addition to Keanu Reeves and Jim Carrey, the entire team from previous films returns (original voices):

• Ben Schwartz — Sonic
• Idris Elba — Knuckles
• Colleen O'Shaughnessey — Tails
• James Marsden — Tom Wachowski
• Tika Sumpter — Maddie Wachowski

🥊 The echidna guardian also has his story: (re)read Knuckles' guide.

A box office record

The gamble paid off: with nearly 492 million dollars in worldwide revenue, Sonic 3 became the franchise's biggest success, surpassing its two predecessors. Upon its release, it even rose to become the second highest-grossing video game movie in history. A crowning achievement for a saga that continues to grow.

What's next after Sonic 3?

The cinematic universe continues to expand. Before Sonic 3, the spin-off series Knuckles had already been released on Paramount+ (in 2024). And a fourth film is officially planned for 2027. The trilogy has become a true saga.

Summary table

FAQ

• When was Sonic 3 released?
  In France on December 25, 2024 (December 20 in the United States).
• Who voices Shadow in Sonic 3?
  In the original version, Shadow is voiced by Keanu Reeves.
• Which game is Sonic 3 inspired by?
  Mainly Sonic Adventure 2 (Space Colony ARK, Project Shadow, Maria, and Gerald Robotnik).
• Is Jim Carrey in Sonic 3?
  Yes, and he plays a dual role: Dr. Robotnik and his grandfather Gerald Robotnik.
• Was Sonic 3 successful?
  Very successful: approximately 492 million dollars worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film in the saga.
• Will there be a Sonic 4?
  Yes, a fourth film is officially planned for 2027.

🧸 Recreate the Sonic / Shadow duel from the movie with our Sonic figures.