Sonic the Hedgehog 3 arrived in theaters this weekend, and its box office run thus far has proven just how well the franchise continues to be received. Although many characters from previous films returned, including Sonic himself (Ben Schwartz), Knuckles (Idris Elba), and Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), Sonic 3 it also introduced several beloved characters from the games. Shadow (voiced by Keanu Reeves) serves as the main antagonist, while Ivo Robotnik's (Jim Carrey) grandfather, Gerald (also Carrey) also reunited with his family.
Agent Stone (Lee Majdoub) may consider himself part of Robotnik's extended family, but Sonic the Hedgehog 3 sees him left behind by his employer to some extent. Despite this, it also offers the partner the opportunity to demonstrate emotional depth beyond what he has previously demonstrated. Given that the franchise is far from slowing down, there will be several more chances to see new sides of Stone and other members of the supporting cast.
TelaRant interviewed Majdoub about his role in Sonic the Hedgehog 3and how Gerald's introduction affects Stone's relationship with Robotnik. The actor commented on the film's theme, found family and his personal experience shaving Jim Carrey's hair on screen.
The evolution of Stone's relationship with Robotnik in Sonic The Hedgehog 3
“Stone kind of becomes a third wheel in this relationship…”
ScreenRant: I love it Sonic 3. This is a fantastic film. Stone has always been a loyal confidant of Robotnik, but with Gerald entering the picture, what can you tease about Robotnik and Stone's dynamic in this film?
Lee Majdoub: Stone kind of becomes a third wheel in this relationship, and I think he's having a challenge finding his place in the middle of this relationship between Ivo and Gerald.
ScreenRant: In this film, I feel like we really see an evolution of Agent Stone and he does so much more. Can you talk about how the character has evolved since the first film and what new dimensions you were excited to explore with the character?
Lee Majdoub: Oh, one hundred percent. I mean, in the first film we are introduced to the character, and he, initially in the role, was there. And through the evolution of the relationship with Jim, those two roles have evolved as far as their relationship goes. He was just an assistant.
In the second, we saw that he was given a little more work. He was responsible for establishing the laboratory on Mean Bean. So in this one, we get to see him roll up his sleeves, action sequences, more responsibility. You realize that Ivo can't survive without Stone, and furthermore, as an actor, we need to delve a little deeper into the emotional depth of Agent Stone.
ScreenRant: We get a double dose of Jim Carrey in this movie, which is fantastic. Can you talk about matching and praising Jim's high-energy performance in this film?
Lee Majdoub: Oh, thanks for saying that. Number one, I think it's just a matter of being there. I was always taught as an actor, the best actors are always there for their scene partners, and that's what happened. It's a partnership, and he's there for me as much as I'm there for him.
Adding the fact that he also played Gerald, there were sometimes discussions like, 'Okay, what are you going to do when we film the other side so I know how to be there for you in that moment?' Or: “What's the opinion there?” In a sense, it added an element of technical planning.
ScreenRant: You can now shave Jim Carrey's head on screen. Talk to me about this scene. Did you keep a lock of his hair?
Lee Majdoub: People are asking me this, and I'm not, and I'm starting to blame myself. I'm kidding. It was amazing to find out that Jim had the idea. He was like, I have long hair. We could very well cut it to camera, make it part of the montage of Ivo getting ready, and let Stone do it. I want Lee to cut my hair.
There was a conversation: “Well, should we hire a barber to do this?” And Jim said, “No, Lee can do it. I trust Lee. Let's make him do it.” So for him to show me this – all the films that our relationship built, Jim and I, and then I think the relationship between Ivo and Stone was parallel to that. I love that.
What Sonic 3's Found Family Theme Means for Agent Stone
“I think many of us struggle to figure out where we belong and what we should do in life.”
ScreenRant: Speaking of which, I love the themes in this film. Can you talk about the theme of found family and making the right choices and what that means for Agent Stone?
Lee Majdoub: I think found family is very important for a lot of people. I think many of us struggle to figure out where we belong and what we should do in life. I think for Stone, there was something in the first movie where Robotnik talks about being an orphan, and I thought, “Oh, what if?” And that was for me, we never discussed it, but I thought, “Oh, what if Stone is an orphan? What if he had to leave home or something?”
That's the first little thing they have in common, and I think that relationship is huge for Stone. I think maybe Ivo is the only one who really sees him a certain way.
ScreenRant: As Agent Stone deals with the consequences of Robotnik's plan, how is his loyalty tested in this film?
Lee Majdoub: That's a great question. I mean, I know that Agent Stone really sees things in Ivo that others don't, and I think he just has faith in him that maybe Ivo doesn't see in himself.
More about Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog returns to the big screen this holiday season in his most thrilling adventure yet. Sonic, Knuckles and Tails come together against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they've ever faced. With their abilities surpassed in every way, Team Sonic must seek an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.
Check out our others Sonic the Hedgehog 3 interviews here:
Source: Rant Plus Screen