Sonic the Hedgehog 4 will release in 2027, and while it has not yet been confirmed that Shadow will be a part of the film, it is inevitable that the character will return at some point to show off some of these incredible powers. While Sonic the Hedgehog 3 changed Shadow’s origin, this iteration has been worthy of celebration.

Being such a complex and powerful character, it might be hard to find a role for Shadow in Sonic 4. If this does not occur, the character has great potential to be spun off into his own solo movie or series. Regardless of how it occurs, there is so much more of Shadow to show off in this world.

Shadow first debuted in the story of Sonic Adventure 2, and has remained among the most popular characters in contemporary games. Now that he’s part of the film franchise, future appearances are ᴀssured, whether its in Sonic 4 or elsewhere. In either case, these powers can be showcased when Shadow returns.

8

Ageless Immortality

Shadow’s Ultimate Lifeform Makeup Makes Him Live Forever

Shadow the Hedgehog was manufactured as the Ultimate Lifeform by Gerald Robotnik. Much of this experimentation was based around building something sustainable, which resulted in Shadow becoming immortal and indestructible. While already more than 50 years old, Shadow has the powers of eternal youth.

This could be explored interestingly across time in the films. Shadow’s agelessness could see the character well into the future without any changes to his physical form. Contending with this emotional detail could make for an important focus in a future project.

Shadow’s immortality has been hinted at in the games, but rarely explicitly confirmed. However, details in games like Sonic Heroes and Sonic X Shadow Generations seem to attest to this fact. Among all the likely Sonic 4 characters, it would be good to see Shadow and his immortality given this attention in the next film.

7

The Terrifying Dark Shadow Transformation

The Transformation Is A Frightening Inversion Of Super Shadow

Components of Dark Shadow could nearly be seen in Sonic 3, but the transformation is an important part of Shadow’s story that could be explored in a future Shadow movie. When consumed by thoughts of rage, hatred, and vengeance, Shadow can be overcome by a transformation that makes him even more powerful.

Dark Shadow was introduced in the hedgehog’s own first game, Shadow the Hedgehog. When in this state, Shadow’s fur grows a neon red, and he is virtually invincible. The state is similar to Super Shadow, which was seen in the film, but is a darker turn, with his actions and efforts being fueled by an unrelenting hatred.

This version of Shadow is frightening and would be interesting to see explored in Sonic 4. While Shadow has essentially been turned to Sonic’s side in the films, it is important that some of his volatility still be seen, which could allow for Dark Shadow to manifest.

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A Doom Blast To Launch His Opponents

Sonic X Shadow Generations Added A Whole New World Of Powers

In Sonic X Shadow Generations, Shadow receives several exciting powers that will appear on this list. The first of these is the Doom Blast, which sees a flurry of movement brought on by Black Doom’s DNA, with which Shadow was built. This creepy-looking effect sees an X of red and black markings appear as Shadow prepares to kick.

This blast then sends enemies flying a great distance. Empowered by the DNA, which has been taken from Shadow’s nemesis in the game, Black Doom, Shadow’s already stunning powers are made even greater.

This power, as well as the ones that follow, would be an excellent addition in Sonic 4. With a greater emphasis on Shadow’s creation and the meaning that comes from that, integrating Black Doom powers, such as this one, would be a great focus for a future Shadow storyline.

5

Doom Surfing To Carry Him Across Water

This Doom Power Helps Shadow To Traverse New Locations

Another one of the Doom Powers introduced in Sonic X Shadow Generations, the Doom Surf is an amazing ability where Shadow draws upon his power to create a black and red manta ray-like apparition to ride on. This allows him to cross water with ease, riding along the top at high speeds.

While Shadow already has many imposing powers, this would be a real treat to see in a live-action film. Seeing Shadow traverse landscapes on this Doom craft, formed immediately below him, could make for some exciting aquatic sequences in the next film, especially after already seeing Shadow run on top of water in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Water levels are a huge part of Sonic games, and could be given more of a focus in future films. With a focus on areas like Hydrocity and Emerald Coast, there would be many great opportunities for Shadow to use his Doom Surf ability in the next film.

4

Chaos Blast Causing Horrific Destruction

Seen In Several Games, Including Sonic The Hedgehog (2006)

The Chaos Blast is often seen in appearances by Shadow the Hedgehog, but one of the most memorable iterations was in the 2006 game Sonic the Hedgehog. In the game, Shadow can summon and blast a red circle of light that covers about 10 yards of distance, destroying all of his enemies.

It is a limited but powerful move and has appeared in all kinds of other Sonic media, including shows and comic books. This state brings Shadow a level of invulnerability as this power is performed.

Seeing Shadow weaponize this movement in Sonic 4 could make for a powerful scene that helps to attest to the character’s remarkable strength. As the two appear similarly enabled, this could make for a frightening sequence that continues to show off the material differences between Shadow’s and Sonic’s powers in the movie.

3

Twisted Transformation Through The Doom Morph

This Unique Form Gives Shadow Awe-Inspiring Power

The Doom Morph is another notable transformation that comes upon Shadow due to his Black Arms DNA. In Sonic X Shadow Generations, this allows him to transform his body completely into a being of pure Chaos Energy, allowing him to traverse across dangerous surfaces with little issue.

A Doom Morph would be dependent on the story of the film, but it could see a new visual twist on Shadow’s iconic design. This Morph appears as a tentacled being of pure Chaos Energy, and could be interesting to see in the next Sonic the Hedgehog movie.

Exploring Shadow’s past, as well as complications with his DNA, could be the great focus of a future story. Introducing each of his incredible Doom powers in those settings could help the film to feel distinct from the rest of the series.

2

Doom Wings With Black Arms DNA

An Amazing Ability With An Excellent Design

Brought into the endgame of Sonic X Shadow Generations, the Doom Wings are an incredible and frightening visual that would be so exciting to see in the next film. The wings result as manifestations of Shadow’s Doom powers, and allow him to fly through the air and bat at enemies, all while being resistant to damage.

Itself a super transformation, these wings would be so exciting to see in the next Sonic film. While they may seem redundant, after Shadow’s powers often saw the hedgehog flying through the air in other ways, they are too compelling a visual to avoid.

In Shadow’s next appearance, it would be great to see his connection to the Doom powers explored, ending with the spreading of giant, violent wings like these. These would be among the best missing powers for the next movie, especially if Sonic 4 moves into more cosmic stories.

1

Chaos Control

Elements Of This Have Been Seen, But Not All Of It

Chaos Control is a huge part of Shadow’s power set, and it did appear in Sonic 3 in some capacity. This power links to the Chaos Spear, and also to pieces of Shadow’s teleportation, which did appear on-screen. However, Chaos Control is bigger than this and is a huge part of Shadow’s character.

Yelling “Chaos Control” as he taps into the ability, Shadow can jump large distances across time and space, and can manipulate reality. This force is built upon his connection to the Chaos Emerald and helps to highlight how great Shadow’s power is. There is still much more to explore with Shadow’s Chaos Control in the films.

Whether in Sonic the Hedgehog 4 or, hopefully, in a spinoff film of his own, the relationship between Shadow, the emeralds, and his terrifying use of this power is worthy of further exploration. Shadow is a deep character who has a great deal more to reveal. Hopefully, more of him will be seen in the films soon.