With Sonic the Hedgehog 3 starting production and set to release next year, we’ve got a small look at the newest villain: Shadow. There’s no actor attached to the film just yet, but that can’t stop us from dreaming. So let’s go ahead and speculate, shall we?
I had a blast with the Legend of Zelda film cast speculation, and with the advent of another Sonic film, I couldn’t help myself. With my love of casting and the reveal of Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, I have to give it a shot. It’s as great a pair as Sonic and Tails. Or Sonic and Amy. Or anyone other than Princess Elise.
If you haven’t seen the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog films, they’re honestly pretty good. My younger self would’ve watched them on repeat, especially with Jim Carrey’s physical comedy as Dr. Eggman. I’m a little old for its target audience, but I still enjoyed the heartfelt journey Ben Schwartz’ Sonic goes through. Though I could do without the flossing.
Who’s Shadow the Hedgehog?
For those unfamliar, Shadow the Hedgehog was introduced in Sonic Adventure 2 as an antagonist and playable character. Created by Gerald Robotnik (yes, Eggman’s grandfather), he was designed to cure deadly illnesses, specifically the one Gerald’s granddaughter, Maria, had.
Sadly, GUN captured him and put him in stasis after shutting down the ARK project, as well as killing Maria. Later freed by Eggman, he sought revenge on the world for taking Maria from him. Over time, he does loosen up and becomes an ally to Sonic, but his crass demeanor and gruff personality remain.
If you watched Sonic the Hedgehog 2, you know that in the end credits, GUN agents find the black and red hedgehog within a lab chamber. We have a good idea of what he’ll look like, but we have no clue who’ll fill those literal big shoes. And, if Jim Carrey is serious about retiring from acting, Shadow may be the next big bad for the films.
Luckily, my Sonic phase as a child and my love of movies make me just as good a faux-casting director as any. So, here’s my completely serious list of who should have the Shadow role.
Antony Starr
Blame this on my current binge of The Boys. Depending on the iteration they use as inspiration, the vocals need to match it. If they’re going for a Jason Griffith (2005-2015) version, Antony Starr may be a good choice.
Shadow the Hedgehog, in earlier games, has a more troubled tone. Starr has a history of playing characters like that, especially with The Boys‘ Homelander. I mean, Homelander’s a living weapon with no boundaries. That’s literally Shadow. It might be too on the nose, but he’s a solid pick, and, with his popularity, it would make for a stellar catch.
Keanu Reeves
This one is the more popular opinion and for good reason. His stern voice and impressive resume make him the ideal candidate. Plus, he is one of the kindest people in Hollywood. Why is that a plus? Because it’s free publicity. He’s an absolute icon. Anyone remember Cyberpunk 2077? Absolutely breathtaking. He’s highly trained with guns if the John Wick and The Matrix series are anything to go by and drives a motorcycle. I secretly think John Wick is the Shadow the Hedgehog of action heroes. He’s a badass through and through. Out of everyone on this list, I think he’s the most likely if they go A-List.
Kirk Thornton
You can never go wrong with bringing the voice actor in for the role. Heck, they brought back Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails, so who’s to say current Shadow VA Kirk Thornton (2010-) can’t do it, too? He may not be a fan favorite compared to past Shadow actors, but he still does a great job. Growing up, he was my Shadow (though Jason Griffith introduced me to him via Sonic X).
It’s a smart idea to cast the person many grew up with, as those’ll feel right at home. Sure, having the major villain be played by a voice actor can be a little weird, especially if Shadow is to take Dr. Eggman’s spot as the antagonist.
Pedro Pascal
He’s everyone’s internet daddy and a prime choice for Shadow. So far, Pedro Pascal’s streak of video game adaptations is 1-0. He gave a potential Emmy-winning performance as Joel in HBO’s The Last of Us, which he blew the roof off with.
Outside of adaptations, he’s known as the titular bounty hunter in Star War: The Mandalorian and maybe the future Mr. Fantastic in the MCU’s Fantastic Four. While he is Hollywood’s biggest star at the moment, I think the role being a voice-only part might entice Pedro to make a few extra bucks. Plus, he’d do a mighty good job. Dare I say, fantastic? I’ll see myself out.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 races into theaters on December 20, 2024.
