With two films combining to earn over $700 million at the global box office, Sonic the Hedgehog has proven to be one of the few successful movie adaptations of video games. With a third installment and a spin-off miniseries on the way, the franchise is poised for even greater success.
In anticipation of the film's release next year, Paramount Pictures has offered fans a glimpse of the fan-favorite anti-hero, Shadow. In a post shared on the movie's X account, fans get a close-up shot of the character from the torso down to its shoes. This marks the second time fans have seen Shadow, following a brief post-credits appearance in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Given the character's likely evolution since that appearance, the new reveal makes sense, especially considering it comes with confirmation of the film's release date. Sonic the Hedgehog's release date was initially announced in 2022, but due to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, many feared it would be pushed back. Fans can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the release date remains unchanged.
The image provides a detailed look at Shadow's gloves and showcases its cool red, white, and black kicks. With several nicks and scratches, the studio hints at the well-worn nature of Shadow's footwear. A clapperboard is also visible in the background, which is unsurprising given that the film is about speedsters. More surprisingly, and pleasantly so, is a new logo. The clapperboard pays homage to Sonic Adventure 2, the SEGA game that introduced Shadow the Hedgehog to the video game franchise.