Kingdom Hearts 4 was unveiled a year ago, and it's set to be the boldest continuation of the franchise yet. Seeing protagonist Sora trapped in the new, realistic world of Quadratum, director Testsuya Nomura is finally able to utilize several notable ideas from the past of the prolific games. While Kingdom Hearts 4 may seem to be foregoing much of the branding that previously defined the series, the crossover that defines its franchise wouldn’t be complete without iconic characters from under the Disney umbrella.
A far cry from worlds like Hercules’ Olympus and The Little Mermaid’s Atlantica, Quadratum has actually already appeared, set up at the end of Kingdom Hearts 3. The home of game-within-a-game Verum Rex's Yozora, this recreation of Shibuya has introduced many groundbreaking theories into the community of Kingdom Hearts. With Yozora borrowing elements from the canceled Final Fantasy Versus 13 project that Nomura held dearly, Kingdom Hearts’ new direction seems to combine various visions of the series director into a new form of crossover. There may not seem to be much room for the typical Disney experience in this scenario, but the game’s announcement has already confirmed otherwise.
Donald and Goofy Maintain the Spirit of Kingdom Hearts
The long-time sidekicks of Sora throughout his adventures, Donald and Goofy appear at the very end of Kingdom Hearts 4's reveal trailer in a scene that shows the game's adherence to its series' more light-hearted tone. Likely searching for Sora after his disappearance at the end of the Melody of Memory rhythm game spin-off’s canon story, it’s likely that Mickey is similarly still wandering through Scala ad Caelum despite not being seen since. With at least a year having passed since the ending of Kingdom Hearts 3 and the last tangible appearance of Sora in the timeline of the series, there is no telling what the Disney kingdom has been through in the meantime.
Donald and Goofy’s appearances in the trailer indicate that they will return to find Sora in Quadratum or wherever he ends up, but there is more nuance to their short scene than meets the eye. While Sora and Union Cross' Strelitzia may be presented in Kingdom Hearts 4’s new photorealistic art style, Donald and Goofy seem to have maintained their Kingdom Hearts 3 aesthetic. If Nomura’s interview with Famitsu is anything to go by, this lines up with the concept that Kingdom Hearts 4’s realistic style is actually just the look of the Quadratum specifically. It’s safe to say that Sora’s sidekicks could still get an even newer look if they do end up finding their friend in Shibuya.
Hades and his Underworld's New Presence
A blue flame and unmistakable voice in the darkness could be none other than the sassy god of the dead, Hercules' Hades. Donald and Goofy may seem terrified in a moment of comic relief that ends the trailer, but this scene could have greater significance than it initially appears to bear. As they wander through the dark, Donald states “I wonder where he is.” in a line that most have assumed is referring to Sora himself. Goofy’s next line, however, “I don’t know, but I sure hope he can help.” seems to imply that the “he” the pair are searching for is someone else entirely.
Some fans may have theorized that Hades has to be the one Donald and Goofy were searching for, but the terrified reaction the two have to the god tells a different story. In line with the lore of past games, a memorable ally of Sora's was none other than Final Fantasy 10's Auron. A fan favorite party member despite his brief appearance due to his edgy design and stoic personality as a denizen of the Underworld, Auron has been mostly forgotten throughout the series' heavier focus on Disney and original characters in years since. Some icons of the Disney side of Kingdom Hearts are already confirmed to be returning, but the upcoming title could represent a pivot back into more of Kingdom Hearts' Final Fantasy side.
Kingdom Hearts 4 is currently in development.