INSANE FF7 Remake Theory: Zack's Legacy, Digital Lifestream & INTERmission Ending Explained 

Your theories were and always will be the best of them all for me. I'd listen to you for hours, so as far as I'm concerned don't worry about the video length. Just keep doing what you do! :D

“I’m definitely over my allotted time” Me: nah keep goin!

When Zack opens the door and and shouts ; "I'm back " , is he alive ? Because nobody reakts , nobody looks up.....

Ya mans got the keyblade let's Goooo

Bro!....I can't say it enough... I LOVE this idea/theory! It cleans up the how and why and incorporates the lore and core elements of how this universe works instead of the use of 'timeline' terminology. It even lines up and meshes so well with Max Dood's theories on what will happen. So Proud of you on this theory and these last two videos have been my favorite from you. My new headcannon for Zack lol! Keep killin it bro and Shine On!

I love and deeply appreciate your long thorny videos! My favourite videos to watch on RU-vid.

Always fun to hear your break down. You have never made a video that was “too long”. Keep up the great work!

Never feel bad for making quality content pez you are easily the best ff RU-vidr and many agree with what im saying here keep up the good work

Got to get caught up on the theories lol. Keep up the great work Pez.

Really enjoy your theory vids, man! Been a longtime lurking subscriber, but wanted to break the silence to let you know. Regardless of whatever SE ends up doing, it's so much fun to listen to your take on what they've presented thus far. This space to let your imagination wander is one of the best things Remake has given its audience. Looking forward to more content! If people are truly invested, they'll stick around for these vids, no matter their length. It's clear you enjoy what you do, and as long as that continues, that's what's important! Thanks!!

This is your best, juiciest take yet Pez

Before Intermission, I thought Zack was in a cyclical timeline, like old Captain America in Endgame, but now... instead of Captain America, I think Zack will represent more of a Gandalf kinda role. I definitely agree that it was the planet (whispers) that saved Zack, messing with the Shinra troops, and I also agree that the singularity rewrote minor events throughout reality. I think that the convergence, that many people are waiting for, might've already happened. I think when Zack passed Aerith on the way to Midgar, I think that was the timelines converging, rewriting bits of history, and forming a "sacred" timeline. Basically from the Singularity exploding, all the gold glitters falling, to Zack making it to Midgar, while the main party is making it to Kalm, was when this convergence took place. Also, makes me think that Zack's Cloud probably just "disappeared" or ceased to exist after Zack dropped him off somewhere safe, before heading to the church, which is why Aerith isn't at the church either, because the timelines finished merging at that point. My final theory is that because Zack will have some sorta Gandalf like role, as in being saved by the planet to finish his new role in this journey, he will have more connection to the lifestream and spirits, just without the knowledge of it at first. I think the people in the church might've actually been spirits of the dead. None of them react to Zack at all, but Zack can see all of them. Everything is very eerie about that scene, and the white that always flashes with Zack scenes sorta signify a rebirth like with Gandalf. I think Zack can experience stuff in almost an astral realm of sorts, where even though he survived this time, he was originally meant to die, and it was the planet that brought him back to life in a last ditch effort against Sephiroth.

Bro, I will lsiten to you for 5 hours as long as you keep the quality at this level. Great theorycrafting.

The memory stuff makes far more sense over the timeline stuff purely from a mechanics of the FFVII world perspective. All the other stuff like Zack being alive or dead or Aerith dying and joining him is just speculation at this point.

I just gotta say I really just enjoy your content long or short. I like to listen to your long form videos while I work since I don't have to keep going on my phone to switch it up but anyways keep doing what your doing brotha! This video seriously got my raising an eyebrow right now! Super interesting 👌

I'm so glad you mentioned the cross lmao I was literally SCREAMING it at you on the livestream and I dont think you saw 😂😂

This is mindblowing stuff. Max has to see this.

I nearly teared up at the idea of a Aerith and Zach reunion as guardians of the stream... Really glad to have found your videos recently! You're becoming the one precious Rafiki of FF7 to me while waiting for future installments

"I'll be doing this in 5min." Pauses video and see's a 19min video 🤣🤣 Fuck the short video, personally love your long content

as someone who been following you since the build up to FF15 i sure do love the long videos.

