Keanu Reeves on Bringing Shadow to Life in Sonic The Hedgehog 3

Known for his roles in iconic films such as The Matrix series, where he portrayed the enigmatic Neo, and the John Wick franchise, where he played the titular assassin, Keanu Reeves now takes on the mysterious character of, well, a black hedgehog in the action-adventure comedy film Sonic The Hedgehog 3.

Director Jeff Fowler, who also helmed the two previous installments, thinks there is no other character in the Sonic universe that has a more emotional backstory than Shadow. "I think fans are going to love the story we've told around him," says Fowler.
In the third movie, Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails team up once more to confront Shadow, whose powers surpass anything they have previously encountered. Overwhelmed by Shadow's abilities, Team Sonic is forced to forge an unlikely alliance to thwart this mysterious villain and safeguard the planet.

Fowler thinks Shadow is the mightiest character ever to appear in the series. "He has Sonic’s speed, Knuckles’ strength, and Tails’ smarts. He is very capable. But more than that, he's just a very compelling character because he’s complicated. He has his reasons. And he is going to challenge Sonic in this new leadership role that he's coming into," says the director.

In this exclusive Q&A, Reeves spills the beans on what it was like jumping into the Sonic universe for the first time and why he's sure Shadow will totally win over the fans.

Reeves on Shadow's character: "He’s an adversary, but an adversary at a distance."

You’re a newcomer to the Sonic universe. What does it feel like to be a part of it?

When I got the invitation, it was very exciting. I’d seen the Sonic films and liked them very much. So to be a part of Sonic, and to be playing Shadow, is very special.

Did you ever play the Sonic videogames yourself?

I was very familiar with Sonic the game, but I never played it. So I didn’t know all the lore until I got the role and started doing research. And when it came to Shadow, I felt sorry for the guy, because of what has been taken from him. I really liked his heart on the inside. He’s a beautiful spirit.

How would you describe Shadow as a character?

He’s an adversary, but an adversary at a distance. When he is in his angry state, he has an adversarial relationship with Sonic. And Shadow has a bit of attitude and many powers. In a weird way, they end up making each other better through their combat. They come to understand each other. I really liked that journey in the story.

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How do Shadow’s powers match up to Sonic’s?

I mean, come on. It’s not even a contest! Shadow is a pretty strong cat. Well, not quite. He’s a hedgehog. But if I’m speaking from my inner Shadow, then Sonic is no match for me.

What is Shadow’s journey, in terms of the plot?

He’s trapped, imprisoned, has been put into a state of suspended animation. And he’s been in this state for 50 years. Then he’s woken up. And he has this story of what happened to him before, the loss of his friend, Maria. There was a lot of love there. So, he’s angry at the people who ostensibly killed his friend and is seeking revenge. He blames G.U.N., which gives him a certain relationship to Robotnik. When he breaks out [of Prison Island], he’s confused. He doesn’t even know what year it is. He’s like, "Where am I? What’s going on?" And then he starts feeling like he wants revenge. It’s an interesting state for a character to have this kind of confusion and then be lashing out.

On voicing Shadow: "Shadow is also a little older, so I wanted to play him a little older, to find that spot and emotion in the voicing. It was intense!"

There are two Robotniks in this movie. How would you describe Jim Carrey’s twin performances as both Ivo and Gerald Robotnik?

Jim Carrey is a genius and watching his performances in this film is a delight. He’s so special and unique, with his energy, cleverness and physicality. And the moustache! Now two moustaches! Robotnik is such a wonderful role. The scope of emotion in his performances is something to behold. Getting a chance to play in this world is very special to me.

How did you approach Shadow’s voice?

The voice of Shadow was important. He’s been played by multiple actors in the games. I tried to take that in, but then also play my version of him—one that would fit in with the other voices in the film. For me, it felt like I was part of the chorus. I thought of Ben [Schwartz, who plays Sonic] as a tenor, and I thought of Idris [Elba, who plays Knuckles] as the bass in a choir. I was like, "Where can my Shadow be?" I figured I was an alto, so I tried to fit into that soundscape. I didn’t want to go too low with Shadow because Knuckles is there. And I didn’t want to go too high because Ben and Sonic are there. Shadow is also a little older, so I wanted to play him a little older, to find that spot and emotion in the voicing. It was intense!

Why are you such a fan of these films?

They are so well crafted. The synthesis of live action and animation is a constant wonder. They make these animated characters in the live action world feel so tangible and visceral, present and real. There’s an ambition to the intimacy of these relationships and friendships. And there’s so much love that goes into these huge action sequences. The way they layer all these elements together is what makes them so successful. It’s a marriage of two worlds, but also so intimate. They are extraordinary.

Director Jeff Fowler thinks Shadow is the mightiest character ever to appear in the series. "He has Sonic’s speed, Knuckles’ strength, and Tails’ smarts," he says. 

Shadow has a very cool first meeting with Sonic, with him on a motorcycle. Was that part of the appeal for you?

I loved Shadow’s anime-style Akira slide with the motorcycle in the movie’s first fight sequence, and how he faces off with Sonic. Besides the action sequences, when I read the script, it was truly the internal journey of Shadow that I loved. The intensity of feeling and the emotional authenticity make you empathize with these characters and go on this emotional journey with them.

How important a character is Shadow to Sonic fans?

When [producer] Neal Moritz was talking to me about the role, he sent me a YouTube video of an audience of people watching Sonic 2 and seeing the end credits introduction of Shadow, teasing that he would be in Sonic 3. And you could hear them going, "What?! Oh my god—Shadow!" and screaming. It was so cool to hear and see that. To see the love for this character. It meant there was definitely a pressure to playing Shadow but also an amazing opportunity. I took it very seriously. And this story is great. If you love the Sonic universe, you have got to see this. What I respond to is that these films are about friendship, about getting the better sides of ourselves out there and celebrating the best in us.

What’s the most fun part about being Shadow?

Of all the characters in the Sonic universe, Shadow is the one where you get to play both sides of the emotional coin, the side that doesn’t have love and the side that wants and needs it. There is a real light and darkness to him. He is so rich and intense. He goes all the way. And it’s great to play those two sides on this grand canvas.

If you could have one superpower in real life, what would it be?

I’m going to pick today teleportation, like Shadow. That’s a pretty good one, being able to go places inter-dimensionally. And it’ll help Shadow in what he has to do in this film. He has waited 50 years for this. So, he’s going to unleash chaos unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 opens in Philippine cinemas January 15, 2025.