Chaos Control – Sonic 3 Trailer Breakdown

Following the critical success of the previous Sonic films, alongside a surprisingly enjoyable Knuckles mini-series, the movie franchise continues with Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Releasing in December 2024, the trailer reveals a lot to be excited for.

A heads up for those wanting to stay in the dark, this breakdown will go into details present in the trailer so be warned of potential spoilers.

Read more: Chaos Control – Sonic 3 Trailer Breakdown

Trailer

Following the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and the Knuckles mini-series, Sonic and friends are tasked by G.U.N. to take down Project Shadow after he escapes Prison Island. This mysterious black hedgehog, voiced by the legendary Kenau Reeves, is hellbent on causing chaos.

Throughout the trailer, Sonic and his friends present no match for this powerful new foe, so much so, they are forced to team up with Jim Carey’s Eggman. The trailer ends with the shocking reveal that Gerald Robotnik has a role in the film, who is also being played by Jim Carey.

Differences from Adventure 2

Going over the trailer, it’s clear that while elements from Sonic Adventure 2 are being adapted to the big screen, the set up is quite different. One key difference is that, at least early on, Sonic and company will be working with G.U.N. in trying to take down Shadow. In Adventure 2, they mistaken Sonic for Shadow, resulting in them going after him for most of the game.

In addition, the end-credit zinger features non other than Gerald Robotnik, alive in the saggy flesh. In Adventure 2, he is executed by the government due to his involvement with the Project Shadow, among other things. So him, seemingly, being alive creates a host of questions. Is he really alive? Or is this just Eggman diving further into his madness into becoming the good doctor we know from the game series?

The Ultimate Lifeform

Shadow’s origin is very authentic from the games, but there is the very real possibility that he is the main villain of the movie. He instantly dominates Sonic and friends in the trailer, forcing them to team up with Eggman of all people. In the games, Shadow already is working with Eggman, making one wonder what is his end goal.

In Adventure 2, he wants to fulfill Maria’s wish, which he originally believed was destroying the world that took her life away. But in the games, it’s implied he didn’t see her die. While Shadow the Hedgehog (2005) had Shadow see G.U.N. agents shoot her down, that wasn’t the case in backstory we got from Adventure 2.

In the trailer, there is a moment that shows Shadow and Gerald morn over a dead Maria. So the film follows his self-title game’s approach with his motivations potentially. Prior Sonic films and the Knuckles series did show while the core cast retain elements of the games character wise, they are willing to mix things up.

Sonic himself is a fantastic example of this. So taking the origins from the games for Shadow, all the while adding more emotional depth to his character, has me excited to see what they do.

Chao Garden Returns…?

One charming shot in the trailer showed the Sonic, Tails and Knuckles sitting in what looked to be some kind of restaurant in Japan, themed around the iconic Chao characters. The place was titled ‘Chao Garden’, showing the movie universe adapting an element from the game series in an interesting new way.

The Chao present were a normal one, but also a Nights Chao and one that dressed like Samba from Samba De Amigo. In the games, a ton of Chao exist. So it’s likely more will be part of this scene, being cameos to various SEGA and Sonic Team franchises.

Knock Knock

Knuckles has some moments in the trailer, with the more infamous one being getting his hand/knuckle twisted by Shadow. But something that caught my eye, was when he was gliding from Big Ben. His fists were covered in flames. Said flames, are called ‘The Flames of Disaster’.

While some might call that a homage to Sonic 06, that ability for Knuckles was introduced in his mini-series. So to me, it shows that the larger film universe will play a role in future films, assuming more spin-off projects enter production following Sonic 3.

Crossover with the Game Series

Something to keep in mind is the fact Sonic X Shadow Generations is getting a DLC level and skin in Holiday 2024. I bring this up, due to the fact Sonic 3 releases in December 20th. It is very likely a Tokyo level based off the film, alongside a Movie Shadow skin, will make it’s way into the Shadow Generations portion of the collection with this DLC.

Closing Thoughts

To say that the Sonic film series would become this massive is an understatement. Originating from a horrific initial design for the Blue Blur, the movie series currently has a trilogy and an enjoyable mini-series for fans to enjoy.

As big fan of the series, I couldn’t be happier to see the third film be so authentic to the source material. Shadow genuinely looks amazing in the trailer, making me hyped to see the film in my nearest theater in December.

What do you all think of the trailer? Let us know in the comments below!