Sonic's Back: Composer Tom Holkenborg on 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3'

The Blue Blur is back in a blur of speed and excitement! Collider's Nate Richard recently sat down with renowned composer Tom Holkenborg, also known as Junkie XL, to discuss his latest electrifying score for the highly anticipated *Sonic the Hedgehog 3*. The film, set to hit theaters later this year, sees the return of fan-favorites Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, and Idris Elba, alongside the introduction of Keanu Reeves as the enigmatic Shadow the Hedgehog. Holkenborg, who had just seen the completed film the day prior to the interview, was brimming with enthusiasm for this turbo-charged adventure.

Holkenborg's collaboration with director Tim Miller goes back to their time at Blur Studios, where Miller co-founded the company. Their partnership gained significant traction with the score for *Deadpool

in 2016, a film directed by Miller, showcasing Holkenborg's masterful ability to blend dynamic musical elements with Miller's high-energy and irreverent style. This collaboration continued on *Terminator: Dark Fate* (2019). Through these projects, Holkenborg met Jeff Fowler, the director of the *Sonic* movies.

Speaking about his experience with *Sonic the Hedgehog 3*, Holkenborg shared:

> "Actually, I saw the film for the very first time yesterday. I know what the film is all about. I've been in contact with the director, [Jeff Fowler], which I've also known for a really long time. He used to work with Tim Miller at Blur Studios. With Tim and Jeff, at the time, I did *Deadpool*, and after that *Terminator: Dark Fate*, and then after that, it was the first *Sonic

and then the second *Sonic*, and now it's the third *Sonic*. It's just such an exciting movie. It's just really interesting."

Holkenborg also emphasized the personal significance of sharing his work with his family, especially his young sons who are avid fans of the *Sonic

franchise:

> “I have two young boys, and it's really great for a composer that you can watch a movie that you actually worked on and they're very excited about it. They've seen the first and the second one maybe 20, 30, 40 times. That's how our young kids wanna do it, you know? They wanna watch it again and again and again. So, I'm very excited for them to see this one by the end of the year.”

The third installment of the *Sonic the Hedgehog

series promises to be a thrilling adventure, bringing back beloved characters such as Dr. Robotnik (Carrey), Sonic (Schwartz), and Knuckles (Elba) alongside the enigmatic Shadow (Reeves). This high-octane adventure is sure to enthrall audiences with its action-packed sequences and captivating storyline.

Stay tuned to Collider for further updates on *Sonic the Hedgehog 3

as the release date approaches. This is one film you won't want to miss!