Notice! Spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 ahead!
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 left out a key detail about Shadow's story, suggesting that this character could end up with his own spin-off film. This morally complicated hedgehog was an interesting feature of the trio, especially since he was voiced by the highly sought-after Keanu Reeves. Sonic 3 it fulfilled everything it had promised in this regard, by presenting the main details of Shadow's story. Audiences learned about Gerald Robotnik, as well as Shadow's touching but tragic friendship with Maria. Sonic the Hedgehog also delved into the consequences of Maria's death, but something was missing.
In Sonic the Hedgehog 3it is revealed that Shadow was created by Gerald Robotnik, Dr. Eggman's grandfather, as part of Project Shadow developed by GUN. He was supposed to be the supreme being – a potential weapon and key to immortality. However, Shadow had more than just that. He ends up connecting with Robotnik's granddaughter Maria, and that friendship means everything to Shadow. Maria's death inspired Shadow to help Gerald destroy not just GUN, but the entire planet. Sonic the Hedgehog I saw Shadow overcome this desire, but never explained why GUN went wrong to begin with.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Never Fully Explains Why GUN Activated Shadow
GUN's reasoning was left ambiguous
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 revealed that GUN had suddenly turned against Gerald Robotnik and Shadow and that Maria was caught in the crossfire. It is precisely for this reason that both characters decided to use the Eclipse Cannon to take revenge on GUN and the rest of humanity, who they considered too terrible and poisonous to continue living. Of course, Sonic managed to get to Shadow in the end, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 had a happy resolution (especially with the post-credits revealing that Shadow survived his big savior moment). However, the film never explained why GUN activated Robotnik and Shadow.
In canon, Robotnik's main goal in creating Shadow was to discover the secret to immortality and therefore save Maria's life. He would do whatever it took to make this happen, and that's how he ended up having problems with GUN. They funded and oversaw Project Shadow, but when Robotnik allied himself with a group of dangerous aliens, the Black Arms, to achieve his goals, GUN became uncomfortable. They shut everything down and started eliminating everyone involved in Project Shadow at the ARK, announcing that a terrible biohazard accident caused all the tragic deaths there.
The Real Reason GUN Activated Shadow Could Tease Hedgehog's Future
Sonic 3 Left Shadow story open to explore in new film
GUN has been a somewhat ambiguous force throughout Sonic the Hedgehog movies, and the same has always been true of Sonic video games, anime and comics. It's usually hard to tell whether they're on the side of good or not, and Sonic and his friends have sometimes cooperated and sometimes fought against G.U.N. Therefore, it is no surprise that Sonic 3 left unclear why this organization turned against Robotnik and Shadow. Still, there's still a lot to explore here.
Although this may certainly be part Sonic the Hedgehog 4it could be even more effective in a spin-off film devoted entirely to this complex character.
Although Shadow decided he didn't want to destroy Earth and all of humanity to get revenge for Maria's death, it's likely he won't befriend GUN just yet, considering what this organization has done. Leaving the extent of GUN's crimes uncertain means that the future Sonic films have room for more big revelations in the future. Each of these secrets will be fundamental to Shadow's story. Although this may certainly be part Sonic the Hedgehog 4it could be even more effective in a spin-off film dedicated entirely to this complex character.
Shadow is ready for his own adventure after Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Shadow's Omens of Survival Will Get a Spinoff
Sonic's alliance and friendship with Shadow will undoubtedly be a feature of Sonic the Hedgehog 4especially after Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reveals that this character is still alive. However, given the complexities of Shadow's character, it makes a lot of sense for him to have his own dedicated adventure. Sonic's story is about protecting Earth and the people he loves who live there, and canonically, Shadow will help out from time to time. However, his fight with GUN will be another matter entirely. This is Shadow's story, not Sonic's.
From the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 3Shadow's survival was only revealed to the public, not to Team Sonic. This shadowy hedgehog may decide to take some time for himself following his heroics to discover where he fits in the universe, and that could be a lot of fun for audiences to watch in a new film. Shadow also has some friends to meet, including Rogue the Bat and the robot E-123 Omega. It would be difficult for live action Sonic franchise to give Team Dark the attention it deserves while sharing the screen with Team Sonic. Then, hopefully, a Shadow the movie is not too far away.