This site is part of the Informa Connect Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 3099067.

THE ULTIMATE FANDOM NEWSLETTER

Next release: January 17 | 4 PM EDT

The FHQ

Sonic The Hedgehog 3

EVERY HERO HAS A GENESIS

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 marks the long-awaited debut of Shadow the Hedgehog on the big screen. Fans have been eagerly anticipating the showdown between these two iconic titans ever since Sonic and Knuckles went head-to-head in the last film. Now, the stage is set, and it’s all leading to this epic faceoff. As we dive into the new sequel, let's break down the key players and what they bring to the action-packed story ahead.

HEROES AND VILLIANS

Here's the key standout characters in the highly anticipated new installment of the series.

SONIC

Sonic is a fast-talking, energetic, and adventurous hero with a heart of gold. Voiced by Ben Schwartz, Sonic brings a mix of youthful optimism and a bit of rebellious charm to the screen, often clashing with the world around him but always with good intentions. Sonic’s speed is not just his defining trait, but also a symbol of his desire to find his place in the world and protect those he cares about.

TAILS

Tails, voiced by Colleen O'Shaughnessey, is Sonic’s loyal and brilliant sidekick, bringing both heart and intelligence to the team. A young, fox-like inventor from Sonic's home world, Tails is shy and a bit socially awkward, but his deep bond with Sonic is evident from the moment he appears. He admires Sonic not just for his speed, but for his courage and sense of adventure, and he’s always ready to lend a hand with his gadgets and flying abilities. While Tails may not be as bold or brash as Sonic, his technical genius and determination make him a vital member of the team.

KNUCKLES

Knuckles, voiced by Idris Elba, is a fierce, no-nonsense warrior with a deep sense of duty and honor. As a member of the Echidna tribe, Knuckles is initially portrayed as a formidable adversary, tasked with tracking down Sonic in pursuit of the powerful Master Emerald. His tough, serious demeanor contrasts sharply with Sonic’s lighthearted personality, and the tension between the two is palpable, as Knuckles sees Sonic as a threat.

DR. ROBOTNIK

Dr. Robotnik returns in this highly anticipated sequel as an ally to Sonic - or is that what the trailers want us to believe? In the previous films, as played by Jim Carrey, he is a larger-than-life villain whose eccentric personality and brilliant mind make him a formidable antagonist. Robotnik's obsession with Sonic has intensified over the past two films, showcasing his willingness to go to any lengths to defeat him, even if it means embracing darker and more dangerous forces. Ultimately, Dr. Robotnik serves as a perfect foil to Sonic, blending intellect with madness, and providing the franchise with a memorable villain who’s as entertaining as he is threatening.

TOM WACHOWSKI

Tom Wachowski, played by James Marsden, serves as the grounded and relatable human counterpart to Sonic’s wild, otherworldly energy. As a small-town sheriff, Tom is initially skeptical of Sonic’s existence but quickly becomes his unlikely ally and friend after they form a bond while on the run from Dr. Robotnik. His down-to-earth personality and moral compass make him the perfect balance to Sonic’s chaotic nature, and his unwavering sense of duty and compassion guide him as he navigates the increasingly absurd situations that arise from Sonic’s presence.

MADDIE WACHOWSKI

Maddie Wachowski, played by Tika Sumpter, is a compassionate and strong-willed character who adds both heart and humor to the story. As Tom’s wife, she brings a sense of warmth and practicality to their partnership, grounding the film's more outlandish moments. Her nurturing nature shines through in her interactions with Sonic, gradually forming a genuine, caring bond with him and treating him as a member of their family.

SHADOW

Shadow the Hedgehog will be Sonic’s biggest threat yet because he embodies a dark, more ruthless version of everything Sonic represents. Created as the "Ultimate Lifeform" by Dr. Robotnik’s grandfather, Shadow possesses similar speed and agility to Sonic, but with greater strength and a more lethal, calculating mindset. Unlike Sonic, who is driven by a sense of adventure and justice, Shadow is often motivated by a sense of vengeance, existential questions about his purpose, and a cold desire to fulfill his own ideals.

BEHIND THE CHARACTERS

The cast of Sonic The Hedgehog boasts some familiar faces - Let's check out a bit more about the award-winning cast.

BEN SCHWARTZ

Ben Schwartz is a versatile actor and comedian, best known for his energetic and charismatic performances across film, television, and voice acting. In the Sonic the Hedgehog films, Schwartz brings the beloved blue speedster to life with his signature wit and high-energy delivery, infusing Sonic with a perfect mix of youthful exuberance, humor, and heart. He captures the essence of Sonic’s mischievous, confident personality, making the character feel fresh and relatable to both long-time fans and new audiences. Beyond Sonic, Schwartz is loved for his roles in shows like Parks and Recreation (as the lovable, quirky Jean-Ralphio) and DuckTales (Dewey Duck), showcasing his talent spanning everything from comedic to dramatic roles.

COLLEEN O'SHAUGHNESSEY

Colleen O’Shaughnessey is a talented voice actor known for her distinctive vocal range and ability to bring depth and personality to animated characters. She voices Tails, Sonic’s loyal and brilliant sidekick, perfectly capturing Tail's blend of shyness, intelligence, and unwavering devotion while adding a warmth and sincerity. Her extensive voice acting credits include lending her voice to characters in both television and video games, best known for voicing characters Izzy Izumi in Digimon, and various characters in The Fairly OddParents. Whether she’s voicing a heroic sidekick or a quirky character, O’Shaughnessey’s performances consistently resonate with audiences, making her one of the most respected and beloved voice actors in the industry.

