Keanu Reeves describes the “internal journey” he went on to get into character as Shadow in Sonic 3: “It was intense”

On November 28, 2024By Littum

The first video of Keanu Reeves in the recording booth as Shadow has been released, as the actor teases the “intense” process of getting into character on Sonic 3.

“For 50 years Shadow has been in a state of suspended animation. He comes out of it to seek revenge,” Reeves shared in a new video shared by Screen Rant. “It was really the inner journey to get to the anger and the emotions. It was intense.” The John Wick star went on to talk about how monumental it has been for him to join the franchise. “Sonic 3 and playing Shadow, it’s really on another level,” he added.

He wasn’t the only one reacting to his casting in the new behind-the-scenes clip. Dr. Robotnik star Jim Carrey also shared his perfect reaction to Reeves’ casting. “When I heard that Keanu Reeves wanted to play Shadow, I was like, ‘Oh okay.’ So I went (makes a come-to-me sign),” he jokes, before going on to add: “Shadow has the likable, brooding darkness that Keanu has mastered so brilliantly’.

This is not the first time we have heard of Reeves’ dedication to the role in the threequel. Director Jeff Fowler has previously opened up about how much research the actor did to prepare. “He really wanted to create a very fan-faithful version of the character,” he said in an interview on YouTube. “He did the research. In our first meeting, he had very clearly gone and done his homework, which was great.”

Sonic 3 sees Sonic, Tails and Knuckles reunite to face a new enemy that seems completely out of their league: Shadow. To beat him and try to save the world, they form some unusual alliances. The latest trailer gives us our best look yet at Shadow as we see him with his iconic gun.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hits theaters on December 21, 2024. For more upcoming movie check out our guide to upcoming video game adaptations .