- Matrix and John Wick star to provide vocal talents for latest cast edition to the film series
- Shadow the Hedgehog will create havoc for Sonic, Tails and Knuckles
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3 to hit cinemas on December 20
Hollywood icon Keanu Reeves is joining the cast of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and will provide the voice for Shadow the Hedgehog in the film out later this year.
Reeves has a long history in successful movie franchises. In recent years, he has starred in all four John Wick films as the titular character. He also played Neo in all four of the Matrix film series.
This news comes after last week’s CinemaCon, which revealed some major plotlines for the third instalment of the popular franchise, including confirmation that scientist and Sonic’s chief enemy Dr Robotnik – or Eggman to Sonic – will be returning, despite being presumed dead at the conclusion of the second film.
Robotnik, depressed by the events of the second film, puts on a lot of weight – making him look more like his video game appearance – before rediscovering his groove. Jim Carrey, who plays Robotnik, will be donning a fat suit for the role, according to reports.
Shadow the Hedgehog is well known to fans of the video game series. He first appeared in Sonic Adventure 2 in 2001 and is known for essentially being an anti-Sonic – dark and brooding, rather than wise-cracking – but mirroring his powers.
Sonic the Hedgehog has been a box-office hit – which had previously been a rarity for big screen adaptations of video game franchises – with the first film in 2020 taking $319 million at the global box office. Sonic 2, released in 2022, performed even better, taking $404 million globally.
Jeff Fowler is back on board to direct the third Sonic film – he also directed the first two – and James Mardsen will reprise his role as Tom Wachowski, Sonic’s human friend.
