KEANU Reeves has been tapped to play a crucial role in the next chapter of the Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise.
But fans online fired back, demanding a former Star Wars star be the chosen one.
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Keanu will voice Shadow – a decidedly darker version of speedy Sonic, with similar powers and abilities.
The 59-year-old will join a star-studded voice cast that already features Ben Schwartz as the video game hero, Idris Elba as Knuckles and Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails.
Jim Carey plays the live action version of Sonic’s arch enemy, Dr. Robotnik.
However, after hearing the news, many fans called on producers to slam on the brakes.
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An overwhelming consensus are still hoping to force a Star Wars legend into the role.
“NOOOOO I WAS SO READY FOR THEM TO ANNOUNCE IT WOULD BE HAYDEN CHRISTENSEN!!!” one person tweeted loudly.
SHADOW CASTING
Hayden played the young Anakin Skywalker in Episodes I, II, and III of the sci-fi serial – the man who would go on to become Darth Vader.
“What!? I THOUGHT IT WAS HAYDEN CHRISTENSEN!!? THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! IT’S UNFAIR!!” another person echoed.
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Another person feared Keanu’s voice would be too deep for Shadow.
“I get Shadow is a 50 year old boomer, but he has that youthful glow. Robert Pattinson or Hayden Christensen would’ve matched the vibes more.”
One person slammed the casting as, “Uninspired and unoriginal as hell.”
While one person tried to look on the bright side.
“Hey it could’ve been worse. They could’ve gotten Timothee Chalamet.”
HEDGEHOG HISTORY
Sonic the Hedgehog was first introduced in video games back in 1991.
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The first live-action Sonic the Hedgehog film was released in February of 2020.
The videogame character’s first cinematic outing grossed over $319million against an estimated $80million budget.
That May, Paramount Pictures broke the news of a second motion picture, which was released in 2022.
BACK IN THE GRID
Keanu may be busy with Sonic, but he may want to keep some of his schedule clear for a fifth Matrix movie.
While it’s not yet been announced if the actor will return to his time and space bending role, the franchise is developing a new entry, with new writer and director Drew Goddard.
Drew, 49, created the Netflix series Daredevil and is also known for his work on Cloverfield and World War Z.
His directorial debut came with 2011’s subversive horror flick The Cabin in the Woods.
There are no concrete plot details to go on for the new movie just yet, but according to Warner Bros., Drew came with his own ideas.
It will “continue” the world already established in The Matrix, the first movie that debuted in 1999.
“Drew came to Warner Bros. with a new idea that we all believe would be an incredible way to continue the Matrix world, by both honoring what Lana and Lilly began over 25 years ago and offering a unique perspective based on his own love of the series and characters,” said Warner Bros. president of production Jesse Ehrman in a press release.
This movie will be the first not to involve the direct creative input of Matrix creators Lana and Lilly Wachowski.
Lana will be on board, however, as an executive producer.
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