Keanu Reeves is set to join the cast of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the latest installment in Paramount's successful Sonic franchise. Reeves will be lending his voice to the character Shadow, a popular figure from the Sonic the Hedgehog video games introduced in Sonic Adventure 2 in 2001.
The news of Reeves' involvement comes following a recent presentation at CinemaCon by Paramount, where the studio unveiled footage from Sonic 3. The upcoming film will see Jim Carrey reprise his role as Dr. Robotnik, who, after the events of Sonic 2, is depicted as being downcast and out of shape. However, he regains his confidence by creating Shadow the Hedgehog, a character known for his darker and edgier persona that contrasts with Sonic's heroic nature.
Paramount's Sonic franchise kicked off in 2020 with Sonic the Hedgehog, which exceeded expectations by grossing $319 million worldwide. The success continued with Sonic 2 in 2022, which raked in $404 million globally. Director Jeff Fowler has helmed all three films, with Ben Schwartz voicing Sonic and James Marsden portraying Sonic's human companion, Tom Wachowski.
Reeves, known for his roles in blockbuster films, has recently starred in John Wick: Chapter 4 and reprised his iconic character Neo in The Matrix: Resurrections. His upcoming projects include a role in Aziz Ansari's Good Fortune as a guardian angel and a cameo as John Wick in the spinoff film John Wick Presents: Ballerina, featuring Ana De Armas.
The casting news of Reeves as Shadow was first reported by The John Campea Show, adding to the anticipation surrounding Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and the star-studded ensemble it is assembling.
