The first time that Sonic the Hedgehog arrived on the screen back in 2020, the production turned out to be one of the most popular video-game adaptations of all time.

A death in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 would also allow the film to explore some of these darker themes in a way that is accessible to its family audience. If Sonic the Hedgehog 3 fails to raise the stakes in the third film, it runs the risk of diminishing Shadow’s introduction, a character who is known for doing whatever it takes to achieve his goals.

Paramount Pictures has unveiled a new trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, introducing Shadow as a formidable threat to Sonic and his friends. The film releases in theaters on December 20.