WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 shows Shadow (Keanu Reeves) achieving his ultimate form alongside Sonic (Ben Schwartz) in the film’s climactic third act. After unlocking his true power, Shadow undergoes a drastic transformation as he gains white fur and the ability to fly without his hover boots. This new form was cleverly hidden in one of Sonic the Hedgehog 3’s trailers, making it an even more welcome surprise when Shadow unveiled it in the film’s final cut.
Shadow’s white form is one of the biggest Easter Eggs in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, having been a crucial part of his first outing in the Sonic Adventure 2 video game. One may question why Shadow’s fur doesn’t turn golden like Sonic. However, Shadow’s new form doesn’t just distinguish himself from Sonic while they’re both at full power. The white hedgehog that Shadow becomes symbolizes a change in his character thanks to Sonic after their final fight in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Shadow accesses his ultimate form when he harnesses the power of the seven Chaos Emeralds of the Sonic franchise. Just as Sonic regains the Emeralds’ power during his final battle with Shadow, so too does the latter gain their strength and transform into Super Shadow. However, Shadow’s fur understandably turns white instead of gold, as it would be more difficult to tell the two of them apart if Shadow’s fur looked like Sonic’s.
Normal Shadow looks almost exactly like Super Sonic due to their quills curving upward, evoking the image of a burning flame. White fur makes for a more effective contrast between the two hedgehogs in their Super States. Shadow’s fur turns white in his Super State is also the polar opposite of his normal black fur, and best reflects his change of heart, as he chooses to abandon his dark quest for revenge and help Sonic save the Earth from Gerald Robotnik’s (Jim Carrey) Eclipse Cannon with the Emeralds’ power.
However, Shadow gaining blue fur could make for a more repetitive character design, and Super Shadow’s appearance wouldn’t stand out as much. Additionally, the Sonic franchise’s Super States were heavily inspired by the Super Saiyans from Dragon Ball Z, as shown by Sonic and Shadow’s final battle across Earth in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Thus, it makes more sense that Sonic and Shadow look more like the Saiyans’ golden forms when they achieve their full potential.
Shadow’s white fur also symbolizes him letting go of the darkness in his heart, becoming a better version of himself as he saves the Earth from destruction in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, becoming the hero Maria knew he could be.