Sonic the Hedgehog 3director Jeff Fowler reveals the first piece of Shadow the Hedgehog concept art developed for the movie that’s also a key part of his origin story. The third feature in Paramount’s hit adaptation of Sega’s beloved video game series sees Ben Schwartz’s blue speedster and his found family come face to face with the powerful black-and-red hedgehog known as Shadow, forcing them to join forces with former foes. Alongside returning stars Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Idris Elba, and Jim Carrey,Sonic the Hedgehog 3features Keanu Reaves' debutas Shadow the Hedgehog.
With less than a month until the Ultimate Lifeform makes his big-screen debut inSonic the Hedgehog 3,Fowlershared a glimpse behind the scenes of the movie on his personal Twitter account. The director shared a piece of concept art that seesShadow awaken in a tank before his closest friend, Maria (to be played by Alyla Browne), with a far less angered look than what he has been seen with in most promotional trailers. Alongside the artwork, which can be seen below, Fowler stated that the piece was the first concept work developed for the movie, and that it helped emphasize the emotional core of the story:
What Fowler’s Concept Art Reveal Means For Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Maria’s Fate Left A Permanent Mark On Shadow
Introduced alongside Shadow in 2001’sSonic Adventure 2, Maria is the closest friend the hedgehog has ever had, playing a key role in his creation. While they would develop a close bond,Maria would lose her life at the hands of a GUN agent, leading to Shadow embarking on a quest for vengeance against the whole of humanity. Though time would change Shadow, and he would open up to others again as he became more heroic,Sonic x Shadow GenerationsandShadow the Hedgehogwould show that she would still hold a place in his heart to this day.
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While more elements and plot points fromSonic Adventure 2have appeared inSonic the Hedgehog 3’s latest trailer, it is still somewhat unclear how the movie will handle the story.Fowler has hinted that there will be some deviationsin how her tale is depicted to better fit the format. However, while her cause of death may change, it is clear from Fowler’s comments that the story will still be faithful to its video-game counterpart.
Our Thoughts On Fowler’s Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Concept Art Tease
Shadow’s Debut Will Change The Movie Series' Tone
For those familiar with the character through his movie series, many may not be ready to seethe darker turnSonic the Hedgehog 3has up its sleeve. Its source material marked a stark shift in how thefranchise would handle its narrative, with Shadow being developed as an anti-hero with a tragic past from the start. As such, it can be expected that his big-screen debut will similarly shake up the movie franchise.
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For longtime fans, however, many will be curious to see how Shadow and Maria’s tragedy fits into the world of the movie series. Though her fate may have been sealed, the execution of the moment could make or break the tone of the movie for many in whether it lives up to the video game continuity’s events. However, with Fowler stating that the pair’s tragedy was a core consideration ofSonic the Hedgehog 3’s earliest developments, it is clear he understands the weight her role brings to Shadow’s journey.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Cast
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reunites Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they face a formidable new adversary, Shadow. With Shadow’s unprecedented powers posing a significant threat, Team Sonic seeks an unexpected alliance to thwart his plans and safeguard the planet.
