WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.Sonic the Hedgehog 3 shows Shadow (Keanu Reeves) reaching his ultimate form alongside Sonic (Ben Schwartz) in the climax of the film's third act. After unlocking his true power, Shadow undergoes a drastic transformation as he gains white fur and the ability to fly without his hover boots. This new form was cleverly hidden in one of the Sonic the Hedgehog 3from the trailers, becoming an even more welcome surprise when Shadow revealed it in the final cut of the film.
Shadow's white form is one of the biggest Easter Eggs in Sonic the Hedgehog 3having been a crucial part of his first outing in Sonic Adventure 2 video game. One might wonder why Shadow's fur doesn't turn gold like Sonic's. However, Shadow's new form not only distinguishes himself from Sonic while they are both at full strength. The white hedgehog that Shadow turns into symbolizes a change in his character thanks to Sonic after his final fight in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Shadow turns white when he is in his Super Shadow form
Shadow achieves a unique form that stands out from Super Sonic
Shadow accesses his ultimate form when he harnesses the power of the seven Chaos Emeralds of Sonic franchise. Just as Sonic regains the power of the Emeralds during his final battle with Shadow, he also gains strength and transforms into Super Shadow. However, Shadow's fur understandably turns white instead of gold, as it would be harder to tell the two apart if Shadow's fur looked like Sonic's.
Normal Shadow looks almost exactly like Super Sonic due to his upward-curved feathersevoking the image of a burning flame. The white skin creates a more effective contrast between the two hedgehogs in their Super States. Shadow's white fur in his Super State is also the opposite of his normal black fur, and better reflects his change of heart as he chooses to abandon his dark quest for revenge and help Sonic save Earth from Gerald Robotnik (Jim Carrey). ). Eclipse Cannon with the power of Emeralds.
Why doesn't Shadow turn blue like Sonic
Shadow's super state works best with white skin
Giving Shadow blue fur in his Super State might seem like a good idea; the Ultimate Life Form looking more like its blue counterpart would cause a more drastic transformation that conveys its change in power. It would also reflect how Shadow has become more fair like Sonicby choosing to follow the latter's example, rejecting the path of revenge and fighting to protect humanity at the end of the film.
However, Shadow winning for blue could make the character design more repetitive, and Super Shadow's appearance wouldn't stand out as much. Additionally, the Sonic the franchise's Super States were heavily inspired by the Super Saiyans of Dragon Ball Zas shown by Sonic and Shadow's final battle for Earth in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Thus, it makes more sense that Sonic and Shadow would look more like the Saiyans' golden forms when they reach their full potential.
Shadow's white fur also symbolizes him letting go of the darkness in his heart, becoming a better version of himself as he saves Earth from destruction in Sonic the Hedgehog 3becoming the hero Maria knew he could be.
Shadow's white fur in his Super State effectively contrasts his original form. and the appearance of his enemy-turned-friend, Sonic. It distinguishes Shadow from his counterpart while staying close to Super Sonic's traditional design. Shadow's white fur also symbolizes him letting go of the darkness in his heart, transforming into a better version of himself as he saves the Earth from destruction in Sonic the Hedgehog 3becoming the hero Maria (Alyla Browne) knew he could be.