SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) – Sonic, Knuckles and Tails sprint into a new adventure in the upcoming “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” In this third film, they face a new enemy with mysterious powers – Shadow (played by Keanu Reeves). Ahead of the film’s release, ABC4’s film critic and celebrity interviewer Patrick Beatty sat down with members of the Sonic crew to learn more about the story behind Sonic’s third installment.

Ben Schwartz (voice of Sonic)

First, Beatty spoke with Ben Schwartz, the voice behind Sonic, to see how he grew with the character.

Q: You’ve been playing this character for a few years now. How has your relationship with Sonic changed and do you feel like you’re taking on more responsibility for him?

A: That’s a great question. I was the voice of Dewey in Duck Tales and the voice of Leonardo in Turtles. All of these writers said that if I took away all the character names and let you read the script, you would have to know exactly when each character says each line.

I think that’s important here too. For example, what is a Tails line? What is a Sonic Line? Sometimes I read the script or do the dialogue and I’m like, “Tails should say this, or I think this is me, and this is Tails, and I think this is good.” You really learn what Sonic is would say, especially the movie Sonic. I don’t think anyone knows the movie Sonic as well as I do.

I really know when he would say things, when he wouldn’t say things, and how he would say things. And even with this one I can discover new emotions. As if he would get angry in this case. He finds different emotions. There’s something dark in his film, so it’s fun to explore it and keep discovering new things.”

James Marsden (Tom) and Tika Sumpter (Maddie)

Tom and Maddie are the chosen family of Sonic, Tails and Knuckles. They have settled into a family routine, and when you have children you need distraction.

Q: What things would you have to distract Sonic, Tails and Knuckles with?

Sumpter: Chili dogs. This is super easy. Anything with chili dogs, grapes, electronics.

Marsden: I would give all of our Amazon boxes to Knuckles to break down and recycle. Tails to remove all the toilet paper in our trees.

Sumpter: Or just give them a bunch of electronics… And they’re all broken things, and he’ll put things together.

Jeff Lowery (director)

Jeff has led the Sonic films since their premiere in 2020, gradually bringing in incredible talent to voice the iconic characters from Sonic’s world.

Q: You combine these characters so well with voice actors, and in Sonic 3 you have perhaps one of the best actors to cast in Keanu Reeves to play Shadow. What was it like approaching him for this role?

A: “It was just an absolute dream casting. I mean, we knew the fans loved the idea. We love the idea. So all Keanu had to do was say yes. We had a really great meeting, walked him through the story, showed him a lot of artwork, a storyboard and animations. He was very aware of Shadow and how popular the character is. I think Keanu loved the story we were telling and the complex character of Shadow.

I think he is very special and has brought something completely new to our films. I think he saw the potential there and was excited to come in and give his opinion on it. I think the fans will love it.”

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is in theaters everywhere this weekend. For more interviews and reviews, visit ABC4.com, click on the Shows tab, then click Watch or Skip.

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