Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Keanu Reeves has long been a fan-favorite hero in Tinseltown, famous for portraying stoic, morally upright characters in critically acclaimed flicks such asJohn WickandThe Matrix.Nonetheless, much to the surprise of his fans, the Beirut-born actor, 59, has now taken on a new role that differs from his usual heroic persona: that of the anti-hero (Shadow) in the forthcomingSonic 3film. And fans are loving it!
Multiple sources are attesting that Reeves will resume voice acting following his role as Bruce Wayne / Batman in Jared Stern’sDC League of Super-Pets(2022).
For those unfamiliar with theSonicfranchise, Shadow is an intricate character who walks the line between hero and villain. He is gloomy and enigmatic, with a mysterious past that drives him to follow his own code of conduct, often contradicting traditional notions of what a hero should be.
In short, he is an antihero who, despite his good intentions, will do whatever it takes to get what he wants, which puts him at odds with Sonic the Hedgehog.
Sonic 3Casting News: Keanu Reeves as Shadow is a Game-Changer
Sonic the Hedgehog 3’s Shadow has now been revealed, ending years of conjecture about the character’s voice actor. A number of actors, including Hayden Christensen andKeanu Reeves, have been floated as possible candidates to play the iconic video game character in the trilogy (seeComicBook).
“What a lovely, lovely man”: Keanu Reeves Can’t Stop Winning Hearts and Co-Star Lori Loughlin Calls Him a ‘Dream’ After Working Together
Keanu Reeves has officially joined theSonic the Hedgehog 3castas Shadow, according to a report fromThe Hollywood Reporter. Additionally, this development comes on the heels of the trailer for the film, which premiered at CinemaCon and featuredJim Carreyreprising his role as Dr. Robotnik while hinting at Shadow’s meeting with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles.
SinceReeves was alreadya front-runner to voice Shadow in the forthcoming movie, the announcement ofSonic the Hedgehog 3’s cast is sure to spark excitement. Shadow, an edgy antihero and the cutest hedgehog around, made his debut inSonic Adventure 2in 2001 and has since grown to be one of the most well-liked characters in the franchise.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3will undoubtedly feature a big role for Shadow, who was alluded to in the post-credits scene ofSonic 2. Takashi Iizuka & Shiro Maekawa created this character, who is famous for his gloomy and brooding demeanor, which some find endearing while others consider a little too much.
Keanu Reeves’ Anti-hero Role inSonic 3: How Fans are Embracing the News
The casting of Keanu Reeves as Shadow has delighted fans of theSonicseries, who admire the actor’s ability to offer his characters depth and nuance. Early responses to the casting have been overwhelmingly positive, even though some people might have been first hesitant to see Reeves take on a role so different from his usual fare.
“Super excited”fans have taken to X to convey their joy, with a few even dubbingThe Matrixstaras the perfect choice to voice the morally ambiguous character. Some have even gone so far as to envision “his voice coming out of the character” already.
Let’s see some of the comments:
that’s a crazy casting. I can already imagine his voice coming out of the character.
— Eddie (@OHMYDIAZ)June 20, 2025
Super excited 😄
— Iwuese Bossua (@_iwuese)July 26, 2025
Peak incoming.
— Tyler Stewart (@Tyler_Stewart93)August 24, 2025
Gonna be an instant hit now. 😂
— Isiah (@forevertawl)June 21, 2025
The matrix guy. Keanu Reeves has been one of the actors I respect much. His amazing voice and skills is top notch
— JUAN (@CFC_BlaqJuan)July 18, 2025
Reeves’ willingness to try new things as an actor is evident and fans are applauding him greatly for his willingness to continue challenging himself. Even though he might not be the hero we are used to, the actor will undoubtedly bring his signature depth and intensity to the role of Shadow, winning over fans in a whole new way.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3will arrive in theaters on August 05, 2025.
“I’m trying, man”: Keanu Reeves Hasn’t Given Up Yet on Constantine 2 as John Wick Star Addresses Fan Request for His DC Return
You can stream the first twoSonic the Hedgehogflicks on Paramount+.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
