Jeff Fowler directed all three Sonic the Hedgehog films, but his connection to the video game series predates the spiky-haired speedster’s big screen debut. Like any self-respecting child in the 1990s, he grew up listening to “Sonic.” “I loved his attitude and his swagger,” Fowler says. “It was impossible not to fall in love with the guy.”

That interest led to an early gig working on the 2005 video game Shadow the Hedgehog, a third-person shooter spinoff about a black hedgehog who served as a darker, moodier yin to Sonic’s yang exists. “While Sonic is a child with a motor mouth who is excited, happy and optimistic, Shadow is the other side of the coin,” says Fowler. “He went through some real hardships and that caused his life to take a completely different direction.”

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Things come full circle with “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” which hits theaters this weekend, where it dominates the box office and leaves Disney’s “Mufasa” behind. It also serves as Shadow’s introduction to the SCU (Sonic Cinematic Universe). And Fowler couldn’t think of anyone better to bring Shadow to life than Keanu Reeves, best known for his cinematic justice in the “John Wick” films and voicing the stubborn hedgehog in the sequel.

“There are obvious parallels between John Wick and Shadow,” admits Fowler. “But Keanu has always played complex, brooding characters who were really special. It was a perfect fit.”

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 also stars Jim Carrey as Dr. Ivo Robotnik returns, the mad scientist who served as the main antagonist in the previous two films. Carrey’s involvement wasn’t a given – the actor had previously stated that he was retiring from acting. However, recasting the role was not an option as Fowler believed that Carrey’s comic stylings were irreplaceable.

“In my heart of hearts, I felt like if we offered Jim a fun concept and just had the right carrot, he would come back,” Fowler says. “He loves entertaining young audiences.”

Ultimately, it was the prospect of playing not one but two outlandish characters that helped seal the deal, with Carrey as the mad doctor and his grandfather, Professor Gerald Robotnik, doing double duty ensuring that the Comic was signed on the dotted line. (Carrey has also said he needs the money).

As for Fowler, he has been linked to an animated hybrid reboot of The Pink Panther, but he hasn’t said much about what he has planned for the film. “It’s one of those iconic franchises that’s exciting,” he says.

Dealing with such beloved properties comes with challenges. When Fowler and his team were working on the first Sonic the Hedgehog film, the initial drafts of the CGI creation were met with scathing reviews on social media. Fans criticized the character’s eyes and teeth and compared him negatively to the cats in “Cats.” .” Fowler went public and said that “the message is loud and clear” and sent the team back to the drawing boards for a redesign that better aligned the movie version of Sonic with the version from the games.

“The fans have a passion for these characters and you have to respect that,” he says. “It comes from a place of love.”

“The Pink Panther” may beckon, but it’s not clear whether Fowler is ready to say goodbye to Sonic, Shadow and the rest of the gang after directing three films and an episode of the streaming spinoff series “Knuckles.” has led. Paramount is developing a fourth film and the latest sequel introduces some new characters from the video game series that could take the franchise in exciting directions.

“We can continue to expand the world and expand the family of Sonic characters,” Fowler teases. “I feel like we’re just really getting going.”

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