In addition to Reeves, the new cast includes Krysten Ritter as director Rockwell; Alyla Browne as Maria, a young girl from Shadow’s past; and Sofia Pernas, Cristo Fernandez, James Wolk and Jorma Taccone in as yet unknown roles. Sonic3 will also introduce the Chao creatures of the Chao Gardens.

A tragic backstory

It’s no surprise that Carrey is back as “Eggman” Robotnik, and this time he’s playing a dual role: Robotnik and the character’s grandfather, Professor Gerald Robotnik, a genetic engineer who created Shadow when he tried to kill his daughter Maria a disease to cure fatal disease. In the games, Shadow suffers from past trauma associated with Maria’s death. The two were close friends.

When she is killed by the Guardian Units of Nations (GUN), Shadow sets out to seek revenge before remembering his promise to Maria to prevent the world’s destruction. He eventually becomes an anti-hero ally of Sonic. We already knew that the third film would likely feature Shadow, thanks to a mid-credits scene in Sonic2 He informs us of the discovery of a secret research facility for something called “Project Shadow.” (Director Jeff Fowler once worked as a character animator, and Shadow was one of his first jobs.)

It’s clear from the new trailer that Shadow is in his early rogue phase here. The trailer begins with Sonic and his friends at a kid-friendly establishment, where a child mistakes Tails for Pikachu – before being rudely attacked. Cut to Robotnik Sr. saying, “It’s time, Shadow” – time for revenge. The trio is captured by the Robotniks, but they escape and end up in the Wachowskis’ living room, and of course the pair accompany them on an extremely dangerous, top-secret mission. We see a flashback to Shadow’s friendship with Maria, as well as Sonic and Shadow setting themselves up for failure (“This Ends Now”). As always, the smart money is on Team Sonic.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will be released in theaters on December 20, 2024.