Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined

Twilight (also known as Kingdom Hearts: Twilight in Japan) is a 2021 American computer-animated fantasy film produced by Visual Works and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Directed by Takeshi Nozue and written by Daisuke Watanabe. The film follows Roxas's departure from the Organization and Xion's existence halts Sora's progression of regaining his memories to fully awaken while in his Memory Pod, something which Naminé, DiZ, and Riku recognize.

It is based around the events depicted in the game, but the lore is elaborated upon, with many inclusions of and references made to elements that appeared and a few differences. David Gallagher reprise his role as the titular character from the video game series.

Synopsis
It focuses on the life of Roxas's creation until his confrontation with Riku that leads to his placement in the simulated Twilight Town.

Plot
Three years later, feeling lonely, Roxas suggests that he, Axel and Xion all spend time together, and the three become close friends, eventually including Xion on their trips to the clock tower. However, Roxas begins experiencing Sora's memories and grows frustrated when his questions about them go unanswered, becoming increasingly curious about why he wields the Keyblade and doubtful of the Organization's motives.

Meanwhile, Sora, who is still sleeping, is moved from Castle Oblivion to Twilight Town by DiZ and Naminé, who are overseeing the restoration of his memories. Xion also has a confrontation with Riku, who brings her identity and the authenticity of her Keyblade into question and suggests she leave the Organization to merge with her original self. Xion, however, is torn between doing so and staying with Roxas and Axel.

Eventually Xion discovers that she is an imperfect replica of Sora created by Xemnas from Sora's leaking memories should Sora, who Xemnas intends to use as part of the Organization's plans, turn out to be of no use. Her resemblance to Kairi is a result of Sora's strong memories of her; however, as Naminé attempts to restore Sora's memories, they affect Xion instead to the point where she begins to physically resemble Sora. Upon learning this, Xion becomes deeply confused and lost and leaves Organization XIII, desiring to become a true person, but also having a falling out with Roxas and Axel.

During a 'seek-and-capture' mission, Xigbar and Axel find Xion in Wonderland. As Xigbar prepares to fight her, he sees the appearance of Ventus. Suddenly, while Xigbar is distracted, Xion disappears and takes down Xigbar easily. Axel questions what has just happened before his eyes. Later, Roxas defects from Organization XIII to find himself, much to Axel's chagrin.

Upon being reprogrammed by Xemnas, Xion attempts to absorb Roxas and become whole, though this would mean the real Sora will never awaken. She confronts him on the clock tower, where she reveals she has Sora's face. However, Roxas battles and defeats Xion, whose body begins to crystallize, and he begins to forget who she is. Xion pleads for Roxas to set Kingdom Hearts free and stop Xemnas's plans. Just before she dies, Roxas is able to remember how they always ate ice cream together, a symbol of their friendship. Xion then dies peacefully in Roxas's arms. She completely crystallizes and turns into a blinding light, as the memories she has absorbed go back to Sora. She leaves nothing but a single thalassa shell behind, as tears run down Roxas's face. Roxas inherits Xion's Keyblade, allowing him to use two Keyblades at once.

Soon afterward, he encounters and battles Riku, who had been dispatched by DiZ to capture him so that he may merge with Sora and complete the restoration of his memories. When Riku is nearly defeated, he taps into the growing darkness in his heart, granting him the power necessary to subdue Roxas, but also giving him the appearance of Ansem, Seeker of Darkness, who resides in his heart. Riku subsequently brings the unconscious Roxas to DiZ, who digitizes and places him into a virtual Twilight Town. Roxas wakes up in his bed in the virtual town after having another dream about Sora, his memories altered by DiZ to forget his time with Organization XIII. He changes clothes and runs outside to the Usual Spot, during Roxas's summer vacation with his virtual friends Hayner, Pence and Olette. After obtaining the Keyblade to defend himself from strange white creatures, Roxas comes in contact with Axel. Axel appears to know Roxas, though Roxas has no recollection of him. Axel pleads with the Organization to not have to kill Roxas, but is threatened to comply.

Roxas eventually makes his way into an abandoned mansion where Naminé informs him that he is a Nobody, like the strange white creatures, although he doesn't understand at the time. Finally, confronted by DiZ, Roxas discovers Sora, Donald, and Goofy sleeping in the hidden basement of the mansion, where they have been regaining their memories since their last adventure three years ago. Roxas merges with Sora, and Sora finally awakens, alongside his friends.

In a mid-credits scene, Riku lets Axel and Naminé leave at Sunset Hill.

Cast

 * Jesse McCartney as Roxas
 * Quinton Flynn as Axel
 * Daveigh Chase as Xion
 * David Gallagher as Riku
 * Bret Iwan as Mickey Mouse
 * Meaghan Martin as Naminé
 * Corey Burton as DIZ
 * Dorian Harewood as Xemnas
 * James Patrick Stuart as Xigbar
 * Crispin Freeman as Saïx
 * Robin Atkin Downes as Luxord
 * David Dayan Fisher as Xaldin
 * Ryan O'Donohue as Demyx
 * Zachary Gordon as Hayner
 * Tristan Chase as Pence
 * Ashley Boettcher as Olette

Development
On December 12, 2018, it was announced that the film would be called Memories along with another film,Twilight and would also be based on Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories and 358/2 Days. It was announced that Daisuke Watanabe would co-wrote the screenplay.

Release
Twilight was originally scheduled to be released on February 12, 2021, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was pushed back to March 19, 2021. This was later advanced one month to April 23, 2021, with a simultaneous release on the streaming service Disney+, via paid purchase through its "Premiere Access" service.

Home Media
Twilight was released on Digital HD by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on June 3, 2021, with DVD, Blu-ray, and Ultra HD Blu-ray releases set to follow on July 19, 2021.