Summary
The anticipation is growing forSonic the Hedgehog 3’sDecember 20, 2024, release date as the iconic character speeds his way back onto the big screen. The runtime for the film has now been officially confirmed, allowing people to know how long they’ll be able to see the blue hedgehog and his friends go to battle with their mysterious new enemy, Shadow.
Shadow is going to be the main antagonist forSonic the Hedgehog 3, bringing another well-known character from the video game franchise into this world. Voiced by Keanu Reeves,Shadow has been shown as a genuine match for Sonicwithin the trailers, to the point that Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails have to go and find a familiar enemy in Doctor Eggman to try and help them overcome the odds, which sets the stakes incredibly high for this story.
AMC Theatershas confirmed thatSonic the Hedgehog 3will have a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes, as the iconic video game charactergives fans one more exciting story. These movies are aimed at younger audiences; therefore, keeping them at a brisk pace makes the most sense to ensure they’re consistently paying attention and don’t get bored. Plus, havingSonic the Hedgehog 3at a shorter pace compared to many films makes it rewatchable, which will benefit the movie’s box office and post-cinema success.
Compared to the previous twoSonic the Hedgehogmovies, the upcoming release finds itself in the middle of them regarding runtime. The 2020 original lasted for 99 minutes, while the 2022 sequel,Sonic the Hedgehog 2, had a 122-minute runtime. No movies in this trilogy have been exceptionally long, which has benefitted the first two films as they have felt snappy, exciting, and full of adventure. They’re not overly dramatic and blending comedy and action with a smattering of video game references is a formula that has worked so far, therefore it makes sense to stick around that timeframe.
Of course, there is a risk that by keeping the film relatively short, it could be difficult forShadow’s backstory to be truly explored, which might stop all the details being explored to make the character as iconic as it could be. However, given that Sonic is all about speed, keeping things fast-paced and constantly moving works best in this franchise. That’s especially true, considering that he’s just as fast-tongued with his quick lines to the other characters, and this runtime is certainly long enough to create an engaging movie.
Considering thatSonic the Hedgehog 3hasmore characters than either of the previous films, there is a risk that the 1 hour and 49-minute runtime might not be enough to give every character the necessary focus to tell the story properly. However, considering there’s no need to flesh out the connections between certain characters who have been around for a while, this could end up being the ideal length of time forSonic the Hedgehog 3to tell a captivating story that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)
Cast
Directed by Jeff Fowler, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 sets up a new threat for Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails by introducing Shadow the Hedgehog. Shadow presents such a big danger to planet Earth, that the heroes have to team up with Dr. Robotnik.
