- Keanu Reeves’ Shadow was featured in the official trailer for Sonic 3.
- The character was created as part of Project Shadow, an initiative led by Gerald Robotnik.
- Shadow grows closer to Gerald’s granddaughter, Maria, who suffers from a deadly illness.
Sonic 3 will arrive on December 20, 2024, and recently, the film received a mind-blowing trailer featuring every significant character. The trailer for the movie was awaited for a long period as the fandom was aware that the black hedgehog ‘Shadow’ would appear in it. His arrival in the film is anticipated because the video game character is voiced by everyone’s beloved actor, Keanu Reeves. So, who is Shadow, the villain of Sonic 3? Well, here’s the answer.
Who Is Shadow in Sonic 3?
Doctor Gerald Robotnik was a genius scientist who the president of the United Federation hired to handle ‘Project Shadow.’ The project was aimed at developing an immortal and super weapon infused with the powers of Sonic, the Hedgehog. Project Shadow resulted in the birth of two immortal and immensely powerful creatures – Biolizard and Shadow the Hedgehog.
Shadow was created using Black Doom’s DNA, who is the leader of Black Arms in the Sonic the Hedgehog series.
Doctor Robotnik initially didn’t like the plan, as he knew that the government would use his invention for war, so he refused to participate in it. But later, he decided to pursue the project for the sake of his granddaughter, whose terminal illness was gradually shortening her life. Gerald only hoped to see Maria living her dream life, so he started working on the project to find the cure for his granddaughter. The scientists’ hard work bore fruit, and Shadow came to life in the Space Colony ARK.
Shadow was created 50 years before the events in the video game series. The black hedgehog had Sonic’s genes in his body, which is why he looked like our blue protagonist. He is often seen fighting with or against Sonic, so he is basically an antihero. However, looking at the trailer of Sonic 3, we can say that Shadow will be an enemy to our protagonist.
Shadow’s Powers and Abilities
Shadow and Sonic shared several similarities in terms of powers and abilities, not only in appearance. With his extraordinary speed, he manages to catch up with Sonic’s speed. In addition, he has a great hold on Chaos Control, an ability that allows him to manipulate space and time. He can also release Chaos blasts and Spears of fire. On top of everything, Shadow is the Ultimate Lifeforce, so it’s impossible to kill him, no matter how powerful an enemy is.
How Did Shadow Turn Evil in the Sonic Series
Sonic 3 trailer also sees him choking Sonic and attacking Knuckles, Tails, and Sonic with the Chaos Control abilities. Before going to prison, Doctor Gerald Robotnik gave Shadow a chance to be with Maria. However, their friendship was short-lived as the poor girl was shot dead by the G.U.N Military. Following the unfortunate incident, the scientist’s will to destroy humanity alters Shadow’s memory, so after getting revived by Eggman, Shadow goes on a rampage against humanity as a whole to avenge his best friend’s death.
Initially, Robotnik hoped to cure the deadly illnesses using Shadow, especially the one his granddaughter Maria had been dealing with for a long time. However, when Maria dies, Gerald grows insane and vows revenge on humanity. So, he transfers his desire for destruction into Shadow.
The hedgehog isn’t pure evil, but he is certainly someone who would do anything to accomplish his goals, no matter how dark the path gets. In the video game series, Shadow initially plans to avenge Maria’s death. However, later in the story, he becomes an ally to Sonic after realizing what his best friend Maria always wanted — protecting humanity. So, we can expect Keanu Reeves’ Shadow to also go down the same path after causing a lot of destruction, of course.
