Sonic the Hedgehog is back and faster than ever in “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” After speeding past early design hiccups, the franchise has become an unstoppable force, winning hearts and spawning spin-offs. In this latest chapter, Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (Idris Elba) face their fiercest challenge yet—Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves). Aligned with Sonic’s ultimate nemesis, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey), Shadow isn’t just here to shake things up, he’s here to break Sonic’s world wide open.
Knuckles, Sonic, and Tails get ready to race in "Sonic the Hedgehog 3"
Bringing Sonic to Life
Ben Schwartz, who brings Sonic’s boundless energy to life, couldn’t be more thrilled to return. “[Each film] keeps getting bigger and better,” he gushes. Schwartz shares that while the first movie focused on Sonic finding friendship and the second tackled teamwork, “Sonic 3” is all about leadership. “[This time, Sonic] is learning about what to do with his power [and how to be] a leader,” Schwartz explains.
For Schwartz, Sonic isn’t just a fast-talking blue hedgehog. “He’s like a little kid with a big heart,” he says. “But he also has feelings of loneliness [and self-doubt.]” Expect plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments—Schwartz promises he’s packed this performance with extra emotion, so when those big, heartbreaking scenes hit, you’ll feel it.
Shadow the Hedgehog, voiced by Keanu Reeves, arrives in style
A New Hedgehog Arrives
After years of fan anticipation, Shadow the Hedgehog finally makes his big-screen debut, voiced by none other than Keanu Reeves. “Unbelievable. His voice fits perfectly,” Schwartz raves. Known for his intense roles, Reeves brings depth and determination to the vengeful red-and-black hedgehog.
Reeves dove headfirst into Sonic lore, discovering Shadow’s tragic backstory—a hedgehog turned superweapon, betrayed, and left imprisoned for decades. “Shadow has attitude,” but he’s also searching for the best parts of himself, Reeves says. He adds with a grin, “Playing him was special.”
Jim Carrey (left) on set with director Jeff Fowler
Realizing Jeff Fowler’s Vision
Director Jeff Fowler, who’s helmed the series from the start, gets glowing praise from the cast. “[He’s] a genius,” Schwartz says. Reeves calls working with Fowler a collaborative joy, and how the process made it feel like they were all part of a choir—“Ben [Schwartz] as the tenor, Idris [Elba] as the bass, and me as the alto.”
Fowler’s ability to merge live-action with animation is another standout, with Reeves praising the way he makes these animated characters feel so tangible and real. Schwartz agrees, adding that Fowler’s direction brings the best out of both the visual effects and the actors.
Shadow and Sonic do battle
What Fans Can Expect
“Unbelievable action, amazing effects, and bigger in scope,” Schwartz says as he teases what fans can expect. With darker themes, emotional depth, and laugh-out-loud moments, the film has grown alongside its audience. But the real showstopper? Jim Carrey pulling double duty as both Dr. Robotnik and his grandfather.
“Carrey playing against himself is just [pure magic],” Schwartz says. “He’ll be making you laugh [the whole time.]”
With the arrival of Shadow, jaw-dropping effects, and the perfect mix of humor and heart, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” promises to be the franchise’s best yet. Reeves sums it up best: “There’s so much care and creativity in these films,” promising an emotional journey that fans are going to love.
“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is now playing in Philippine theaters.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Photo Credits: Paramount Pictures