First look at Shadow the Hedgehog’s on-screen look in Sonic 3

Ahead of his debut as a LEGO Sonic minifigure, a still of Shadow the Hedgehog has been released from his on-screen appearance in Sonic 3.

The official Sonic the Hedgehog X account (run by Paramount Pictures, not the actual animated hedgehog) has shared a still from Sonic the Hedgehog 3, offering a closer look at the details of Shadow’s first silver screen appearance in the live-action movie series. He was previously featured in a post-credit scene in Sonic 2, panning down to reveal his eyes opening dramatically from inside a red-hued glass canister.

In the still, however, Shadow is well and truly free, clenching his fists in his usual angsty way. His red and white sneakers are on and he appears ready to run, with some golden rings already in place around his ankles and wrists.

Off and RUNNING. #SonicMovie3
Only in theatres December 20, 2024 pic.twitter.com/BUIlurNIC0

— Sonic the Hedgehog (@SonicMovie) November 29, 2023

It’s unclear in what capacity Shadow will appear in the Sonic franchise or even who will be voicing him. Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, and Colleen O’Shaughnessey are all returning as Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails respectively, but there’s been no formal casting announcement for the angstiest hedgehog on the block.

The fact that he was awakened from a canister suggests we might be seeing the origin story of the hedgehog that was revealed in his first solo game. We’ll refrain from going into too much detail here to avoid spoilers, but we did dig into it for you in this article if you want a sneak peek at what may be to come. There’s no confirmation that this plotline will feature in the upcoming film, however, but there should be a trailer in the coming weeks that might shed some more light.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will debut in cinemas around the world on December 20 as an early present to Sonic fans, while 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape will release on December 1 in America and on January 1 everywhere else, retailing for £18.99 / $19.99 / €20.99.

Featured image: Paramount Pictures

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