Synopsis: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)

Shadow the Hedgehog is awakened after being sealed away in a capsule for 50 years as part of a secret government experiment known as Project Shadow. His memories are so traumatic, they trigger a hack of the system, and Shadow escapes, using his extraordinary powers to annihilate a squad of guards. In the meantime, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles are celebrating Sonic’s “arrival day” in Green Hills when they’re interrupted by GUN leader Director Rockwell, who asks for their help with a crisis in Tokyo.

Sonic and his friends are greeted by their reality if so, and Shadow, with his swift power, they're left on the floor helpless as he laughs and escapes into the other world. Shadow’s bitterness comes from his traumatic backstory, involving the death of his best friend, Maria Robotnik, during an attack on their research facility. Sonic, slayed by Shadow’s anguish, attempts to reason with him but Shadow’s anger blots out the sun.

Tensions climb as Dr. Robotnik (Eggman) returns in pursuit of a destructive weapon known as the Eclipse Cannon that can obliterate whole planets. Shadow teams up with Professor Gerald Robotnik, Eggman’s grandfather, so he can weaponize the cannon in his vendetta. But Eggman’s loyalties are put to the test upon realizing the devastating effects of his grandfather’s plan.

Eclipse Cannon Sonic and his team must work together to prevent the Eclipse Cannon from being fired. Sonic battles Shadow in a climactic final showdown thanks to the Chaos Emeralds, rocking both combatants into their most brutal forms. Through their clash, Sonic helps Shadow realize that revenge won’t bring him peace. Combined, they halt the cannon and save Earth.

In the end, Shadow sacrifices himself to stabilize the reactor, leaving Sonic and his friends to reflect on the cost of their victory. Shadow’s journey transforms him into a tragic hero, remembered not for his rage but for his ultimate redemption.

Character Details

Heroes

Sonic the Hedgehog (voiced by Ben Schwartz): A blue hedgehog who can run faster than sound. Sonic is determined and good-natured, and his friends are inspired by his leadership and optimism.

Miles "Tails" Prower (voiced by Colleen O'Shaughnessey):A two-tailed fox who is a genius, inventor and mechanic who creates gadgets and assist with strategy. He fights danger because he is loyal to Sonic.

Knuckles the Echidna (voiced by Idris Elba): A brawny hot-head warrior with superhuman strength. Out of everyone, though — him being brash and tough and prickly — he believes in teamwork, and fairness, and justice.

Villains

Shadow the Hedgehog (voiced by Keanu Reeves):  A mysterious hedgehog with a black-and-red design, who indeed has a tragic past. Set as part of a government experiment, Shadow is seeking vengeance for the death of Maria Robotnik.

Dr. Ivo Robotnik/Eggman (voiced by Jim Carrey): A mad scientist and Sonic’s arch-nemesis. Ally with Gerald, Eggman wrestles with his grandfather’s ruinous designs.

Professor Gerald Robotnik (voiced by Jim Carrey): Project Shadow and the Eclipse Cannon. His anguish over Maria’s death propels him to resent and take revenge on humanity.

Supporting Cast

Tom Wachowski (voiced by James Marsden): Sonic’s adoptive father and the sheriff of Green Hills. A loving presence who listens with empathy.

Maddie Wachowski (voiced by Tika Sumpter): Tom’s wife; Sonic’s adoptive mother. She helps — with intelligence and courage — fulfill the team’s mission.

Agent Stone (voiced by Lee Majdoub): Eggman’s devoted assistant who is integral to his plans.

Director Rockwell (voiced by Krysten Ritter): An official at GUN who enlists Sonic and his crew to battle the new threat.

Maria Robotnik (voiced by Alyla Browne): Shadow’s closest friend, whose death defines his motivations.