What is the likelihood of a PG-13 Shadow spinoff?
So, the movie is out now! Hooray! And now with that comes the speculation of what happens next.
Now, the leading theory is that we're going to get a Shadow spinoff of some kind, both based off of the extreme popularity of the character, and of the precedent set by the Knuckles show. But while both the movies and the show leaned pretty heavily into the comedic, family friendly aspect of these movies, will a potential Shadow spinoff do the same?
Generally, Shadow was treated pretty seriously in movie 3 for the most part, with him sort of playing the straight man to Sonic, Ivo, and Gerald throughout it all. And I do think the fact that the movie was rated PG did affect the portrayal of Maria's death somewhat, not just that they changed it from her dying from a direct gunshot, but that contrary to the games, we don't see any portrayal of her final words to Shadow. It appears as though the blast immediately killed her, and so Maria having a final wish for Shadow to protect Earth isn't present in the SCU.
So I would assume that a Shadow spinoff would probably take a less comedic approach given the character its centering on, and if they wish to delve deeper into his backstory or his relationship with and grief over Maria. But would they actually be willing to up the age rating on it? Or would they want to keep it PG so the younger audience from the movies would still be able to see it?