Everything We Know About Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (So Far) (2024)

After two successful installments and television shows, Sonic the Hedgehog is returning with a third film this year. The franchise, based on Sega's games, follows an anthropomorphic blue hedgehog with superhero powers. Inspired by Felix the Cat, Mickey Mouse, Michael Jackson and Santa Claus, the blue hedgehog is set on a world-saving mission while exploring themes like friendship, family and the complications of his superpowers.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has been in progress along with other side projects and spin-offs from the franchise due to demand and popularity. Despite some initial setbacks, the film has been on schedule for its production, preparing for the scheduled release in December of 2024. Here's everything we know about Sonic the Hedgehog 3 so far.

Keanu Reeves Will Voice Shadow the Hedgehog

John Wick's leading man Keanu Reeves has been confirmed as a cast member in the upcoming movie. The news of his involvement came out on April 15, 2024. He plays Shadow, a black hedgehog, who's essentially a dark version of Sonic. Shadow is an antihero in the games and is often positioned as a rival to Sonic. He matches Sonic in speed and skill and possesses the abilities of immortality and Chaos Control. Executive producer Toby Ascher talked about the introduction of Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3:

Interestingly, many fans believe that the casting of Reeves had been planned all along based on the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 poster from 2021 that featured a Matrix-style image with a red quill and a blue quill, along with the text "the choice is yours." When the Sonic Movie account shared the poster on X, they teasingly captioned it, "Which one do you think Keanu would pick?" Though in retrospect the poster seems to have foretold the casting choice, it's more of a happy coincidence since the release of the poster coincided with The Matrix Resurrections release date. The poster was simply referring to the new film being released as part of their marketing plan. In reality, the franchise didn't have plans to involve Keanu Reeves until later.

What Is Sonic the Hedgehog 3 About?

The plot of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is currently under wraps. However, according to screenwriters Pat Casey and Josh Miller, the third Sonic movie has taken great inspiration from the video games Sonic Adventures 2 and Shadow the Hedgehog. This means the movie will heavily focus on Keanu Reeves' morally gray antagonist who is motivated by rage and revenge as he is positioned opposite Sonic and his friends.

Shortly after the announcement of Keanu Reeves' involvement in Sonic 3, Knuckles' actor Idris Elba teased fans about what's coming despite saying that he can "tease nothing." "I can tell you that it's super exciting," he told Collider. "I can tell you that it really does get deeper into the universe of Sonic." Based on what he knew, the actor also thought that the third installment would really hit home for those who have been a long-time fan for Sonic games. "I think 3's probably the one for all the real die-hard Sonic fans," said the actor. According to Elba, there will be plenty of Easter eggs to uncover.

Though the plot of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is still a mystery, Sonic Adventure 2 offers some potential insights into the plot. In the game, Eggman revives his grandfather's creation and uses Shadow for his vicious plans and revenge on Sonic. Because of the similarities Shadow and Sonic share, Shadow initially frames Sonic for the crimes he commits. Unlike Sonic, Shadow doesn't do well with his "super" state. Despite their differences and being on opposite sides, Shadow eventually sides with Sonic.

Paramount Plans to Release Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Teaser Trailer "Very Soon"

Aside from the logo reveal teaser in early February 2024, no official footage from the film has been released yet — in short, the trailers are not here yet. However, according to The Direct, Paramount might have accidentally leaked the release time for the trailers. Paramount Mexico's official TikTok account posted a comment reply (deleted shortly afterward), commenting that the trailer is coming "very soon," weeks after CinemaCon 2024.

During the event, Paramount also offered an extensive look into the upcoming film. According to The Direct, Dr. Robotnik is seen with his new alliance, Shadow. Sonic is also enjoying a blissful time with his friends. The film will see their friendship deepening. Paramount also teased a battle between the villain and Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles before a thrilling Sonic vs. Shadow fight in the New York City sky.

Who is Returning in Sonic the Hedgehog 3?

Director Jeff Fowler continues to helm the third installment in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. The fan-favorite Ben Schwartz will reprise his voice role as Sonic the Hedgehog. Colleen O'Shaughnessey returns as Miles "Tails" Prower, and Idras Elba returns as Knuckles the Enchidna, who is also getting a separate spin-off. Jim Carrey is back as Dr. Robotnik, despite the fact that there had been some uncertainty and doubts about his return. The actor has been vocal about his desire to retire from the franchise. However, with Carrey's Dr. Robotnik very present in the footage shown at CinemaCon, fans can rest assured that the doctor will return.

Additionally, James Marsden and Tika Sumpter will return as Tom and Maddie Wachowski. Lee Majdoub will also play Agent Stone again. Joining the cast is Jessica Jones' actor Krysten Ritter, who is set to play a mystery role in the upcoming movie. Fans have suspected that Ritter will play Rouge the Bat. However, there has been no official announcement as to who she'll be in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Newcomers such as Sofia Pernas, Christopher Fernandez and Jorma Taccone will also be introduced in the upcoming movie.

Recent set photos shared by Alyla Browne on her social accounts confirmed that she'll be debuting as a major character in the movie. Though the actor has covered herself carefully not to reveal her appearance, the name on her chair on set revealed that she will be playing the cousin of Dr. Eggman, Maria Robotnik, who suffers from a terminal illness that pushed Robotnik into the direction of creating Shadow. In the games, Robotnik becomes friends with Shadow.

What Is the Release Date for Sonic the Hedgehog 3?

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is scheduled to hit theaters on Dec. 20, 2024. Based on recent production updates, it seems that the film will make it to its release date on time despite experiencing temporary setbacks and delays. The production was temporarily delayed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike last year. However, during that time, the studio went ahead to resume filming the scenes for the animated characters first, which helped the production move along more quickly. The film officially wrapped its production in March.Director Fowler posted the good news on X, along with a behind-the-scenes photo of Sonic 3's clapperboard.

Where Did Sonic 2 Leave Off?

Sonic 2 ends with Sonic knocking Dr. Robotnik off of a giant robot head, leaving his whereabouts unknown. Sonic, after going Super Sonic, was able to find his way to his normal self again. The end of the film sees the forming of Team Sonic, unlikely outcasts finding friendship and a sense of belonging in each other while on a mission to protect Earth and the Master Emerald from evil people. Knuckles was able to restore the stone to its original form. As opposed to being alone in the world, Sonic finally accepts Tom and Maddie as his adopted parents. He and Tail became best friends and brothers and forge a friendship with Knuckles.

As for Dr. Robotnik, the mid-credits scene reveals that Eggman might still be alive, since his body was never found. The official Sonic the Hedgehog X account has also dropped hints about Dr. Robotnik's survival. They posted a video captioned, "You all thought I was gone, but I've just been underground. What you've seen from me is only a #shadow of things to come..." The villain is returning in Sonic 3 along with a helper, pumped to strike back again with an Avenger-level threat. However, how things will turn out is an entirely different story. The only thing fans can count on is that fights will be ugly, but goodness always prevails.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Action

Adventure

Comedy

Double the Trouble: Sonic isn't the only speedy star this time around! His trusty sidekick, Tails, joins the action with thrilling tag-team maneuvers and adorable antics.

Director

Jeff Fowler

Release Date

December 20, 2024

Cast

Idris Elba , James Marsden , Ben Schwartz , Colleen O'Shaughnessey

Writers

Pat Casey , Josh Miller

Main Genre

Adventure

Production Company

Paramount Pictures, Sega Sammy Group, Original Film, Blur Studio, Marza Animation Planet