Keanu Reeves will voice Shadow the Hedgehog in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and this pitch-perfect villain casting was hilariously set up four years ago.

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Keanu Reeves will voice Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and this pitch-perfect casting was set up four years ago. There’s been speculation about who could voice Shadow since Sonic the Hedgehog 2‘s post-credits scene teased the villain back in 2022. With Shadow being a fan-favorite character from the Sonic games, nailing his portrayal is hugely important to Sonic the Hedgehog 3‘s success. Reeves has the potential to capture Shadow’s cool and brooding personality, making him a shoo-in for the role.

Perhaps that’s why two years of rumors preceded Reeves’ casting, with many fans of the franchise expressing their desire to see him in the next Sonic movie. And they aren’t the only ones to show interest in the actor’s involvement. In fact, the first Sonic the Hedgehog film sets the stage for his casting through one hilarious scene.

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The excitement surrounding Reeves’ casting in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 likely extends to its lead, as Sonic himself wishes for the actor in the first movie. It’s in a different context; the hedgehog is watching television and crosses his fingers for a movie starring Reeves. Naturally, he’s thrilled when 1994’s Speed starts playing. He even calls the actor “a national treasure” before hilariously mimicking Dennis Hopper’s character, Howard Payne. It’s a hilarious moment that’s made even better by Reeves joining the franchise four years later.

It’s clear from this scene that Sonic is a huge Reeves fan, and his reaction to the Matrix and John Wick star isn’t uncommon.

It’s clear from this scene that Sonic is a huge Reeves fan, and his reaction to the Matrix and John Wick star isn’t uncommon. The reason this Sonic the Hedgehog moment is so funny is that it’s also incredibly relatable. Reeves really does have a huge fan base that gets excited about everything that he’s in. If Sonic the Hedgehog fans are nodding along to this scene, it bodes well for the actor’s stint as Shadow the Hedgehog.

Sonic is already a huge Keanu Reeves fan. pic.twitter.com/uyGkzKqG3u — DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 15, 2024Sonic’s Keanu Reeves Fandom Is Exactly Why He’ll Be Great For Shadow

He May Even Draw New Viewers To The Franchise

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The fact that Reeves has such a massive fandom — and that Sonic the Hedgehog fans understand his popularity — shows exactly why he’s a great choice to play Shadow. For one, many moviegoers will see the third installment for Reeves alone. He could even draw newcomers to the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, boosting its overall success. It’s also fitting that Shadow himself has a huge fan base, giving him something in common with the actor portraying him. Having a lesser-known actor voice Shadow just wouldn’t do. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is making the right choice by casting a huge movie star.