Ben Schwartz opens up about the titular hero’s evolution in Jeff Fowler’sSonic the Hedgehog 3. The video game franchise’s latest chapter sees Sonic team up with Knuckles (Idris Elba), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), and the reformed Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) to take onthe enigmatic Shadow the Hedgehog. While previous films explored Sonic’s journey from a lonely alien to a beloved part of a makeshift family on Earth, his powerful red-striped foe, voiced byJohn Wickstar Keanu Reeves, brings a tragic past that challenges Sonic in unprecedented ways.
In an interview withScreen Rant’s own Joe Deckelmeier,Schwartz discussed Sonic’s progression throughout the trilogy, highlighting howSonic the Hedgehog 3reflects a significant step in the character’s maturity. As Sonic learns to embrace his role as a leader, the blue speedster must balance his usual quick wit and impulsive nature with the responsibility of guiding his team alongside his adoptive father, Tom (James Marsden). Here’s what the actor had to say:
Yeah, I think in the first one, he was kind of a lonely kid looking for a friend, and he found Tom. In the second one, they find their team in Tails, and then eventually Knuckles, and this one, he has a team.I think it’s him trying to be a leader,learning when to listen to his heart, when to make decisions, learning when to ask for help.
It’s something that I’m not very good at, and Sonic wasn’t very good at when to ask for help. And then, I think it’s also watching him mature. You kind of see that not only has he been taking so much information from Tom, but he’s able to kind of dish it out a little bit, also, and kind oftell from his experience how he can help other people.I think that’s a big step for him. A very selfless step for someone who may joke around a lot.
What Sonic’s Growth Means For The Franchise
From Speedster To Fearless Leader
Sonic the Hedgehog 3takes Sonic’s storyto a new level, combining its usual thrilling action with meaningful character development. Fowler’s third film offersa unique exploration of Sonic’s character by positioning him as a leader for the first time. In the earlier films, Sonic sought companionship and built a team around his newfound father (Marsden) and his anthropomorphic friends, Tails and Knuckles. This time, he must lead his found family through their greatest challenge yet, with Shadow and Ivo’s estranged grandfather, Gerald, planning to enact a harrowing revenge against the world.
These challenges allow for a richer, more mature portrayal of Sonic while setting the character up for more action in Sonic 4.
By doing so, Sonic not only becomes a more complete hero but also learns to balance his own needs with those of his friends. Yet, Schwartz’s comments emphasize how Sonic’s relationships shaped the blue hedgehog’s development for the better. Rather than relying solely on his speed and humor—much like Schwartz, who has excelled in comedic improvisational projects—Sonic is learning to trust others, delegate responsibility, and approach problems with a more thoughtful perspective. These challenges allow for a richer, more mature portrayal of Sonic while setting the character up formore action inSonic 4.
Our Take On Sonic’s Evolution In Sonic the Hedgehog 3
A Bold Leap For The Blue Blur
The success ofSonic the Hedgehog 3lies in its ability to push Sonic’s character forward.The blue hedgehog’s journey from a lone adventurer to a selfless leader resonated deeplywith viewers, leading to the film’s impressive 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. By allowing Sonic to grow in meaningful ways without losing Schwartz’s trademark humor and charm, the movie strikes a perfect balance that appeals to fans of any age.Sonic the Hedgehog 3cements Sonic as not only a pop culture icon, but also a fully realized character with heart and depth.
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.
