A New Chapter for the Iconic Franchise
Disney has officially announced the greenlight for an original anime series based on the long-running video game franchise Kingdom Hearts. The news was revealed during the Disney Entertainment Showcase at the D23 fan event in Anaheim, California, marking a significant expansion for the property beyond the gaming console.
The series, currently operating under the working title Kingdom Hearts, is being developed in close partnership with Square Enix and series creator Tetsuya Nomura. Disney confirmed that the project aims to reimagine the franchise’s well-known narrative, creating a new story that expands upon the existing universe while retaining the core themes that have defined the games since 2002.
Expanding the Kingdom Hearts Universe
Since its debut on the PlayStation 2, the Kingdom Hearts franchise has established a massive global footprint, shipping more than 39 million units across over a dozen titles. Disney Kids & Family president Ayo Davis emphasized that the adaptation is designed to provide a new entry point for audiences, stating that the project will celebrate the characters fans have grown to love while bringing the world to life in a fresh, animated format.
While specific plot details remain scarce, the project is positioned as a key component of Disney’s broader streaming strategy. The series will join a growing slate of original animated content on Disney+, including projects such as Messi and the Giants, Warrior Cats, and Journey, reflecting the platform’s focus on high-adventure storytelling.
Connection to Kingdom Hearts IV
The announcement also provided a bridge to the future of the video game series. During the same D23 panel, actor Benjamin Bratt confirmed his role in Kingdom Hearts IV, which is scheduled for release in late 2027. Bratt will voice his character Ernesto de la Cruz from the Pixar film Coco, confirming the integration of the Coco universe into the upcoming game. This synergy between the television project and the highly anticipated fourth installment suggests that Disney and Square Enix are coordinating their multi-platform strategy to maintain momentum for the franchise heading into 2027.