Sonic the Hedgehog 3 production is up and running as a new image teases the arrival of Shadow

If you smell chili dogs on the wind, it’s likely because Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is racing into production! Ramping up after the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes ended, Paramount Pictures teased a show start image on Twitter. The pic features a striking new logo for the sequel on a clapper. The logo appears to shorten the title to Sonic 3 instead of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Standing next to the clapper with clenched fists is a mysterious-looking character. At first, you might think it’s Sonic. Still, upon closer inspection, the intimidating figure is indeed Shadow the Hedgehog, who was teased in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 during an after-credits sequence.

Off and RUNNING. #SonicMovie3
Only in theatres December 20, 2024 pic.twitter.com/BUIlurNIC0

— Sonic the Hedgehog (@SonicMovie) November 29, 2023

Paramount has yet to reveal how Shadow fits into the Sonic 3 plot. However, fans suspect the anti-hero hedgehog could replace Dr. Robotnik as the villain of the threequel after Jim Carrey said he’s not 100% sure he’ll return for another battle with the Blue Blur. Jeff Fowler (Sonic the Hedgehog, Gopher Broke) directs Sonic 3 from a script by Pat Casey (Violent Night, Sonic the Hedgehog 2) and Josh Miller (12 Deadly Days, Violent Night). Repring their roles from previous Sonic films are Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog, Idris Elba as Knuckles, Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails, and James Marsden as Tom Wachowski. Missing from IMDB’s Sonic 3 cast list is Tika Sumpter, who plays Maddie in the first two films. She may return for Sonic 3. We’ll need to wait and see.

Meanwhile, Sonic fans are champing at the bit to know who will voice Shadow in the upcoming film. Elba’s casting as Knuckles nearly broke the internet when the English actor joined the cast. I can only imagine people losing their minds when Shadow’s voice actor gets announced.

What do you want from Sonic 3 besides more timely quips, fast-paced action, and playful Easter eggs? I believe it’s time to introduce Amy Rose and Big the Cat. Who’s with me? What about the Chaos? Will Carey sit on the sidelines for Sonic 3, or make a grand return after being bested twice by his arch-enemy with spikey blue hair? Let us know what you think in the comments below.