‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ Writers Failed to Get ‘John Wick’ Easter Egg in the Movie

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As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for nostalgia, I find myself thoroughly impressed by the subtle yet significant nods to Keanu Reeves’ illustrious career in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The directors and writers have masterfully woven references from his iconic roles in the Matrix trilogy and John Wick series into the film, creating a delightful Easter egg hunt for fans like me.

One standout feature of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is definitely the introduction of Keanu Reeves, though he plays Shadow the Hedgehog instead of himself. The writers of the Sonic franchise, Josh Miller and Pat Casey, were so excited to work with such a famous action movie star that they couldn’t help but include a few nods to Reeves’ previous works. However, one tribute didn’t end up making it into the final version of the game.

In my journey as an actor, I’ve had the privilege of leading two significant cinematic universes prior to my metamorphosis into the ultimate lifeform – the Matrix trilogy and the ongoing John Wick series. Given this impressive portfolio, it’s not surprising that Miller and Casey found inspiration in these iconic productions. In an interview with CinemaBlend, the writers shared their experiences of incorporating two Easter eggs into their work, along with one they couldn’t manage to include.

We considered adding a line for Shadow to say something like, “Lots of guns,” as he has done in two other series before. However, this idea didn’t ultimately end up in the movie.

In a somewhat indirect manner, other references might have been subtly incorporated. Director Jeff Fowler intentionally referenced Keanu Reeves’ role in “John Wick: Chapter 2” when designing the scene where Shadow walks through heavy rain against a vibrant Tokyo backdrop that resembled the setting. The second hidden reference, a nod to the “Matrix” trilogy, was particularly elusive. In the same Tokyo battle sequence, Shadow appears to execute a move similar to Agent Smith’s (Hugo Weaving) final attack in “The Matrix Revolutions”.

Balancing Easter Eggs and Entertainment Is No Easy Job

It’s possible that these Easter eggs may not seem very important when considering the rich history and numerous potential references in the Sonic universe. However, Miller and Casey noted that the tributes to Reeves emerged organically during the development stage, whereas other appearances were meticulously planned before ultimately being scrapped.

Miller stated that the idea of throwing in nods wasn’t something they explicitly talked about. He believes it began naturally and gained momentum once he agreed to participate. Casey explained further, saying that the artists often incorporate references to Keanu’s other film franchises through poses.

As explained by Fowler, several Easter eggs were eliminated to ensure that Shadow remained the main focus. For instance, the anticipated appearance of Rouge the Bat didn’t materialize because there was too much screen time dedicated to Shadow’s backstory. Additionally, an early cameo from Big the Cat was removed during the storyboarding phase. Even though these references often spark nostalgia among long-term fans, Fowler underlined the need for maintaining a balanced film, rather than succumbing to fan service.

With Sonic the Hedgehog 4 now officially in production, fans can undoubtedly look forward to encountering some fresh characters. A sneak peek at the end of Sonic 3 has already hinted at Amy Rose’s arrival, a development that will surely delight viewers yearning for a change from the all-male cast. At present, Sonic 3 is still dominating box offices worldwide, while the first two movies are available to stream on Paramount+.

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2024-12-28 22:02