WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.Sonic the Hedgehog 3shows Shadow (Keanu Reeves) achieving his ultimate form alongside Sonic (Ben Schwartz) in the film’s climactic 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 ofSonic the Hedgehog 3’s trailers, making it an even more welcome surprise when Shadow unveiled it in the film’s final cut.
Shadow’s white form is one of thebiggest Easter Eggs inSonic the Hedgehog 3, having been a crucial part of his first outing in theSonic Adventure 2video game. One may question why Shadow’s fur doesn’t turn golden like Sonic. However,Shadow’s new form doesn’t just distinguish himself from Sonic while they’re both at full power. The white hedgehog that Shadow becomes symbolizes a change in his character thanks to Sonic after theirfinal fight inSonic the Hedgehog 3.
Shadow Turns White When He 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 theseven Chaos Emeralds of theSonicfranchise. Just as Sonic regains the Emeralds' power during his final battle with Shadow, so too does the latter gain their strength and transform into Super Shadow. However, Shadow’s fur understandably turns white instead of gold, as it would be more difficult to tell the two of them apart if Shadow’s fur looked like Sonic’s.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Completely Changes Shadow’s Introduction 2 Years Later
Shadow was introduced in the post-credits scene of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, but the way he arrives in Sonic 3 is different from his first appearance.
Normal Shadow looks almost exactly like Super Sonic due to their quills curving upward, evoking the image of a burning flame. White fur makes for a more effective contrast between the two hedgehogs in their Super States. Shadow’s fur turns white in his Super State is also the polar opposite of his normal black fur, and best reflects his change of heart, as he chooses to abandon his dark quest for revenge and help Sonic save the Earth from Gerald Robotnik’s (Jim Carrey) Eclipse Cannon with the Emeralds' power.
Why Shadow Doesn’t Turn Blue Like Sonic
Shadow’s Super State Works Better With White Fur
Giving Shadow blue fur in his Super State may seem like a good idea; the Ultimate Life Form appearing more like his blue counterpart would make for a more drastic transformation that conveys his change in power.It would also reflect how Shadow has become more righteous like Sonic, as he chooses to follow the latter’s example by rejecting the path of vengeance and fighting to protect humanity at the end of the film.
Where Did Shadow Come From In Sonic The Hedgehog 3?
Shadow the Hedgehog’s dark origins are depicted throughout Sonic the Hedgehog 3, but where exactly did the franchise’s popular anti-hero come from?
However, Shadow gaining blue fur could make for a more repetitive character design, and Super Shadow’s appearance wouldn’t stand out as much. Additionally,theSonicfranchise’s Super States were heavily inspired by the Super Saiyans fromDragon Ball Z, as shown by Sonic and Shadow’sfinal battle across Earth inSonic the Hedgehog 3. Thus, it makes more sense that Sonic and Shadow look more like the Saiyans' golden forms when they achieve 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 the Earth from destruction inSonic the Hedgehog 3, becoming the hero Maria knew he could be.
Shadow’s white fur in his Super State effectively contrasts with his original formand the appearance of his enemy-turned-friend Sonic. It distinguishes Shadow from his counterpart while staying close to the traditional Super Sonic 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 inSonic the Hedgehog 3, becoming the hero Maria (Alyla Browne) knew he could be.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Cast
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reunites Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they face a formidable new adversary, Shadow. With Shadow’s unprecedented powers posing a significant threat, Team Sonic seeks an unexpected alliance to thwart his plans and safeguard the planet.
