Keanu Reeves has joined the cast of 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3'

The 'John Wick' star will voice Sonic's nemesis, Shadow

His status as an action hero has been restored in recent years, thanks to the 'John Wick' films - but Keanu Reeves is not below a little family fun.

The 'Matrix' star has joined the cast of the successful 'Sonic the Hedgehog' film franchise, and will voice the character of Shadow in the video game adaptation.

The first two 'Sonic' films, released in 2020 and 2022, were box office hits despite the initial backlash received when footage (later revised) of the character from the first film was revealed.

The third installment in the live action/animation hybrid, which was given a sneak-peek at Comic-Con last week, reportedly sees a depressed Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) finding a new lease of life when he creates Shadow - the nemesis of Sonic who was first debuted in the 2001 game 'Sonic Adventure'.

Jeff Fowler will return to direct 'Sonic 3', which is set for release this December. Ben Schwartz will once again voice the titular blue hedgehog, while James Marsden reprises his role of Sonic's human friend Tom.

Reeves will next be seen on screen, meanwhile, in the Aziz Ansari-directed 'Good Fortune', which sees him play a guardian angel.

'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' hits cinemas on December 20th.