Sonic the Hedgehog 3‘s huge success with Shadow’s backstory makes so much sense considering director Jeff Fowler’s 2022 revelation. Since taking on the Sonic films, Fowler has consistently proven himself the ideal person to adapt the beloved video game universe to the big screen. His respect for the source material shines through in every major creative decision, from the carefully crafted plotlines and lighthearted humor to the nostalgic music and character designs. The director’s committed efforts continue to pay off, as Sonic the Hedgehog 3′s ending delivers the most iconic fight in the franchise.

When the second installment teased Shadow’s addition to Sonic the Hedgehog 3′s characters, fans were both excited and skeptical, wondering if Jeff Fowler could deliver the depth and complexity that made the black blur an icon. Like with many of the Sonic franchise’s past mediatic controversies, high expectations didn’t discourage Fowler but inspired him to offer a movie longtime fans would be proud of. Yet, Sonic the Hedgehog 3′s great reviews may not be based on pᴀssion alone — Fowler’s experience working on a SEGA game likely gave him the insight needed to bring Shadow to life.

Sonic The Hedgehog 3’s Director Was An Animator On Shadow The Hedgehog’s First Video Game

Working On Shadow The Hedgehog’s Cutscenes Made Fowler Fall In Love With The Character

Apart from growing up playing the Sonic games, Jeff Fowler had a much closer “history with Shadow” at the start of his career (Business Insider). Just after Sonic the Hedgehog 2′s release, Fowler confessed he had actually contributed to making a SEGA video game back in 2005. Though most known for directing the Sonic the Hedgehog cinematic franchise, Jeff worked as an animator in Blur Studios for several years — a CGI production company that has animated games, movies, and TV, including, yes, a few of the Sonic video games.

Jeff Fowler was involved in Shadow the Hedgehog, the character’s first solo game after his epic Sonic Adventure 2 introduction. The animator developed the CGI cinematics for the project’s cutscenes, immediately falling in love with Shadow’s strikingly different tone to what had come before. More than 17 years later, Fowler was in charge of carrying out the black blur’s feature film introduction. Sonic the Hedgehog 3′s director commentary goes over what the process was like, and how it was a feat that he didn’t take lightly.

Jeff Fowler’s Connection To Shadow The Hedgehog Explains Why Sonic 3 Handled Him So Well

Fowler Wanted To Honor Shadow The Hedgehog’s Beloved Video Game History

Ever since Sonic the Hedgehog’s infamous design backlash, Jeff Fowler has demonstrated time and time again how much he cares about creating a movie that fans can enjoy. Accordingly, he is fully aware that “The fans are pᴀssionate about these characters, and you have to respect that. It comes from a place of love.” (via Variety) Keeping this in mind has allowed Jeff to establish a close relationship with Sonic‘s audience, knowing exactly what they want, including utilizing Crush 40’s Live and Learn in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

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Jeff Fowler takes delight in introducing long-awaited characters and tries his hardest to honor the game history that they bring with them. The pressure was especially high on Sonic the Hedgehog 3, as it entailed giving Shadow’s adaptation full priority. Having previously worked on the tormented character must have felt like a full-circle moment for the artist, and one that no doubt came with many fears. Fowler’s experience was key, as fans all over are praising the movie’s treatment of Shadow’s heart-tugging backstory and the way it captures his compelling antihero arc.

Sources: Variety, Business Insider, X