IDRIS ELBA

Idris Elba is a globally acclaimed actor known for his commanding presence, versatility, and ability to tackle a wide range of roles. From his breakthrough performance as Stringer Bell in The Wire to iconic roles in films like Luther, Thor, and Pacific Rim, he has built a reputation as one of the most charismatic and skilled actors of his era. In the Sonic movies, Elba voices Knuckles, bringing a unique take on the character that blends strength, determination, and a touch of vulnerability. His deep voice and intense delivery give Knuckles a sense of gravitas, while showcasing moments of a lighter, more humorous side as he forms an unlikely alliance with Sonic and Tails. Whether playing the hero or antagonist, Idris Elba continues to captivate audiences with his remarkable talent and undeniable charisma.

JAMES MARSDEN

James Marsden is an actor known for his portrayal of notable characters such as Cyclops in the X-Men films and the dashing Prince Edward in Enchanted. He has been a standout favorite in the Sonic films as Tom Wachowski. Tom is warm, grounded, and often provides the perfect balance to the high-energy, fantastical world of Sonic. Marsden brings a sense of heart and humor to the role, offering both comedic timing and emotional depth as he navigates the chaos Sonic brings into his life.

TIKA SUMPTER

Tika Sumpter brings warmth, wit, and strength to every role she takes on. Known for her standout performances in The Haves and the Have Nots and Sonic the Hedgehog, she shines as Maddie Wachowski, Sonic’s steadfast ally and voice of reason. With her grounded presence and heartfelt delivery, Tika's portrayal of Maddie brings balance to the high-energy chaos of Sonic’s adventures. She adds depth and heart to the story, making her an essential part of the team as they face off against (or in tandem with?) Dr. Robotnik once again.

JIM CARREY

Jim Carrey is a comedy legend known for his over-the-top, larger-than-life performances of iconic characters in Ace Ventura, The Mask, and more. He's known for his boundless energy, wacky physical humor, and an ability to bring the most absurd characters to life. He brings that energy to the iconic villain Dr. Robotnik, or as Sonic calls him, Eggman. His portrayal showcases a brilliant eccentricity, a grandiose sense of superiority, paired with an obsessive drive to capture Sonic -- a masterclass in blending manic energy with a cartoonish humor and a menacing edge.

KEANU REEVES

Keanu Reeves is one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. Whether playing the stoic and heroic Neo in The Matrix franchise or the relentless and skilled titular character of the John Wick series, Reeves has consistently captivated audiences with his authenticity and commitment to his roles. He joins the cast of Sonic 3 as the new enemy of Sonic and friends, testing them to their absolute limits. Shadow’s internal conflict and his quest for purpose will shine through with Reeves’ ability to convey both vulnerability and strength, creating a character that feels both powerful and deeply flawed.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (2022)

"Today's forecast calls for a 100% chance of adventure!"

- Sonic The Hedgehog

OUR FAVE CHARACTERS

Who are the staff cheering for? Check out our fave characters.

KNUCKLES

Ever since I got my hands on Sonic & Knuckles for the Sega Genesis, Knuckles has been my favorite character in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Across video games, TV shows, comics, and animated shorts, Knuckles has built a legacy that spans multiple generations of fans. Seeing Idris Elba bring this character to life in the first live-action adaptation was a dream come true. From butting heads to working together, Knuckles truly challenges Sonic both physically and mentally. I’ve always appreciated a character who is laser-focused on their principles while also holding others accountable. Sonic can be a bit of a scatterbrain at times, but Knuckles is the key cog in their group, always keeping him on his toes when the fate of the world is at stake. However, an even greater threat lies ahead in the third film of this critically acclaimed movie franchise, and it will take everything Knuckles and the team have to succeed.

- Tim, Marketing Coordinator

DOCTOR ROBOTNIK

Jim Carrey is a legend as always. His portrayal of Doctor Robotnik is just as iconic as his other roles, bringing charismatic lunacy to the character. He's a joy to watch as he takes on the obsession with the interdimensional animals and creating insane tech to battle it out. I'm even more excited to see how he plays not only Robotnik aka Eggman, but also his grandfather Gerald Robotnik, creator of Shadow, in the new movie. It can only get more unhinged in the most fun way with Carrey on double-duty as both Robotnik madmen.

- Karli, Marketing Coordinator

SHADOW

Shadow the Hedgehog is the ultimate anti-hero, bringing a brooding edge and unmatched cool factor to the Sonic universe. Unlike Sonic's carefree optimism, Shadow is driven by a tragic past and a relentless quest for redemption, making him one of the franchise’s most complex characters. With his iconic Chaos abilities and deep internal conflict, Shadow’s journey is as captivating as it is powerful. His struggle between revenge and finding his purpose adds emotional depth, making him a fan favorite and a symbol of resilience. I can’t wait to see how his story unfolds in Sonic the Hedgehog 3!

- Stella, Marketing Manager

GREEN HILLS

From the first level in the original Sonic the Hedgehog game to the iconic city featured in the films, Green Hill Zone is a legendary location that lives rent-free in the minds of gamers. Seeing it as the first area Sonic lands in when entering the real world is fan service at its finest. Green Hill is where Sonic first taps into his courage, finding the strength to protect those he loves and defend those who couldn't possibly face the threats he so easily takes on. This iconic location is the genesis of the character we all know and love.

TRAILERS

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 TITLE TREATMENT OFFICIAL TRAILER

This iconic logo treatment is inspired by the logo for Sonic Adventure 2, arguably one of Sonic's greatest games is now bringing Shadow to the big screen.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 OFFICIAL TRAILER

Check out the official trailer for the Sonic The Hedgehog 3, where we see our first glimpse of Keanu Reeves as the iconic, fan-fave Shadow the Hedgehog.