Kingdom Hearts 4: Unveiling the Epic Disney Movie Revival You Never Saw Coming

Highlights

Kingdom Hearts 4 is on the way, and fans are curious about the next Disney settings that protagonist Sora will explore.

Raya and the Last Dragon is an ideal addition to Kingdom Hearts 4, seamlessly blending into the game's art style and concepts. It effortlessly combines recognizable visuals with distinct features, making it a captivating and fitting choice.

Kingdom Hearts 4 was officially announced by Square Enix in mid-2022, three years after the release of its predecessor. Despite the controversial ending of Kingdom Hearts 3, an after-credit scene hinted at future developments. With the confirmation of the fourth game, it raises the question of which Disney settings Square Enix will explore with their protagonist, Sora.

There are arguments suggesting that Kingdom Hearts 4 should feature new Disney properties rather than older ones. In the third game, Sora and his companions interacted with characters from Pixar and other iconic Disney films, expanding the universe. One Disney movie that has been underrated and could benefit from renewed interest is Raya and the Last Dragon.

Why Raya and the Last Dragon Remains Underappreciated

Released in March 2021, Raya and the Last Dragon received positive reviews from critics. Starring Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan, Benedict Wong, and other notable actors of East Asian descent, the film suffered from being released during a time overshadowed by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Similar to many other movies, Raya and the Last Dragon faced delays and had to adapt to the changing landscape. In response, Disney introduced its streaming service, Disney Plus, where they released several animated films in 2020. As the pandemic persisted, the company decided to adopt a hybrid approach, simultaneously releasing some films in theaters and on Disney Plus through their Premier Access subscription. One notable example of this approach is the simultaneous release of Black Widow.

Why Raya and the Last Dragon Would Make a Perfect Kingdom Hearts 4 World

An unfortunate consequence of this is that many of the films released in this manner failed to make a significant cultural impact upon their release. Films such as Soul, Onward, and Luca may have been well-received by critics and enjoyed by their audiences, but they did not generate much discussion or lasting presence in popular culture. Raya and the Last Dragon exemplifies a film that has fallen into this category, and inclusion in Kingdom Hearts 4 would provide it with the recognition it truly deserves.

The heart and soul of the Kingdom Hearts games lie in its Disney Worlds, which serve as the ultimate escapade for players, allowing them to immerse themselves in the enchanting tales of their beloved movies. With Disney's vast repertoire, every world brings forth a distinctive ambiance while seamlessly blending into a unified universe. Raya and the Last Dragon effortlessly falls into this remarkable category.

Raya and the Last Dragon blends seamlessly with the vibrant aesthetic of 3D Disney Animation. Its captivating visuals offer players a sense of familiarity, while also embracing the unique South East Asian cultural backdrop. Drawing parallels with Kingdom Hearts, the film's overarching tale centers around the transformative power of friendship and trust to triumph over a malevolent force, aligning perfectly with the franchise's core themes. Moreover, the film's primary antagonists, the Druun, bear resemblances to the Heartless, making a seamless integration feasible. The diverse and compelling ensemble cast of characters would breathe new life into Sora's entourage, preventing stagnation within the lineup.

As of now, Square Enix's plans for the highly-anticipated sequel remain shrouded in mystery. Speculations indicate that Kingdom Hearts 4 might feature a reduced number of Disney Worlds to accommodate enhanced graphics, although confirmations and details surrounding this upcoming project remain scarce. However, it is highly probable that the game will showcase worlds inspired by newer Disney ventures, as the company would likely desire to highlight them. In such a scenario, Raya and the Last Dragon deserves a spotlight alongside Kingdom Hearts 4, as it richly deserves inclusion in this exhilarating crossover.

Kingdom Hearts 4 is currently in development by Square Enix.