Voice actor Haley Joel Osment shared an Instagram story from a recording studio on November 5, 2025, prompting fans to speculate it could be for Kingdom Hearts IV. The post, captioned 'Back to work,' shows a 'RECORDING' sign but offers no specifics. While Osment has a history of diverse voice work, the timing aligns with ongoing development for the long-awaited sequel.
The Instagram Post
On November 5, 2025, Haley Joel Osment, known for voicing Sora in the Kingdom Hearts series since its PlayStation 2 debut, posted a photo to his Instagram story. The image featured a large red 'RECORDING' sign in what appeared to be a studio, accompanied by the simple caption 'Back to work.' This vague update quickly caught the attention of Kingdom Hearts fans, who have been eagerly awaiting news on the franchise's next installment.
Fan Reactions and Speculation
Social media erupted with excitement and hope. Tweets from fans like Seiph (@seiphcos) declared, 'GUYS GUYS HALEY JOEL OSMENT JUST POSTED THAT HES IN THE RECORDING STUDIO TONIGHT THIS IS NOT A DRILL,' while others, such as @aitaikimochi, expressed 'Kingdom Hearts hopium' with crying emojis. Users like @ProdigyxCD noted Osment's other voice acting roles in Marvel, DC, and Star Wars projects, adding caution: 'This could be for literally anything.' Despite the uncertainty, many prayed it signaled progress on Kingdom Hearts IV, with posts like @thegamersjoint's chain of prayer hands emojis.
Kingdom Hearts IV Background
Kingdom Hearts IV, the first in Square Enix's 'Lost Master' arc, shifts from the 'Dark Seeker Saga' focused on Sora's battles against Master Xehanort. The announcement trailer from about three years ago introduced a new conflict and characters, setting Sora in the realistic world of Quadratum, resembling real-world Japan. Director Tetsuya Nomura recently confirmed development is 'steadily moving forward according to schedule.' However, Square Enix has provided limited updates since the reveal, leaving fans to grasp at crumbs like Osment's post.
While the recording could be for any of Osment's ongoing projects, it highlights the franchise's dedicated community and the anticipation surrounding its progress.