Paramount Pictures has just dropped the official trailer for ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3,’ offering a thrilling first glimpse at the epic showdown between Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Knuckles (Idris Elba), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and their formidable new rival, Shadow the Hedgehog, voiced by none other than Keanu Reeves.
Also returning to the franchise for the third installment are Jim Carrey as the iconic villain Dr. Robotnik, James Marsden and Tika Sumpter as Sonic’s Earth family, Tom and Maddie Wachowski. Natasha Rothwell returns as Rachel, Maddie’s sister with Shemar Moore as Randall Handel, Rachel’s husband who is an agent for G.U.N.. Also returning is Lee Majdoub as Agent Stone, Robotnik’s assistant, Tom Butler as Commander Walters, the former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who is the leader of the military organization Guardian Units of Nations (G.U.N.).
Joining them are newcomers Krysten Ritter, Sofia Pernas, Cristo Fernández, James Wolk, Jorma Taccone, and Alyla Browne as Maria Robotnik, a key figure in Shadow’s backstory.
The trailer wastes no time setting the stakes, opening with a dramatic scene where Shadow emerges from the shadows, immediately demonstrating his formidable powers. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are shown struggling against this new threat, with Shadow effortlessly outpacing and overpowering them. The trailer hints at the high-stakes nature of the conflict, with scenes of a city under siege and Sonic desperately rallying his friends for the toughest battle they’ve ever faced.
One of the standout moments in the trailer is a brief but intense showdown between Sonic and Shadow, showcasing their contrasting abilities. Shadow’s use of Chaos Control—a power that allows him to manipulate time and space—is depicted in a visually stunning sequence that leaves Sonic and his allies reeling. The trailer also teases the possibility of an alliance between Sonic and Dr. Robotnik, a surprising twist given their long-standing rivalry.
In addition to the action, the trailer offers glimpses of the emotional stakes, particularly through the character of Maria Robotnik. Her connection to Shadow is hinted at, suggesting that her presence will play a significant role in the unfolding drama.
Directed by Jeff Fowler, who returns to the helm after the success of the first two films, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 continues to build on the successful formula that has made the franchise a box office hit, grossing over $720 million worldwide. The script, crafted by Pat Casey, Josh Miller, and John Whittington, draws inspiration from the video game series but introduces fresh twists and turns that promise to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is set to hit theaters on December 20, closing out what has been dubbed the “Year of Shadow,” a celebration of the character that includes a remaster of Sonic Generations and the upcoming Shadow Generations game.
Watch the newly released trailer above and prepare for Sonic’s most intense adventure yet.