Keanu Reeves steps into the light as Shadow in the first Sonic the Hedgehog 3 trailer. The latest instalment in the popular video game adaptation franchise speeds to the big screen this holiday season, and introduces Shadow as a sort of anti-Sonic: “Shadow’s story began a lot like yours, Sonic, but where you found family and friends, Shadow found only pain and loss,” says the trailer’s narrator.

Per the film synopsis, “Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.”

Director Jeff Fowler returns, with Ben Schwartz starring as the voice of Sonic opposite James Marsden as Tom Wachowski. Jim Carrey is back as Dr. Robotnik, and Idris Elba reprises his voice role as Knuckles. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 also stars returning actors Tika Sumpter, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, Adam Pally, Lee Majdoub, and franchise newcomers Alyla Browne, Krysten Ritter, and Keanu Reeves.

Watch the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 trailer below, ahead of its release to cinemas from December 21st, 2024.