This was a blast to watch Pez, your content is always funny and always good to enjoy long or short 😎 this theory definitely has me thinking and I can definitely see Square Enix doing something similar to keep everything the way it is with Zack being in the lifestream and what not.

Zack won't be in lifestream. There's no way they would have him winning against Shinra army just to throw him back into lifestream. The devs already confirmed his survival. Not to mention there's also a Cloud Zack is carrying who would have to be in lifestream as well

Bow wow wow bow wow wow he’s a good boy that never stops

You're good man. Let yourself go with them theories. I listen to you more than ive ever listened to any lecture in school.

I would listen to your FF7R theory rambles all day

This is the only “multiverse” theory of FFVIIR i actually consider as a possibility. It’s flawless and very well thought of, shows consideration for every aspect to avoid any logical plot holes. I for one believed in a similarly based but more simple theory of one reality history being changed or altered. My theory is also based on reality in Gaia being formed by memories stored in lifestream. I believe that lifestream is the VII planet’s thematic version of mother crystal, a fully conscious and intelligent ultimate entity…the true “god” of Final Fantasy VII universe. But, instead of seeing the arbiter’s existence on both VIIR final battle and Zack’s Crisis Core final battle as the result of Sephiroth’s attempt at aligning the two different moment on two different realities…my theory is on the arbiter’s nature of being a singularity that exist outside of the confinement of time and space. So, basically, my theory is that by beating the singular entity called arbiter, the party is effectively undoing everything the arbiter ever do in every part of the reality, whether it’s the past, the present, and the future. The concept is that the singular arbiter from outside of the confinment of time and space is sending it’s tentacles to every part of the reality (past, present, and future) at the same time. So, anyone beating and stopping it at anytime will effectively undoing all it ever do in the past like it never happened. It’s of course part of Sephiroth’s plan, since the arbiter is the only one that have control over lifestream that he currently seeking after. Sephiroth basically pitted both Cloud and the arbiter against each other, because he knows whichever wins benefits him. If Cloud win, he can then took over lifestream manipulation and virtually become a god of space and time, shaping reality to his will. If the arbiter wins, then he doesn’t have to worry about Cloud anymore, and he can always tried to beat the arbiter himself. I’m sure though, that he expects Cloud to win, because the arbiter can’t kill Cloud and keep the history unchanging at the same time…they won’t try to actually kill Cloud. So, my theory is that Zack, Biggs, and Wedge survival is on the same reality as VIIR Cloud. The history is altered, and the ending scene of part 1 where we see past Zack and past Cloud passing present Cloud and Aerith, is a visualization of Aerith’s and Cloud’s memory of Zack’s history being altered from “Zack is dead” to “Zack is alive and hiding somewhere”…of course it’s also possible that Zack still end up died again sometime between his church ending to VII/VIIR beginning.

I'm loving this free thinking kind of content. Give us more Pez!

From the moment I watched your Loveless video, I was invested in your theories. I like how you incorporate even the symbolisms and parallels in the lore (particularly in CC) to your headcanons. It's unfortunate that some people simply focus on what's happening at face value and ignore the deeper, symbolic parts of FF7. That said, "inspiring headcanons"- that I wholeheartedly agree. It's really nice to share theories to fellow fans, build ideas on it together, and make something more out of the game we play. Keep up the good work, sir. 🤗

I think if you put restrictions on time or talking points, such as what you did here, it makes a far more compelling, memorable video. I really liked this a lot.

Your lifestream theory’s the only one that makes sense to me. I was confused by multiple timelines for the longest time cuz I was like, “why? And how many timelines?” But it makes so much sense that to vanquish seph and jenova you have to do it on the surface and in the life stream itself. Cloud’s the planet and aerith’s champion on the surface and zack’s the same in the life stream. LOVE ur vids pez. Keep them as long ya like!

Nicely done.

Now THIS is a theory I can stand behind. This theory just reeks of FFVII lore greatness. I have never been a fan of the time travel/alternate timeline stuff. Awesome video Pez!

The juiciness is strong with this theory! It's juicy AF! Definitely the best one I've heard so far.

