Even though a Shadow spinoff seems like a no-brainer after Sonic the Hedgehog 3, I actually don’t think it’s a good idea anymore. Shadow is undoubtedly the best character in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Even though he was marketed as the main villain of the movie, he acts as more of an anti-hero in the film. Sonic 3 wastes no time in establishing that there is a reason for Shadow’s more villainous actions. Because of Shadow’s origin in Sonic 3 and his backstory with Maria, it’s easy to understand why he is so angry and wants revenge in the film.

Even though he works against Team Sonic for most of the film, Shadow eventually realizes the error of his ways at the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Sonic successfully convinces Shadow that he shouldn’t give into his hate and anger at the end of the film. This leads to Shadow working with Sonic to stop Gerald Robotnik, the actual villain of Sonic 3, from destroying the world. Since Sonic 3’s post-credits scene reveals that Shadow survives the events of the film, a spinoff would make sense. However, I no longer want a Shadow spinoff after Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Left The Door Open For A Shadow Spinoff

Shadow Survived The Events of Sonic 3

At the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic and Shadow successfully work together to help take down Gerald Robotnik. However, this proves to be almost fatal for Shadow, since he is still in close proximity to the Eclipse Cannon when it explodes. Even though he seemingly dies during the climax of the film, the second post-credits scene of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reveals that Shadow is still alive. During the post-credits scene, Shadow steps towards his Inhibitor Ring, which he lost earlier in the film.

Shadow surviving the events of Sonic 3 is not surprising, since the film is largely inspired by the 2001 video game Sonic Adventure 2, which also seemingly killed off Shadow. However, after seeing how much fans liked the character, Sega decided to bring Shadow back in future games. Therefore, it would have been shocking if Sonic franchise director Jeff Fowler had actually committed to Shadow’s death. Overall, he is just way too popular of a character to not return for a future Sonic movie.

However, in addition to him potentially returning in the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 4, many fans also want Shadow to receive his own spinoff movie or show. After all, Knuckles, the villain-turned-ally in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, received his own spinoff show after the film. Since Shadow is a more popular character than Knuckles, it would be shocking if he didn’t also receive some kind of spinoff project. However, I think it would be wiser for Fowler and his team to resist the urge to make a Shadow spinoff, and instead just have him return in future Sonic movies.

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Proved How Well Shadow & Sonic Work Together

Sonic & Shadow Work Together To Save Humanity In Sonic 3

Shadow is one of the most interesting characters in the video games since he is never a full-out villain, but he can’t be considered a hero either. Because of this, unlike a character like Knuckles, Shadow will never be a true member of Team Sonic. During the director’s commentary for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Fowler himself even confirms that Shadow will never be an official member of the team. At the end of the day, Shadow will remain a lone wolf character in future Sonic the Hedgehog projects.

However, this doesn’t mean that Shadow can never work with the official members of Team Sonic. After all, the climax of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 proves how well Sonic and Shadow work together. Therefore, instead of keeping them apart, future Sonic movies should try to find ways to bring them together. The intriguing dynamic between Sonic and Shadow is something the franchise should lean into, not avoid. This is why I’d rather see Shadow return in Sonic 4, rather than his own spinoff project that probably wouldn’t include Sonic.

A Shadow Spinoff Would Likely Suffer From The Same Problems As Knuckles’ TV Show

Knuckles’ Miniseries Had An Underwhelming Story Compared To The Sonic Movies

After his introduction in Sonic 2, I was excited for Knuckles to get his own spinoff show. In April 2024, Knuckles premiered on Paramount+ and follows the тιтular Echidna, who takes on Wade Whipple as his apprentice. Together, they go on a road trip so that Wade can compete in a bowling tournament in Reno, Nevada. Because of the high costs of making a Sonic film, the Knuckles miniseries had to have a very Earth-based story. In fact, Knuckles actually focuses more on Wade than Knuckles. In doing so, this miniseries failed to elevate Knuckles as a character.

The Knuckles miniseries was definitely not what myself and a lot of other fans envisioned it would be. Even though it still had fun moments, Knuckles’ spinoff was underwhelming, and I absolutely do not want this to be the case with a potential Shadow spinoff. However, due to budget constraints, the exact same thing would probably happen with a TV spinoff for Shadow. A movie spinoff for Shadow would definitely be more exciting, but so far, the Sonic franchise hasn’t done any spinoff movies. Therefore, it may be best to just not make a Shadow spinoff right now.

Shadow Returning For Sonic 4 Is A Better Option Than A Spinoff

Shadow Should Work With Sonic Once Again In Sonic 4

Rather than getting his own spinoff, I would much rather see Shadow return in Sonic the Hedgehog 4. Since the film is still a couple of years away, not many details are known about Sonic 4. However, the first post-credits scene of Sonic 3 sets up the story of the next film quite nicely. Both Amy Rose and Metal Sonic are introduced in the first post-credits scene of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and will presumably have major roles in the fourth film. Amy Rose will likely join Team Sonic, whereas Metal Sonic could serve as the main villain of the film.

Even though Team Sonic continues to expand, I would love to see Shadow temporarily work with them in Sonic 4. After working against Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails for most of Sonic 3, it would be great to see them all working together for a large portion of the fourth movie. This would allow Shadow’s dynamics with the members of Team Sonic to be further explored, which could lead to more team-ups down the line. Therefore, to avoid a disappointing spinoff after his incredible role in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, I would rather see Shadow remain in the mainline Sonic films.