The long-speculated remake of Persona 4 seems increasingly likely as Yuri Lowenthal, the original voice behind Yosuke Hanamura, revealed he will not reprise his role. Lowenthal, who has voiced Yosuke in the original game and various Persona spin-offs, shared on social media that despite his efforts to return, the developers have opted for a different direction.
He mentioned that he inquired multiple times about returning for the Persona 4 remake but was ultimately not invited back. While the studio behind the game, Atlus, has not officially announced the remake, this statement strongly hints that the project is underway.
Industry Context and Ongoing Voice Actor Strike
This news arrives amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, where voice actors are advocating for better protections, including safeguards against AI usage. Lowenthal, a SAG-AFTRA member, has not clarified if the strike influenced the casting decisions. The union continues to negotiate with the gaming industry, with talks described as still being far from resolution.
Growing Evidence of a Persona 4 Remake
Rumors about a Persona 4 remake have been circulating for some time. Earlier this year, the discovery of a related domain name sparked excitement among fans, and various leaks have hinted at the remake’s existence. Despite the lack of official confirmation, the voice actor’s announcement adds substantial weight to these speculations.
Given the positive reception of Persona 3 Reload, a remake of Persona 4 would logically follow, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers. Persona 3 Reload was revealed during the Xbox Game Showcase in mid-2023, suggesting that a Persona 4 remake announcement could be expected in upcoming gaming events this summer.
What’s Next for the Persona Franchise?
While fans await official news on the Persona 4 remake, those craving more Persona content can look forward to the upcoming release of Persona 5: The Phantom X. This mobile and PC spin-off is set to launch on June 26, 2025, expanding the Persona universe further.
With summer approaching, gamers should keep an eye out for announcements and trailers that could confirm the remake and provide more details on what’s next for this beloved series.