I'll need to watch this video again when I wake up properly. It blew my mind too much ;)

You know, as absolutely amazing as this sounds and I want it to play out this way, I just don't have the faith in Square Enix to pull something like this off. I feel that most likely the subtle differences between Remake Midgar and OG Midgar are accidental and happened because of different artists working on it or something? Idk, I just don't wanna keep my hopes up in Square Enix anymore. :D

What I think? I think that your theories are, by far, the best and deepest ones. Though they may not end up being the official version, they are absolutely the best ones. Thank you very much for such brilliant thinking!

Such a cool take on it. Love this theory

I’m so glad we got you pez because I don’t know what the hell is going on 😂 love it though. And also love your videos streams and theories. I’d happily watch an hour + theory they are good to listen too when I’m doing work ❤️

I am loving all the non-multiverse theories popping up lately. I've been on that line of thought since launch and it's really interesting to hear people start to get excited about the possibility of one timeline and how that could work.

Both long and short is good pez. I'll listen to both! Love the meme vid

I love your videos. Preordered it for ps5. So I've had it but finally got a ps5 this week and finished the dlc last night

Long form is always better especially for topics you’re discussing. I enjoy listening to em while I work so the longer the better.

Man, never stop rambling I love it so much! A day we get a release from FFP is a good day.

Yo that's crazy you might be on to somting interesting hire, it dose make sence well done

we appreciate your perspective, man, and come to you when we ourselves need something more than surface level dissecting from other youtubers. i also came to the conclusion that zack is actually in the lifestream and this vid just affirms it. thanks for everything you do

You should hear Max on easy allies talking theories on intermission

Personally I love the long theory vids, but do what you gotta do for that sweet sweet coin my dude.

Saw the full one, and now gotta watch the resume to consolidate everything in my 1 cell brain 😂

personally i believe that midgar became the focal point for a paradox when fate got its butt whooped. so im expecting zack to have literally walked into a new timeline by arriving at midgar possibly as meteor fell point in time. Another reason i believe this is that the fate shenanigans prior to clod and co walking through the portal appeared to zack in a prior part of the timeline line suggesting the event could been seen all across time itself by those touched by clod and/or aerith in some way. it took both of them meeting for the ghosts to become visible and from that point they could only be seen by people that came into contact with either of them physically, which explains why rufus could see it to some extent. I think this based on the fact that after the arbiter got yeeted we see meteor appear, which is when chadiroth pops up and appears to absorb both it and the remnants of himself and the arbiter (the remnants being the loz, yazoo, and kadaj mobs). i believe in the next installment we will see some major reshuffling of events as the timeline reshuffles to compensate for the paradox of chad eating meteor and zack surviving.

This theory made the most sense to me out of all. Especially that the original idea and concept of FFVII by Hironobu Sakaguchi is about identity and VIIR's theme is all about memories-ish, which coincides with identity AND it seems to be what Sephy is doing in VIIR. The kind of big giveaway-ish at that is the white light behind Zack when he opened the church, and throughout the compilation, the bright light always signifies death or "in the life stream" type of thing. Or that it means symbolizes the death or life stream of things in the world of VII. My into the future question for this is.. will this trigger the Genesis from OG or will it trigger the Genesis in VIIR? Out of all, I think he's the only de facto character who I think shouldn't be able to be affected by Sephy's shenanigan, but that's just me wanting Genesis back! xD

I don't even know how you work this stuff out but OMG. All I can think now is, Tifa didn't nurse Cloud back to health, he did only just arrive days ago, the glitter events did occur at different points in the timeline... and not once yet has Cloud mentioned that Zack is actually dead!!! These things are all facts! So it would be easy to believe that they are actually on the same time line except for Stamp!! Stamp is definitely throwing us around. And Zack doesn't even get revealed as a character until very late in the game thanks to Cloud's wonky memory - they could have us in suspense for nearly the whole time if they wish.

Best theory, makes the most sense. I also wonder if that scene where Aerith looks up at the end of CC and the end of Intermission is connected!

Too video as always bro 💪🏽👊🏽

Mister Fantastic would be proud on how the fans can over - stretch theories lmao

Time will tell. But I'm open to all theories and loving each one.

