Sonic the Hedgehog 3: Release date, cast, Trailer, & Everything we know 

Sonic the Hedgehog is speeding back to the big screen in what promises to be his most epic adventure yet. After Sonic's thrilling battle against Dr. Robotnik and his unlikely alliance with Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, fans have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter. The sequel left audiences buzzing with its mid-credits tease of Shadow the Hedgehog, hinting at a dark and formidable new foe. 

Now, after months of anticipation, the first trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has finally dropped, giving us a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come. 

This article dives deep into everything we know so far about Sonic the Hedgehog three—from the plot details and character returns to the latest casting news and behind-the-scenes insights. With new information emerging regularly, we’ll keep this page updated so you don’t miss a beat in Sonic’s latest high-speed adventure. Trust us; you’ll want to stick around for this one!

Release date & Where to Watch

Sonic 3 will be released in US cinemas on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, and in the UK on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. 

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Plot

Sonic 3 returns to the big screen this holiday season, promising Sonic’s most thrilling adventure yet. Reuniting with Knuckles and Tails, Sonic faces a formidable new adversary: Shadow the Hedgehog, a mysterious villain with powers far beyond anything they've encountered. With their abilities outmatched, Team Sonic must form an unlikely alliance with Dr. Robotnik to stop Shadow and save the planet.

The film picks up where Sonic 2 left off, with the introduction of Super Sonic powered by the Chaos Emeralds and the trio of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles solidified as a team. Shadow, first revealed in the mid-credits scene of Sonic 2, takes center stage as the main antagonist in this threequel. His motivations, rooted in rage and revenge, are expected to push Sonic and his friends to their limits.

The plot of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 remains largely under wraps. Still, screenwriters Pat Casey and Josh Miller have hinted at significant inspiration from the video games Sonic Adventure 2 and Shadow the Hedgehog. This suggests a storyline that delves deep into Shadow's complexities, echoing themes from the games, where Shadow initially frames Sonic for crimes before eventually joining forces with him.

Idris Elba, who voices Knuckles, has teased that this installment will delve deeper into the Sonic universe, packed with Easter eggs for long-time fans. Elba believes that Sonic 3 will resonate particularly with die-hard fans, making it a must-watch for those who have followed the series closely.

Though many details are still unknown, one thing is clear: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will be a high-stakes battle in which the lines between hero and villain blur, setting the stage for an epic showdown.

Cast

• Ben Schwartz (Parks & Recreation, This Is Where I Leave You, and The Afterparty) as the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog
• Jim Carrey (The Truman Show, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) as Dr. Robotnik

• James Marsden as Tom Wachowski
• Tika Sumpter as Maddie Wachowski
• Idris Elba as Knuckles
• Keanu Reeves as Shadow

• Krysten Ritter as Director Rockwell
• Lee Majdoub as Agent Stone
• Natasha Rothwell as Rachel
• Adam Pally
• Shemar Moore as Randall Handel
• Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Miles "Tails" Prower
• Alyla Browne as Maria
• James Wolk
• Tom Butler as Commander Walters
• Cristo Fernández
• Jorma Taccone
• Sofia Pernas

Sonic 3 Trailer

Paramount has dropped the first trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, offering a glimpse of the film and introducing Keanu Reeves as Shadow. After months of anticipation, the nearly three-minute preview reintroduces Sonic and his friends while highlighting Shadow's dark past. As Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails struggle against the powerful new villain, they are forced to seek help from Dr. Robotnik.

On Nov. 25, 2024, a second trailer was released showing Shadow's arrival, the double Dr. Robotniks, and the core plot of the film. Check out the trailer below:

On Dec. 17, 2024, a creative Christmas clip was released. Check it out below:

Where Did Sonic 2 Leave Off?

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 concludes with Sonic defeating Dr. Robotnik by knocking him off a giant robot head, leaving his fate uncertain. After harnessing the power of Super Sonic, Sonic returns to his normal self and embraces his new life. The film wraps up with the formation of Team Sonic—an unlikely group of outcasts who find friendship and a shared mission to protect Earth and the Master Emerald from evil forces. Knuckles restores the Emerald to its original form, and Sonic finally accepts Tom and Maddie as his adoptive parents. He and Tails solidify their bond as best friends and brothers, also forging a strong friendship with Knuckles.

Behind the Scenes

Jeff Fowler returns to direct Sonic the Hedgehog 3, continuing his work with the franchise after successfully helming the first two films. With Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog two as his only feature directing credits so far, Fowler is also set to direct episodes of the Knuckles spinoff series and venture beyond the Sonic universe with The Pink Panther.

Pat Casey and Josh Miller developed the story for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and John Whittington joined them on the screenplay. In addition to directing, Fowler serves as an executive producer alongside Haruki Satomi, Shuji Utsumi, Yukio Sugino, Tommy Gormley, and Tim Miller. 

In a featurette, Keanu Reeves talked about what it was like playing Shadow: