The long-anticipated remake of *Persona 4* appears to be more than just a rumor, as Yuri Lowenthal, the original voice actor for Yosuke Hanamura, confirmed he won't be reprising his role in the upcoming project. Lowenthal, known for his work across several *Persona* titles, shared on BlueSky that he reached out about returning but was ultimately not selected for the remake.
“And for those who keep asking, no, I will not be returning as Yosuke for the Persona 4 remake,” said Lowenthal. “I asked. Maybe I even begged, but they don’t want me to come back.”
While Atlus has yet to officially announce the remake, the statement adds fuel to the growing speculation surrounding the game’s development. We have contacted Sega/Atlus for clarification and confirmation, but no official details have been released at this time.
It's also worth noting that video game actors under SAG-AFTRA remain on strike over concerns regarding AI protections and other unresolved issues. Although Lowenthal is a SAG-AFTRA member, it remains unclear whether the ongoing labor disputes played a role in the casting decisions. The union has continued to push for stronger protections, stating last March that negotiations with the industry were still “frustratingly far apart.”
Despite the lack of an official announcement, rumors of a *Persona 4* remake have persisted for months. Earlier this year, a domain registration discovery reignited excitement among fans, and various leaks have hinted at the project's existence in the past. While most expected official news to come from a major publisher showcase or press event, a former voice actor revealing the remake marks an unusual—but notable—departure from the norm.
Given the recent success of *Persona 3 Reload*, a modernized version of *Persona 4* seems like a logical next step for Atlus. In fact, if history repeats itself, we may hear more during this summer’s wave of gaming announcements, much like how *Persona 3 Reload* was unveiled during Xbox’s Game Showcase in the summer of 2023.
What’s Next for the Persona Series?
For fans eager for more *Persona* content, there's good news ahead. The mobile and PC spin-off *Persona 5: The Phantom X* is set to launch globally on June 26, 2025, offering new gameplay mechanics and storylines for fans of *Persona 5*. It’s an exciting time for the franchise, and with multiple projects seemingly in motion, the future looks bright for Atlus’ iconic RPG series.
