Sonic the Hedgehog 3: Release date, cast and trailer and plot for threequel

Following on from the Paramount Plus series Knuckles earlier this year, which saw Idris Elba return to voice the echidna after first taking on the role in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3 introduces another iconic character from the video games.

Jim Carrey already plays Doctor Ivo 'Eggman' Robotnik in the Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise but in the third instalment, he's got an even bigger part (or parts) to play.

Not only is he reprising his role as Sonic's arch-nemesis, he's also stepping into the shoes of another major antagonist: Ivo's grandfather Gerald Robotnik, the creator of the fearsome and vengeful hedgehog Shadow (voiced by Keanu Reeves).

Read on for everything you need to know about Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 release date

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was released on Friday 20th December 2024.

Roughly two-and-a-half years after the second film in the franchise was released in April 2022, the third movie is available to watch in cinemas now.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 cast

Most of the actors who have starred in the last two Sonic films are back for this one – including Ben Schwartz as the voice of the beloved hedgehog, Idris Elba as Knuckles and video game star Colleen O'Shaughnessey as Tails.

And there is one big name addition to the voice cast – with The Matrix and John Wick star Keanu Reeves joining as antagonist Shadow the Hedgehog, who made a brief non-speaking appearance in the post-credits scene of the previous film.

As for human characters, Jim Carrey is back as Sonic's arch-nemesis Doctor Robotnik and his grandfather Gerald Robotnik, while James Marsden and Tika Sumpter reprise their roles as his adoptive parents Tom and Maddie Wachowski.

Lee Majdoub and Tom Butler are also back.

The cast of Sonic 3 also includes: Krysten Ritter (Breaking Bad); Sofia Pernas (The Brave); Cristo Fernández (Ted Lasso); James Wolk (Watchmen); Jorma Taccone (Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.)

Here's an overview of the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 cast and the characters they're playing:

• Ben Schwartz as Sonic
• Idris Elba as Knuckles
• Colleen O'Shaughnessey as Tails
• Keanu Reeves as Shadow
• Jim Carrey as Doctor Ivo 'Eggman' Robotnik and Gerald Robotnik
• James Marsden as Tom Wachowski
• Tika Sumpter as Maddie Wachowski
• Lee Majdoub as Agent Stone
• Tom Butler as Commander Walters
• Krysten Ritter as Director Rockwell
• Sofia Pernas as Gabriella
• Cristo Fernández as Pablo/Juan
• James Wolk as Young Walters
• Jorma Taccone as Kyle Lancebottom
• Adam Pally as Wade
• Natasha Rothwell as Rachel
• Alyla Browne as Maria

What is the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 plot?

The official synopsis for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 says Sonic, Knuckles and Tails have to team up against a powerful new adversary: Shadow.

"With their abilities outmatched in every way, they seek out an alliance to fight Shadow and protect the planet. From Tokyo to London to the far reaches of space, it's an incredible adventure that takes it all to the next level."

If you want a full, spoiler-filled breakdown of the plot and the Sonic 3 ending explained, we've got you covered.

Is there a Sonic the Hedgehog 3 trailer?

You can watch the action-packed, star-studded trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 below.

The trailer was revealed by Paramount Pictures back in August.

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