"That's A Big Step For Him": How Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Sees The Titular Hero Grow Explained By Ben Schwartz

Ben Schwartz opens up about the titular hero's evolution in Jeff Fowler's Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The video game franchise’s latest chapter sees Sonic team up with Knuckles (Idris Elba), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), and the reformed Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) to take on the enigmatic Shadow the Hedgehog. While previous films explored Sonic’s journey from a lonely alien to a beloved part of a makeshift family on Earth, his powerful red-striped foe, voiced by John Wick star Keanu Reeves, brings a tragic past that challenges Sonic in unprecedented ways.

In an interview with Screen Rant's own Joe Deckelmeier, Schwartz discussed Sonic’s progression throughout the trilogy, highlighting how Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reflects a significant step in the character’s maturity. As Sonic learns to embrace his role as a leader, the blue speedster must balance his usual quick wit and impulsive nature with the responsibility of guiding his team alongside his adoptive father, Tom (James Marsden). Here's what the actor had to say:

Yeah, I think in the first one, he was kind of a lonely kid looking for a friend, and he found Tom. In the second one, they find their team in Tails, and then eventually Knuckles, and this one, he has a team. I think it's him trying to be a leader, learning when to listen to his heart, when to make decisions, learning when to ask for help.

It's something that I'm not very good at, and Sonic wasn't very good at when to ask for help. And then, I think it's also watching him mature. You kind of see that not only has he been taking so much information from Tom, but he's able to kind of dish it out a little bit, also, and kind of tell from his experience how he can help other people. I think that's a big step for him. A very selfless step for someone who may joke around a lot.

What Sonic's Growth Means For The Franchise

From Speedster To Fearless Leader

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 takes Sonic’s story to a new level, combining its usual thrilling action with meaningful character development. Fowler's third film offers a unique exploration of Sonic’s character by positioning him as a leader for the first time. In the earlier films, Sonic sought companionship and built a team around his newfound father (Marsden) and his anthropomorphic friends, Tails and Knuckles. This time, he must lead his found family through their greatest challenge yet, with Shadow and Ivo's estranged grandfather, Gerald, planning to enact a harrowing revenge against the world.

By doing so, Sonic not only becomes a more complete hero but also learns to balance his own needs with those of his friends. Yet, Schwartz’s comments emphasize how Sonic's relationships shaped the blue hedgehog's development for the better. Rather than relying solely on his speed and humor—much like Schwartz, who has excelled in comedic improvisational projects—Sonic is learning to trust others, delegate responsibility, and approach problems with a more thoughtful perspective. These challenges allow for a richer, more mature portrayal of Sonic while setting the character up for more action in Sonic 4.

Our Take On Sonic's Evolution In Sonic the Hedgehog 3

A Bold Leap For The Blue Blur

The success of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 lies in its ability to push Sonic’s character forward. The blue hedgehog's journey from a lone adventurer to a selfless leader resonated deeply with viewers, leading to the film's impressive 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. By allowing Sonic to grow in meaningful ways without losing Schwartz's trademark humor and charm, the movie strikes a perfect balance that appeals to fans of any age. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 cements Sonic as not only a pop culture icon, but also a fully realized character with heart and depth.