Who is Shadow the Hedgehog? Storyline of Sonic's arc rival explored

The new trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 premiered online yesterday and Shadow the Hedgehog made a huge impression on the fans. Being a much edgier addition to the Sonic franchise, Shadow has been a fan favorite for years and will be voiced by actor Keanu Reeves in the film. The trailer also showcased the return of Jim Carrey as Ivo Robotnik and Gerald Robotnik.

There were many references to Shadow the Hedgehog's iconic moments from the video games in Sonic the Hedgehog 3's new trailer. More importantly, his relationship with Maria Robotnik was teased and fans got to see Shadow pick up a gun as well, which sent them into a frenzy.

Created to be the ultimate life form in the world, Shadow the Hedgehog is certainly an important character in the franchise. So, with Sonic the Hedgehog 3 set to hit theatres next month, let's take a look at Shadow's origins in the source material.

---

Exploring Shadow the Hedgehog's storyline

In the franchise's lore, Shadow the Hedgehog was created by Dr. Gerald Robotnik on the space colony known as ARK. He was created to be the "ultimate life form" and also because Robotnik could use his research to achieve immortality. Gerald's granddaughter, Maria Robotnik, also lived on board ARK. Later, she became one of Shadow's closest friends, forming a special bond.

However, Maria was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease as a kid. Gerald hoped that he could use the research that he gained from Shadow to cure Maria as well. Unfortunately, due to the extreme powers Shadow the Hedgehog held, he was ultimately deemed a threat by the Guardian Units of Nations (G.U.N.).

G.U.N. then raided Robotnik's lab, destroying his work, and when Shadow the Hedgehog and Maria tried escaping, she was shot in the process. This caused great pain to Shadow and Gerald who loved Maria and were saddened by her passing. Following this, Gerald brainwashed Shadow into seeking vengeance upon the world, and he went into stasis for years.

Shadow was then freed by Gerald's grandson, Ivo Robotnik, who decided to use him in his plans for world domination. However, Sonic was able to get Shadow's memories back and he eventually did the right thing. Following that event, Shadow the Hedgehog became one of Sonic's allies and has since helped humanity on many occasions.

---

What is Sonic the Hedgehog 3 about?

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is directed by Jeff Fowler and is a sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The film follows Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they battle Shadow, who has teamed up with Gerald Robotnik and Ivo Robotnik. The official synopsis reads:

"Sonic the Hedgehog returns to the big screen this holiday season in his most thrilling adventure yet. Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before."

It continues:

"With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet."

The film stars Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, Keanu Reeves, Jim Carrey, and more. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is set to release in theatres on December 20, 2024.