Fandoms often have a knack for turning a series’ least popular or most ridiculed characters into grand, nefarious masterminds. This is exemplified by the infamous Darth Jar Jar Binks theories from Star Wars. Similarly, in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, fans have fixated on Chadley, a character who, despite his helpful role, has faced significant online scorn.
Chadley appears in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth as a character who assists the protagonist, Cloud, and his team. He often uses a virtual reality headset, allowing players to engage in battles and summon powerful entities like Shiva and Leviathan. Despite his supportive nature, Chadley has been widely criticized by players for various reasons, including his perceived annoyance and the fact that he created a digital girlfriend.
The backlash against Chadley has been intense, with fans mocking him on social media. Some criticize him for being bothersome, while others find humor in his creation of a virtual companion. This combination of irritation and amusement has made Chadley a frequent target for jokes and negative commentary.
Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, has taken these fan theories in stride. He finds the idea that Chadley could be the ultimate antagonist of the game trilogy amusing. Hamaguchi mentioned his enjoyment of these theories during a discussion with voice actors, where they laughed about the speculation that Chadley might be revealed as the final boss.
Hamaguchi’s reaction highlights the often playful and imaginative nature of fan interactions with a game’s universe. Despite the criticism Chadley receives, the director appreciates the creativity and enthusiasm that fans bring to their theories, reflecting a vibrant and engaged community around the Final Fantasy series.
