The movie release date is getting closer and closer: A new adventure with Sonic, Tails and Knuckles is coming up and this time they are meeting a true legend - voiced by one of the biggest action stars of our time. In this article, you can find out all the latest information about the plot, cast and production of "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" - enjoy!

Shadow the Hedgehog

What Sonic's third adventure could be about was already hinted at at the end of part 2: Here, the now officially confirmed antagonist for part 3 was revealed: Shadow the Hedgehog. He will be voiced by none other than action icon and fan favorite Keanu Reeves. The fact that of all people this actor will be voicing Shadow is also interesting because Sonic confessed to being a big fan of Reeves in part 1. So we can probably look forward to a few gags on this subject in "Sonic 3".

Shadow was first introduced in the video game "Sonic Adventure 2" and is considered one of the most famous anti-heroes in the "Sonic" universe. Shadow looks a lot like Sonic and is one of his biggest rivals. Despite his often arrogant attitude, he is considered to be a rather sophisticated character.

He was created by Dr. Robotnik's grandfather about 50 years before "Sonic 2". The goal of the research program was to create almost immortal creatures. The experiment produced two such beings: Biolizard and Shadow the Hedgehog. However, after Shadow's creation, the project was discontinued due to its dangerous nature. While trying to free Shadow, Maria Robotnik was killed by a soldier. This drove her grandfather to want to destroy the world out of revenge.

So much for the background story of the games and series. But what does this mean for the new movie? "Sonic 3" could possibly deal with Robotnik's grandfather and his granddaughter Maria, at least in flashbacks. This would provide a dramatic backstory for the actual plot of the movie.

Screenwriter Patrick Casey, who also worked on the first two movies, described Shadow as a worthy opponent for Sonic. He is driven by anger and revenge and is therefore not simply led astray, as was the case with Knuckles. Sonic should therefore have a much harder time dissuading Shadow from his plans in the third movie.

The Sonic 3 Cast

As in the previous films, Ben Schwartz will once again provide the voice of Sonic. Idris Elba and Colleen O'Shaughnessy will also return in their roles as Knuckles and Tails.

James Marsden as Tom and Tika Sumpter as his wife Maddie will also be back - as will their lovable sister Rachel, played by Natasha Rothwell. Further, a number of other actors have been confirmed for "Sonic 3": Including "Jessica Jones" actress Krysten Ritter as well as Alyla Browne, who played the young Furiosa in the last "Mad Max" film. Via Instagram, she confirmed that she will be playing the role of Maria Robotnik.

Will Jim Carrey Return as Dr. Robotnik in Sonic 3?

One of the highlights of the two Sonic movies was certainly Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik. The actor actually wanted to retire from acting altogether and take his well-deserved retirement. Fans then speculated whether his retirement would also mean the end of Dr. Robotnik. At the end of a first short teaser video in February 2024, however, his diabolical laugh could be heard. Soon after, it was confirmed that Carrey will definitely return.

Here's What Happens in the Sonic 3 Trailer

A selected audience got a first impression of the new movie at this year's CinemaCon: the trailer shown there featured a completely dejected Robotnik. Yet he finally regains hope when Agent Stone tells him that "he" has been found. Does "he" perhaps refer to Shadow? In another scene, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles fight their new enemy, whose appearance is strongly reminiscent of the video games. There is also a first hint that Sonic and Robotnik may even have to team up to defeat Shadow.

When Will Sonic 3 Get Released?

"Sonic the Hedgehog 3" will be released just in time for Christmas on December 20, 2024, and we are looking forward to finally being able to present the first trailer to the general public! Sadly, it is not yet clear when that will be.