Walt Disney Studios announced at D23 on Friday that a new Kingdom Hearts
anime series is in development for Disney+ and Disney Channel. Developed alongside video game creator Tetsuya Nomura and Square Enix, the adaptation arrives ahead of the late 2027 release window announced for Kingdom Hearts 4.
The video game franchise is expanding to television screens. Disney revealed the upcoming adaptation during the Disney Entertainment Showcase panel at the D23 fan event in Anaheim, where actor Benjamin Bratt broke the news to attendees.
What the Disney+ Anime Adaptation Will Cover
Carrying the working title Kingdom Hearts
, the anime project is being built in close partnership with Square Enix and game creator Tetsuya Nomura. Disney’s official description notes that the series reimagines the iconic adventure with a brand-new story designed to widen the franchise’s scope while highlighting characters familiar to the fanbase.
“that will expand on the universe of Kingdom Hearts while celebrating the characters that have captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world.”
Disney project description, via Deadline
Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family, emphasized the creative opportunity behind bringing the gaming worlds to an episodic format.
“There’s something really exciting about taking a world fans have spent years exploring through the games and bringing it to life in a completely new way. And with a creative team that is working closely with the legendary Tetsuya Nomura, our new series will be unmistakably ‘Kingdom Hearts,’ while giving fans a whole new way to experience the world they love.”
Ayo Davis, President of Disney Kids & Family
Kingdom Hearts 4 Trailer and Late 2027 Release Window
The television series announcement coincided with major updates regarding the core franchise console release. IGN reported that Kingdom Hearts 4 received a new trailer at D23 confirming a late 2027 release window from Square Enix. Benjamin Bratt also disclosed during the panel that he will voice his Coco character, Ernesto de la Cruz, in the upcoming Kingdom Hearts IV video game.
The newly showcased trailer highlights the integration of Pixar’s Coco into the game’s expansive worlds. Square Enix confirmed that Kingdom Hearts 4 gives fans a look at some of the characters that protagonist Sora will meet in the mysterious city of Quadratum. The publisher also verified that the title will launch simultaneously across multiple platforms.
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X and S
- Nintendo Switch 2
Franchise History and Upcoming D23 Panels
The franchise has grown substantially since its debut. Square Enix released the first title in March 2002 for the PlayStation 2. The series has expanded to include more than a dozen games and sold more than 39 million units worldwide.
Fans looking for a deeper look at the development history can tune into the dedicated streaming panel. Disney scheduled its DEEP DIVE into KINGDOM HEARTS panel at D23 for August 15. Featured guests include Nana Gadd from Disney & Pixar Games, Tai Yasue from Square Enix, voice actors Haley Joel Osment (Sora) and David Gallagher (Riku), and voice talent Renée Johnson.
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