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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteYes. Jeff Fowler, director of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, worked on animation for the Shadow the Hedgehog game while at Blur. In a December 2024 interview, he dated that work to 2004—not 2005, the year the game is commonly identified with. Years later, he said the film brought moments from the game’s cinematics full circle.
What did Jeff Fowler do on the Shadow game?
Fowler said he did animation on Sega’s Shadow the Hedgehog video game during his time at Blur. GamesRadar+ identifies him as part of the game’s CG Movie Production team. That establishes a role in the production of its computer-generated movie sequences, not that he alone created or directed all of the game’s CGI.
The distinction matters because the game’s title and release are associated with 2005, but Fowler’s own account places his work on the project in 2004. The two dates describe different things: his reported work period and the game’s release-era identity.
Did Sonic 3 reference the game’s cinematics?
Fowler told GamesRadar+ that the film incorporated moments from the game into some of its sequences. He also pointed to a direct visual callback: a camera move in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 references one from the game’s opening video. The connection is therefore more specific than a general resemblance—it includes a filmmaking choice Fowler recognized from the earlier project.
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#1 Best Overall
- Collect Shadow from the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie with this 5" action figure featuring detailed sculpting and authentic movie design.
- Features 20+ points of articulation so kids and collectors can recreate epic action poses and dynamic display scenes.
- Part of Wave 1 that includes Sonic, Tails, Shadow, and Ivo Robotnik—each sold separately for full collection potential.
- Durable, poseable, and made for fans of all ages; perfect for movie replays, battle poses, and storytelling adventures.
- Officially licensed Sonic 3 merchandise—perfect for birthdays, holidays, or as a display piece for collectors.
Fowler described the experience as a “full circle” moment: after working on animation for a Shadow game, he returned to the character in a Sonic film as its director. The film stars Keanu Reeves as Shadow’s voice performer, and ILM lists Fowler as the film’s director.
Why the 2004 and 2005 dates are easy to mix up
The original headline’s “2005” points to the game, but it can wrongly imply that Fowler said he was creating its CGI that year. His December 2024 interview instead says he worked on animation for the game in 2004. GamesRadar+ describes his team as CG Movie Production. The careful version is: Fowler worked on the game’s animation in 2004; Shadow the Hedgehog is the 2005 game.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the world's most iconic video game characters of all time. Along with his friends Tails, Knuckles, and Amy, and his rival Shadow, Sonic speeds around the planet to battle injustice and defeat his arch nemesis, the evil Dr. Eggman
- Six-inch scale Shadow the Hedgehog customizable figure is sure to be a hit with collectors and Sonic fans of all ages!
- Mix and match the swappable pieces, including hands and posable wings to build your favorite Shadow presentation.
- 24 points of articulation allow Shadow to be posed in a wide variety of authentic and dynamic poses with the accessory pieces.
- Display your customized masterpiece with pride using the rocky pillar display base.
Rank #4
- Your favorite characters from the Sonic Prime!
- 5” Figure with 12+ points of articulation for posing.
- Highly decorated and detailed
- As seen in the show on Netflix!
- Assortment features Sonic, Shadow, Gnarly Knuckles and Rusty Rose (Each Sold Separately)
Rank #3
- 4-Inch Shadow figure
- 11 points of articulation
- Includes a Red Spring accessory
- Ages 3 and up
- Collect them all!
Rank #2
- 5" figures from Sonic the Hedgehog 3!
- 20+ points of articulation
- Wave 2 features Super Sonic, Shadow, Knuckles, and Chao Mascot Tails
- Suggested for kids ages 3 years and up
- Each sold separately
Sources
- Past Present Feature, December 10, 2024 interview transcript with Fowler, for his account of the 2004 game work and the film’s visual-effects process.
- GamesRadar+, for Fowler’s CG Movie Production team role and comments on carrying game moments and a camera move into the film.
- ILM, for the film’s director and Shadow voice performer credits.
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