Summary
Sonic the Hedgehog 3will continue the incredible live-action story of one of gaming’s most popular characters, but I am not ready for one particular Shadow scene. With the franchise scheduled to return for its third installment on August 23, 2025, I can’t wait to see what the movie series comes up with next; however, nothing can prepare me for one iconic Shadow scene.Sonic 2’s after-credits scene teased Shadow the Hedgehog, who is confirmed to appear in the next film, and while his debut will undoubtedly be a massive highlight, one shocking scene looks destined to happen.
Shadow is easily one of the Sonic franchise’s most popular characters, with the anti-hero offering a darker tone to Sonic’s traditionally light-hearted story.Shadow will be played by Keanu Reeves inSonic 3, adding to the hype around the character, and making his role even bigger. Given Reeves is one of the most likable actors around, I’m intrigued to see him playing a morally gray character, but he is more than capable of pulling this role off. Despite this, the character’s darkest scene will leave plenty of viewers stunned, and I’m still not ready for it.
Maria’s Death Is Coming In Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Shadow’s Origin Story Makes Maria’s Sonic 3 Death Inevitable
With Shadow confirmed forSonic the Hedgehog 3, Maria’s death seems unavoidable. Maria will also appear inSonic 3alongside Shadow, but her role may be limited given her death is a huge part of the anti-hero’s backstory. WithSonic 2’s post-credit scenes showing Shadow in some sort of capsule in a secret facility, it seems likely thatSonic 3will follow his traditional origin story.Maria Robotnik is a huge part of Shadow’s originsas the anti-hero was created by Gerald Robotnik in the hope of curing his granddaughter, but this story has a tragic ending.
Alyla Browne has been cast to play Maria Robotnik inSonic the Hedgehog 3.
Maria’s kind and warm nature inspired Shadow as the two shared a connection and friendship, seemingly setting Shadow on the right path. However, despite Shadow being designed to cure Maria, his creation inadvertently led to her death. After finding out about Gerald’s experiment, the Guardian Units of Nations raided Gerald’s Space Colony Ark in an attempt to shut down Project Shadow.This violent raid led to many innocent lives being taken, including Maria’s, who was gunned down in front of Shadowafter helping him to an escape pod.
While Shadow has had some slightly different origin stories in different Sonic iterations, this is the version often considered canon, and it looks likeSonic the Hedgehog 3is about to repeat it. Given the first two films and theKnucklesspinoff show were both family-orientated, I’m not prepared to see how the next movie executes this scene. It’s possible that it doesn’t show the gunshot itself, but even if this moment is somewhat censored,Sonic 3including the storyline of a child being murdered is something I never thought would happen, and I don’t know how to feel.
Shadow The Hedgehog’s Origin Story Is Tragically Iconic
Shadow Has One Of The Most Memorable Origin Stories In The Sonic Franchise
Although some Sonic fans may find this scene hard to watch, it is undoubtedly a major part of Shadow’s tragically iconic backstory.The mature and emotional nature of Shadow’s origins stands out compared to most other characters in the franchise, which is why fans love it so much.Sonic 3may avoid making Shadow’s character too darkas he has been criticized for being overly edgy in the past, but when done right, Shadow is easily one of the franchise’s best characters, which is why his history is so crucial.
While Maria’s death is easily among the franchise’s most tragic moments, Shadow’s backstory remains one of the most memorable origins in the entire franchise, adding to why he is such a great character.
Despite how shocking Maria’s death is, it sets Shadow up as the perfect anti-hero as he has plenty of hate in his heart after GUN’s attack, yet he also holds onto Maria’s desire to protect the world from danger. This makes his association with violence and anarchy misunderstood, asShadow actually has good motivations despite his cynical nature. While Maria’s death is easily among the franchise’s most tragic moments, Shadow’s backstory remains one of the most memorable origins in the entire franchise, adding to why he is such a great character.
Why Shadow Will Steal The Show In Sonic The Hedgehog 3
The Anti-Hero Is One Of The Franchise’s Most Popular Characters
GivenSonic the Hedgehog 3looks poised to include Shadow’s tragic origin story, I have no doubt he will steal the show. Although it looks like Shadow may be an enemy to Sonic in the next movie, he won’t be the movie’s true villain, making his less traditional form of heroism all the more entertaining. With Keanu Reeves having decades of acting experience, I can’t wait to see him bring his expertise to the character and elevate him further. Although Reeves usually plays heroes, he has a calm yet gritty nature to his acting that will fit Shadow perfectly.
The character’s more ruthless aura will contrast with the likes of Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails, offering something completely different for the franchise.
Reeves' involvement also makes a Shadow spinoff seem inevitable, meaning his introduction inSonic the Hedgehog 3will likely be memorable. The character’s more ruthless aura will contrast with the likes of Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails, offering something completely different for the franchise. While Jim Carrey has done an excellent job portraying Dr. Robotnik, the antagonist has been a more comedic character despite his evil plans, whereasShadow will bring an entirely different tone toSonic 3, setting up a show-stealing performance.
Don’t Expect Shadow To Be Sonic 3’s Big Villain (Even If Robotnik Is Gone)
While Sonic 2 teased the introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog, the character’s history suggests he probably won’t be the main villain of Sonic 3.
Even thoughSonic the Hedgehogwill probably continue past its third movie,Sonic 3will feel like the biggest film yet thanks to Shadow. His intensity and determination to keep Maria’s memory alive will make him a one-of-a-kind character that has fans glued to their seats, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the franchise utilizes him. Thankfully, the performance and quality of the previous movies only reinforce my confidence thatSonic the Hedgehog 3will get the best out of Shadow, making him one of the film’s highlights and becoming a fan favorite in the process.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reunites Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they face a formidable new adversary, Shadow. With Shadow’s unprecedented powers posing a significant threat, Team Sonic seeks an unexpected alliance to thwart his plans and safeguard the planet.
