Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Director Jeff Fowler explained honoring Shadow’s game story in the film, teasing what elements to expect from the film. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 ended with the introduction of Shadow, while the first trailer for the upcoming film revealed that he will be voiced by Keanu Reeves (John Wick). The trailer also hinted at elements of the game’s story, including his ability to use Chaos Control, his motorcycle, and his relationship with Maria (Alyla Browne). These glimpses suggest just how accurate the Ultimate Life Form’s source material will be.
Talking to Weekly entertainmentFowler addressed the challenge of using games, comics and other materials in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 to create an experience worthy of the franchise. Specifically in terms of Shadow, the director acknowledged his association with guns and motorcycles in games, explaining how the film would approach this in a family film. He also teased the hedgehog’s story with Maria, hoping fans of the franchise will appreciate how it’s handled. Check out what Fowler had to say below:
That’s the challenge of these films. It’s always taking what came before in terms of video games and comics and everything else. How do we take the essence of what fans love and fuse it with the film treatment we create?
We’re certainly very respectful of what fans hope to see and what they love about the character. We’re also very conscious of the times and the right way to handle this kind of imagery in a family film. I think we really ended up in a great place. I think fans will watch this movie and really appreciate Shadow and Maria. A lot of care and love went into telling Shadow’s story and giving fans the best cinematic version of the character imaginable.
What Fowler’s statement means for Shadow in Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Shadow’s story will be similar to the games
Sonic the Hedgehog 3the story is already proving faithful to the source material, with Shadow sporting a motorcycle and a tragic story involving Maria. However, even though it looks like she’s going to die like in Sonic Adventure 2her death looks like it will be different from the games. While the original sees her being shot by GUN agents, the film shows the Ultimate Lifeform and Gerald Robotnik (Jim Carrey) kneeling over her body on what appears to be Earth. This means that some elements can be changed and still have the same impact as the games did.
However, while Shadow’s connection to Maria and her motorcycle is confirmed to appear in the film, his use of firearms has not yet been confirmed. This was first established in the 2005 spinoff game hedgehog shadowwhich received mixed reviews, in part because of the concept of its titular character using guns. However, as Fowler himself worked on producing the game’s CGI film, there will certainly be a reference to this part of his character, even if it is brief.
Our thoughts on how Sonic 3 will approach Shadow’s story
Despite some remixing, the story will remain accurate
Although it is clear Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will remix some parts of Shadow’s story, Fowler’s statement also clarifies that the series will remain true to the themes surrounding its story. While it would make sense to avoid using guns, it’s also possible that the film could find a creative way to employ them without compromising as a family feature. With many surprises in store, it seems that there is still a lot that the film will keep secret until it hits theaters.
Source: electronic warfare