Even in the first trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog movies center on the titular anthropomorphic critter (voiced by Ben Schwartz); his human pal, Tom (James Marsden), who's the sheriff of Green Hills; and, of course, Sonic's arch-nemesis Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik (Jim Carrey). The first Sonic the Hedgehog movie broke box office records and charmed audiences, leading to two sequels.

Now, Sonic the Hedgehog 3's story is set to raise the stakes even higher thanks to the introduction of the vengeful Shadow the Hedgehog (Reeves). Drawing from the video games Sonic Adventure 2 (2001) and Shadow the Hedgehog (2005), the third film sees Sonic and his pals, the flying fox Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) and the hot-headed, super-strong echidna warrior Knuckles (Idris Elba), facing off against Shadow. In fact, Shadow is such a high-level threat that Sonic is forced to team up with Dr. Robotnik. Needless to say, Sonic 3 is actually doing Shadow's character justice.

Sonic The Hedgehog 3's Trailer Limits How Much Keanu Reeves' Speaks As Shadow

Shadow's Tragic Backstory & Desire For Revenge Speak Volumes

Shadow has always been a character of few words, who allows his tragic backstory and revenge-fueled determination to speak volumes. Based on footage from the who is Dr. Ivo Robotnik's grandpa, led the United Federation's Project Shadow — an effort to discover the secrets to immortality. Gerald helms the project for a very personal reason: Gerald's granddaughter, Maria Robotnik, has a fatal illness, and he hopes to discover a cure. This leads to Shadow's creation.

...Shadow's characterization [in Sonic 3] echoes that of the games.

As seen in flashbacks in the video games, Maria and Shadow bond, becoming close friends. When the facility where Shadow is being held is raided, Maria is killed in the crossfire. Before she dies, Maria asks Shadow to give humans — and happiness — a chance, but Shadow is too scarred by Maria's death to think about anything but revenge. In the Sonic 3 trailer, it seems like Shadow's story will follow the Sonic the Hedgehog games' timeline, but, more importantly, Shadow's characterization echoes that of the games. Much like Reeves' action hero John Wick, Shadow's dialogue is intentionally limited.

Shadow Is An Intimidating Force In Sonic The Hedgehog 3

Sonic 3's Antagonist Is Defined By His Actions

The film's early footage Shadow is much more powerful than team Sonic, it's the character's casual show of strength and reliance on intimidation that define him. That is, Sonic 3 knows that Shadow doesn't need to say much if the movie can showcase his power through action.

Sonic The Hedgehog 3's Shadow Approach Can Make Keanu Reeves' The Franchise's Best Villain

Shadow's Motivations Are More Nuanced Than Other Sonic The Hedgehog Villains

Sonic 3's Shadow, who's voiced by Keanu Reeves, is poised to become the movie franchise's best villain. Unlike Dr. Robotnik, a mad scientist with a penchant for world domination, Shadow's goal is defined by what he's lost. Created in a lab, Shadow also has a bit of a Frankenstein complex; a scientist brought him into painful circumstances, which grew even more harrowing in the wake of Maria Robotnik's death. Although Shadow's methods don't sit well with Team Sonic, it's likely the protagonists will understand why Shadow is seeking revenge — and that makes for a much richer Sonic 3 villain.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will premiere in theaters on December 20, 2024.