Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will feature Shadow’s big-screen debut when it comes to theaters later this year, and fans can expect more Sonic Adventure 2 influences to show up, too.
Producer Toby Ascher touched on the film’s influences during an interview with GamesRadar+. It’s not much of a surprise to hear that the movie will pull from the beloved game – we learned that it’ll feature its iconic Live and Learn theme earlier this year – but it’s still comforting news for those hoping to see callbacks to the series. Better yet, the producer teased that fans can keep an eye out for references to other entries, too.
“It’s going to be this giant, fun, incredible movie that obviously takes a lot from Sonic Adventure 2 and some of the games that I know the core Sonic Team grew up loving,” Ascher said.
Sonic Adventure 2 represents what many feels is the Blue Blur’s prime. Released for Sega’s Dreamcast in 2001, the 3D sequel is littered with fast-paced platforming, overly dramatic cut-scenes, and ear-worm tunes that fans still find themselves listening to today. Most importantly, though, the project introduced fans to Shadow the Hedgehog, who would go on to become a character who nearly rivaled Sonic in popularity.
Some important moments in Sonic Adventure 2 see Sonic and his friends traveling to space, taking care of little blue beings called Chao, running from killer semi-trucks, causing destruction in mechs, and fighting off giant bioengineered lizards. It’s a game that constantly seeks to up its scale at every turn, so how Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will bring some classic elements into the fold is anyone’s guess.
When the film does spin into theaters on December 20, it’ll feature Keanu Reeves as Shadow, a casting choice that many fans called for before it was announced earlier this month. For more on the next chapter in Paramount’s video game adaptation, check out first details on how the film will tie into Shadow’s backstory. You can also read our 8/10 review of the Knuckles spinoff series before digging into its yourself later this week.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
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