Just noticed the scruffy stamp is 4 🌟 and the stamp carrying the other dog is 5 🌟. I wonder hmmm...

After just finishing the 53 min version - hearing Pez say he was going to try and do it in 5 mins I was thinking “whoa whoa whoa there’s too much!” 😂 It would be a fun game to have a condensed version of every long form video to see how short you could get them Pez!

this is a very amazing theory. Another zack mission or chance in the purgatory or anther lifestream, where this can explain how zack will help in the holy. whiel the kids can be also a somewhat explanation of angeal club though but that is some kind of a hidden taunt for zack memetic legacy. And the puppy theory about zack can be also solidify for his trait is like stamp and how angeal calls zack a ever restless puppy? or a puppy in one of the memory flash back every time we hit the DMW in final fantasy crisis core. For the materia part is well, I still think up to this day the materia is somewhat the essence of the soul... the talent or the skill achieve of that dead person compiled in to spherical shape where that sphere contains all the similar traits or talent of a person. Example the assaults' materia is from a disease fighter who master a lot of sword technique compiled with other peoples talent. But still the materia are from some kind of ores and stone too. And for explaining the summon this can involve the essence of the disease guardian which are living in the life stream then collected that essence and brew or crystalize it into a spherical shape ball.

I think its amazing how this remake has been able to create so much speculation. I remmeber at first before the game came out the speculation was about if censorship would effect the game or not and if so to what degree. Now were in a place where almost everything is up for speculation.

I wonder why Zach doesn’t have any materia and hope they haven’t gone completely mad And put him in a different dimension where sephiroth Has done something where materia never existed Like a final fantasy what if.

So have I convinced ya that the puppy is still dead? Or do you have other thoughts on the deal with Zack? Kinda funny, I've never been this excited for a character I love to still be brown bread lmao! I think my main appeal is considering the idea that Zack could be sowing a hero memetic into the lifestream and FF7R is a transition from hunting the elusive villain of humanity to finding the hero in them. How that ties with LOVELESS and all the understanding built around the hero by CC, Genesis, Angeal etc. How it links with home, technology, corruption, sacrifice, death. It all feels like a beautiful tie and while Square will probably still catch me by surprise, I think we are creeping closer to identifying the main themes and symbols of the saga. And boy do I appreciate how well thought out they are. Loving this journey!

I think that would be a great storyline and your theory sounds amazing. As you said. It would be great if remake ties everything together. From the memories in the life stream to Sephiroth and Jenovas attempt to finally conquer the planet. And the homage to the original FF7 would be just as amazing if that makes up a portion of the lifestream that they need to corrupt. "Rewriting" the planets memory of Sephiroth and a Jenovas loss. It is a tall order but could be an amazing payoff if done well.

I'm gonna need long form Peasant. That was a lot. But it wasn't enough.

Nice one pez

Cool theory

I wonder if Sephiroth really want to take over Cloud's body. Because at the edge of creation, he defeated Cloud without a sweat. In Shinra's building, he killed Barret on a whim. So, if he want to take over Cloud, it is too easy for him. However, he keeps encouraging Cloud to get stronger and asked for his help. The only problem is "Which" Sephiroth (as in Ultimania).

Pez is so into this that he's glowing green!

Hear me out guys! Imagine part 2 ending at where Aerith dies and Sephiroth/Jenova is controlling Cloud trying to get him to strike Aerith but he tries his best to resist, the rest of the party got KO:ed or stuck somewhere and cant help Cloud but they can see everything but cant do anything to help. Then Sephiroth/Jenova loses patience and dives down from the air to impale Aerith like in the original and it goes all slow-mo with camera cutting to all characters faces in shock. Then suddenly the camera cuts to someones boots running superquick and jumping to the altar, pushing/kicking Cloud back and the camera goes in to 1st person mode where Cloud reaches to Aerith and yelling her name while falling down in slow-mo. But get this, at the same time he also sees the mysterious hooded figure with a Buster Sword on the back holding the hilt and jumping towards Sephiroth. Then the game cuts to black and the credits roll with half a minute of silence and then the holllow theme kicks in, ending on a epic cliffhanger where anything can happen.

