Lebanese Canadian actor Lee Majdoub is reprising his role as Agent Stone, the sharp-witted right-hand man to Jim Carrey’s Dr. Robotnik, in the highly anticipated Sonic the Hedgehog 3, set to release on December 20, 2024. As Sonic faces new challenges in Green Hills, Majdoub’s character continues to shine as a fan favorite, adding charm and depth to the beloved franchise. Beyond high-energy adventures and dynamic interactions with Knuckles and Tails, Majdoub’s portrayal brings levity to the escalating stakes in Sonic’s journey’s third and final chapter.

Majdoub’s career is as intricate and heartfelt as the characters he brings to life on screen. His path is marked by defining moments, including a poignant encounter with a fan who shared how seeing someone who looked like them on a movie poster profoundly influenced their sense of belonging. Majdoub’s story resonates with humility, determination, and an enduring love for his craft, embodying a compelling narrative of personal and professional discovery.

Finding His Place

“I struggled so much early on in life trying to find what I wanted to do,” Majdoub reflects, describing a pivotal moment in his twenties.

“I wasn’t doing well in school, and I felt completely adrift. One day, one of my sisters suggested I take an acting class, saying I was creative and expressive. It felt like a lifeline.”

He recalls his first acting class vividly:

“Day one, and immediately, I thought, ‘This is where I fit in. I haven’t fit in anywhere my whole life. This is where I belong.’”

That sense of belonging was transformative. For the first time, Majdoub discovered a passion that motivated him entirely.

“With acting, it’s the only thing I’ve ever found that I wake up to do. I rarely need to set an alarm,” he shares.

Lee Majdoub as Agent Stone, Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), Sonic (Ben Schwartz) and Knuckles (Idris Elba) in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 from Paramount Pictures and Sega of America, Inc.

The Craft and Commitment

For Majdoub, embodying a character is a nuanced process that shaped performances such as his role in The 100. He delved deeply into Nelson’s history of displacement, uncovering layers of anger rooted in not belonging. This portrayal made Nelson’s story resonate on a personal and universal level.

“I dig into your background. What makes you who you are? What are your experiences? What are your motivations? What drives you? I try to find similarities between me and the character and how I can click into that. Where’s the joy? Where’s the love? Where’s the pain?” Majdoub explains.

Reflecting on Nelson’s backstory, he shares:

“When I explored his pain and displacement, it reminded me why I love acting. It’s about giving voice and depth to those often overlooked. It’s what keeps me driven to create authentic, heartfelt stories.”

Majdoub’s process often extends beyond the script.

“I started to delve into Nelson’s sexuality—maybe they were in love, not just deep friendship. Oh, he lost the love of his life. Okay, now that’s a deeper loss.”

Representation Matters

Majdoub’s journey transcends personal milestones, as his roles pave the way for greater representation on screen. He recalls a defining moment when a mother shared her child’s reaction to the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 poster.

“When the poster of Agent Stone came out, her kid said, ‘Mommy, that looks like me.’ That moment was so profound—it reminded me why representation matters. It shifted my perspective on my career and the responsibility that comes with it.”

This experience deepened his commitment to seeking roles that inspire and uplift.

“I was always searching for a guide in the industry. Who looks like me? We didn’t really have anybody. To me, it was Jackie Chan, Denzel Washington, Will Smith. Now, hearing that from the newer generation, I realize I’m part of breaking down doors for South Asian, Middle Eastern, and North African representation.”

Working with Legends

Majdoub’s career reached new heights with his role as Agent Stone in the Sonic the Hedgehog movies. Collaborating with Jim Carrey was a masterclass in creativity and teamwork.

“He’s incredible. He’s super committed. He’d come up with ideas, like, ‘Hey, I think Lee should be in that scene with me tomorrow.’ I owe that guy a lot,” Majdoub shares.

The bond extended beyond professionalism, resulting in dynamic scenes that elevated Majdoub’s character.

“I think Stone has to be smart. He chooses to be in the position he’s in because of his loyalty and, in a sense, love for Robotnik,” he explains. “To me, in order for him to be able to work with Robotnik, Robotnik is not just going to keep someone around that’s like a lackey. I think Stone has to be smart in order to pull off the instructions he’s given, build the tech he’s told to build. I think he’s quite efficient with hand-to-hand combat. I think he’s very efficient with firearms. He’s just so committed to that relationship and everything that he’s willing to do and be, like, play second fiddle to Dr. Robotnik.”

Lee Majdoub as Agent Stone and Jim Carrey as Ivo Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 from Paramount Pictures and Sega of America, Inc.

Majdoub also teases exciting developments in Sonic the Hedgehog 3:

“I think they’re going to get to see a little bit more of what he’s capable of. I got to do some pretty cool stuff in this movie. There’s definitely more evolution to the relationship between him and Robotnik. Stone, just in general, is more involved. I got to interact with the animated characters, which he hasn’t really done. If you think about it, in Sonic 1, he never interacted with Sonic. In Sonic 2, he had that brief interaction with Knuckles. In Sonic 3, it’s the first time that he actually meets Sonic and Tails face-to-face.”

Reflecting on the Path

From uncertain beginnings to becoming a celebrated actor, Majdoub emphasizes gratitude for every step of the journey.

“It’s so easy to have tunnel vision. Think about 10-year-old Lee who was watching Ace Ventura, playing these video games. Imagine telling that 10-year-old kid, ‘Hey, dude, check out what’s going to happen.’”

Lee Majdoub as Agent Stone and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) in Sonic The Hedgehog 3 from Paramount Pictures and Sega of America; Inc.

Looking ahead, Majdoub remains dedicated to meaningful storytelling and connecting with audiences.

“I just want to click in with humanity and figure out who’s feeling left out right now,” he shares. This sentiment underlines not only his work but his very being, a beacon for inclusion, empathy, and connection.

Credits:
Photographer: Lauren Grey @laurengreyphotos
Hair/Makeup/Styling: Ashley Young @cherrymakeupandhair