Keanu Reeves has been cast as the мysterious hedgehog Shadow in the upcoming sequel Sonic the Hedgehog 3, a decision that has been warmly received by Jason Griffith, the voice actor who previously brought Shadow to life in various media.

In a TMZ interview, Griffith, 43, praised the casting of Reeves, calling it “a great choice.” He pointed out that Reeves’ notable roles, such as Ted Theodore Logan, John Wick, and Neo, make him an excellent fit for Shadow.

Griffith had hoped for Reeves’ involvement when various actors’ names were being discussed. He lauded Reeves’ distinctive voice as a perfect match for Shadow’s character.

Although there were rumors about Griffith possibly returning as Shadow, he confirmed he was not approached for the role. Nonetheless, he expressed his appreciation for having voiced the character for many years and welcomed Reeves’ fresh take on the role.

Griffith stressed the importance of embracing change in the entertainment industry and acknowledged that Reeves’ casting would bring notable attention to the film.

He also offered some advice to Reeves, suggesting that he delve into the darker aspects of Shadow’s character while preserving his anti-hero traits.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 features an ensemble cast including Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Idris Elba as Tails, Colleen O’Shaughnessy as Knuckles, James Marsden as Tom Wachowski, Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik, and Krysten Ritter as Captain Rockwell. The film is scheduled to Һit theaters on December 20.