Key Takeaways
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3 introduces Shadow, a potentially edgy and controversial character, as a new threat to the heroes.
- The movie could take a meta approach with Shadow, showcasing his edginess in a comedic way that contrasts with the other characters.
- Alternatively, portraying Shadow seriously and delving into his backstory could add depth and emotion to the story without compromising the tone.
Sonic the Hedgehog will soon be racing into movie theaters worldwide once again when Sonic the Hedgehog 3 releases on December 20, 2024. All familiar characters will be returning, with Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and Doctor Eggman set to be involved, but this time, Paramount is adding a new character from the popular video game franchise – Shadow.
Shadow has a longstanding history in the Sonic the Hedgehog video games but is known for being an edgy character who’s certainly very different from the rest. Depending on the Sonic the Hedgehog 3’s tone and his story, there are very different paths that can be taken with someone like Shadow.
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Since Shadow was introduced in Sonic Adventure 2 in 2001, his edginess has been on display in this franchise, especially after his game was released. Shadow has often been a controversial character in the eyes of gamers, with some finding his creation a little cringy and desperate in a bid to keep the franchise relevant.
The fact that he would even use swear words at one point was an example of that, with Shadow being seen as a much more edgy version of the more clean-cut Sonic. That could end up being leaned into throughout Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in a meta way where the film winks at the audience and essentially says, ‘Look how grimdark this guy is.’ It would allow Shadow to say and do things throughout the movie that would massively contrast the other characters in the film if he was a little edgier and was pushing the buttons more.
This path would also allow Shadow to potentially team up with Sonic and come around to their side against a more significant threat. He could come up with some great one-liners that puzzle Sonic and his pals while creating comedy. But it would also work initially while he’s portraying a villain.
Keanu Reeves showcased his ability to voice a character that was more comedic and meta when he played Duke Caboom in Toy Story 4, and adding that type of voice acting to this would easily fit the tone of the franchise. By being more meta, he could also give subtle nods to the video game world that he comes from, and that’s something that would connect him with those diehard fans who always stick by the franchise.
Of course, having a character be meta and subvert the traditional lines of cinema is always a risk because not everyone is guaranteed to understand what’s happening. Plus, there’s a chance it simply isn’t entertaining, which could damage the character and the story that is trying to be told. However, when done right, it can be fantastic, and if any character is going to do that in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Shadow would be the right choice.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Could Take Shadow Seriously
While being meta with Shadow’s character is a potentially exciting approach that might fit this movie franchise’s video-game feel and wackiness, having him be seen seriously would make for a better move. Paramount has gone all out with casting Reeves, and getting the best out of him in a more serious and dramatic role would help the story.
Shadow will be the antagonist for this installment, and if he is to be seen as a genuine threat, then it would be best to take him seriously. When it comes to his powers, Shadow is a powerful rival to the titular hero as he can match him for speed, but his personality and backstory also need to be detailed and non-comedic.
Sonic brings lots of humor and silliness to these movies anyway, and many of the supporting cast also provide good humor. Therefore, there’s no need to throw another character being silly. Instead, the focus on Shadow should be serious and almost dark to contrast the heroes in this story completely.
Shadow’s creation is a sad tale, if the movie chooses to stick to the source material, as he was created in a lab to be the ‘ultimate life form’ that is capable of curing diseases. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 could take a page out of Guardians of the Galaxy 3 regarding how the backstory of Rocket was handled. That showcased how adding seriousness and genuine emotion into an otherwise lighthearted action film with lots of comedy can be done. It didn’t bring the tone down or create an unsuitable atmosphere for younger viewers, but it provided real heart to Rocket and enhanced the stakes of everything else happening. That can be achieved with Shadow if he’s taken seriously.
This franchise has done a great job of bringing the fun and vibrancy people expect due to the video games while providing enough drama to make them enjoyable movies. Now, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is introducing a character that has the potential to take things to another level if Shadow is handled correctly.
Directed by Jeff Fowler, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 sets up a new threat for Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails by introducing Shadow the Hedgehog. Shadow presents such a big danger to planet Earth, that the heroes have to team up with Dr. Robotnik.