Pez: Imma do a short, tick tok style theory video... 20 mins lol. To be fair, that is pretty short for Pez. I only feel partially satiated with a 20 min video lol.

Absolutely bang on, I've seen and watched many theories regarding the FF7 remake, but this is more believable and very spot on to how I felt about Zack and having multiple timelines entwined, everyone's memories have collided and these people that have died have become ghostly entities ect or Jenova has corrupted the life stream that much not only does she control what's left of Sephiroth but everything in the life stream, these spirits have broken free and made a way to Aerith and her church as it's a pure area of the planet, maybe I'm wrong

I think this would be a good way to do it, it even gives Zack a bigger part which is nice but not changing his story and shows us how Aerith/Zack convinced the planet to help save the characters from meteor

You are right your theory is actually the simplest "timeline" idea. People often don't think through their, "Its an alternate timeline that will merge." So they don't realize all the nending pver backwards the narrative needs to do to make it work.

Zack fighting from the soul side and Cloud fight from the physical side gives me the Sora fight on from the realm of light and Riku fighting from the realm of darkness vibes and that’d be dope as hell to see both sides Peziolis I am so down for this man!!

I'd like to see the next one as the heroes being in a new timeline and by halfway in the game they realize that in this timeline the events will end significantly worse than in OG. The next half would be getting back to the original timeline. They could do it in a way where we hit all the OG places we need to see, while experiencing a new challenge

That would also be something more to clouds line let’s go see here at the end if he knew Zack and aerith were waiting he would have wanted to see her happy with Zack as he has settled his heart with tifa as she was there by his side so that’d be a nice way to put a spin on all of the original games as well

i have a question,,,,,when zack opens the church doors and sees the refugees,,he then is looking at the flower bed and there is someone standing there facing him... who do you think that is?????

Imagine the implications of this as Zack meets people. Like the other avalache members, Cissnei, Biggs?

Pez: I'll do this in 5 minutes. Me: sees 20 minute video. -downloads video then plays it in x4 speed. Me: 5 minutes! You did it!

Did Pez play intermission and can someone link me to it, thanks?

Do you have a theory for where cloud was when Zack arrived at the church?

If Zack's still dead then why was he shown surviving the Shinra army on the cliff?

Dyne Avalanche Zack are all potentially going to live now cool

I like that Zack empowers others through the lifestream. Remember one criticism was how could Cloud and Co be so powerful against sephiroth slicing building etc. What was Zack doing during this time due to the cutscenes we saw? He was fighting for his life! Maybe his power geostigma'd into the guys.

2:23 HOLY SHIT my brain is melting already

If Sephiroth wants to control Cloud and Cloud fails to stop him, is that why Zack was revived? The fates/gods as they were dying could’ve brought back Zack bc Zack is the only one with capabilities similar to Cloud. I’m not sure if Zack is in the livestream yet.

I love this

Interesante 🤔 Pez my friend good theory but I still believe that nomura is kidding us because this part of zack might be earlier because he's putting the games together so this part might be from the mobile phone game (the Aerith kidnapping part) because the difference of the churches, but I'll tell you loves your theories shea They're very good let's wait and see if it's going to be really badass

Both videos were good

Mate, I pray this is true. So much better than multiple timelines. You clever, clever bastard

Chadely will take on a role similar to the dogs from ff15 sending notes between Zack and arieth? Thoughts?

Such a fantastic theory Pez, if this isn't what's actually happening I will honestly be disappointed. I LOVE THIS SO MUCH, it's bringing so much emotions, why is Remake so incredible? Be sure to keep doing the full length pez juiciness though, those are best.

I love the rambling though it could be 2 hours and I will still watch

The little boy in the blue hat in the Zack church scene is the same little boy riding his bike to the playground in the intro of the game. The playground they were at was on the sector 5 plate. Zack is not in the lifestream.

Genius🤭💜

The digital life stream has to be spot on

I never considered the cross thing meaning Zack was in the lifestream 🤯 but I wonder, why is there a Cloud with Zack then? How would you explain that? 🤔

Bow wow wow!!!

LETS GOOO

7:10 Pez beating up Sephiroth with his keyblade XD

But what about the theory that Midgar is one big vr simulator and Chadley is orchestrating it?