WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.Sonic the Hedgehog 3's trailers, making it an even more welcome surprise when Shadow unveiled it in the film's final cut.

Shadow's white form is one of the final fight in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Shadow Turns White When He In His Super Shadow Form

Shadow Achieves A Unique Form That Stands Out From Super Sonic

Shadow accesses his ultimate form when he harnesses the power of the seven Chaos Emeralds of the Sonic franchise. Just as Sonic regains the Emeralds' power during his final battle with Shadow, so too does the latter gain their strength and transform into Super Shadow. However, Shadow's fur understandably turns white instead of gold, as it would be more difficult to tell the two of them apart if Shadow's fur looked like Sonic's.

Normal Shadow looks almost exactly like Super Sonic due to their quills curving upward, evoking the image of a burning flame. White fur makes for a more effective contrast between the two hedgehogs in their Super States. Shadow's fur turns white in his Super State is also the polar opposite of his normal black fur, and best reflects his change of heart, as he chooses to abandon his dark quest for revenge and help Sonic save the Earth from Gerald Robotnik's (Jim Carrey) Eclipse Cannon with the Emeralds' power.

Why Shadow Doesn't Turn Blue Like Sonic

Shadow's Super State Works Better With White Fur

Giving Shadow blue fur in his Super State may seem like a good idea; the Ultimate Life Form appearing more like his blue counterpart would make for a more drastic transformation that conveys his change in power. It would also reflect how Shadow has become more righteous like Sonic, as he chooses to follow the latter's example by rejecting the path of vengeance and fighting to protect humanity at the end of the film.

However, Shadow gaining blue fur could make for a more repetitive character design, and Super Shadow's appearance wouldn't stand out as much. Additionally, the Sonic franchise's Super States were heavily inspired by the Super Saiyans from Dragon Ball Z, as shown by Sonic and Shadow's final battle across Earth in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Thus, it makes more sense that Sonic and Shadow look more like the Saiyans' golden forms when they achieve their full potential.

Shadow's white fur also symbolizes him letting go of the darkness in his heart, becoming a better version of himself as he saves the Earth from destruction in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, becoming the hero Maria knew he could be.

Shadow's white fur in his Super State effectively contrasts with his original form and the appearance of his enemy-turned-friend Sonic. It distinguishes Shadow from his counterpart while staying close to the traditional Super Sonic design. Shadow's white fur also symbolizes him letting go of the darkness in his heart, transforming into a better version of himself as he saves the Earth from destruction in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, becoming the hero Maria (Alyla Browne) knew he could be.