'Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth' Director Confirms a Controversial Character Will Appear in Part 3

Final Fantasyfans have been waiting a long time for more news about the upcoming third and final installment in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake Project, and while we still don't have any gameplay or even an official title reveal, the game's director, Naoki Hamaguchi, has confirmed that one of the most divisive characters will be returning.

In an interview with Restart.run, Hamaguchi confirmed that Chadley, the talkative, materia-developing, virtual-combat-simulation-running boy, will be returning for Part 3 and may even play a bigger role than he had in Remake and Rebirth.

When asked if Chadley would become a playable character, Hamaguchi didn't deny the possibility, saying, "We understand that many fans are fond of Chadley. However, whether he's become a playable character is something we're unable to comment on at this time."

Hamaguchi continued, detailing Chadley's role in Part 3, saying, "Chadley will continue to play an important role even in the final installment of the trilogy. His strong curiosity and tendency to talk a bit too much - inherent traits that he's aware of and somewhat self-conscious about - will be further explored in the third game, too."

Judging by these remarks, the team seems to be aware of Chadley's mixed reception among the fanbase. Hamaguchi signed off on the Chadley portion of the interview with, "It'd make me happy if players could warmly follow how Chadley becomes involved in the story and what role he takes in supporting it."

Chadley operates as, essentially, a gameplay function in Remake and Rebirth to provide materia, side quests, and combat challenges to the player, but he has a minor role in the story as well, taking Cloud's side in his mission to take down Shinra and Sephiroth.

It remains to be seen how large Chadley's role will be, or if he will possibly be a playable character, in Part 3 of the trilogy.

The currently unnamed third entry in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy is in development with no official title or release window.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 10:24 PM.