Disney has officially given the green light to a Kingdom Hearts anime television series. The show will stream on Disney+ and also air on the Disney Channel. The announcement came during the Disney Entertainment Showcase panel at the D23 fan event in Anaheim, California, on Friday.
Actor Benjamin Bratt made the reveal on stage. He also shared that he will voice his Coco character Ernesto de la Cruz in the upcoming Kingdom Hearts IV video game.
What We Know About the Kingdom Hearts Anime So Far
The series is being developed in partnership with Tetsuya Nomura, the creator of the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise, and the creative team at Square Enix. The show currently has a working title of Kingdom Hearts.
Disney’s official description states that the anime will “reimagine the iconic adventure with a brand-new story 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”. The series will tell a new story set within the existing universe rather than directly adapting the games.
A first-look image was revealed at the event. It appears to feature protagonist Sora and his Keyblade.
Tetsuya Nomura’s Message to Fans
Tetsuya Nomura shared a message with fans on social media after the announcement. He confirmed his direct involvement in the project. He said he has been holding close consultations with the scenario team and the art team. They have even created new character designs specifically for this anime series.
Nomura also teased fans about what to expect. He said the single piece of key art that was released serves as a hint. He encouraged fans to let their “imagination run wild” as they wait for more updates.
“Production of a Kingdom Hearts animated series has been confirmed. I imagine this sudden announcement came as a surprise. You are likely wondering what the series will be about. While I cannot share specific details just yet, I have been holding close consultations with the scenario team—and the art team, when necessary—and we have even created new character designs specifically for this project. I cannot say anything more at this moment, but the single piece of key art released serves as a hint. Please let your imagination run wild as you await further updates.”
What Disney Executives Are Saying
Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family, spoke about the project. She said the series will give fans a new way to experience the world they love.
“Kingdom Hearts has captivated gamers everywhere with its unique blend of adventure and imagination. 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.”
A Massive Franchise with a Huge Fanbase
The Kingdom Hearts franchise began in March 2002 with the first game on PlayStation 2. It is a collaboration between Disney and Square Enix. The games combine Disney characters and settings with original characters and elements created for the series.
Since its debut, the franchise has expanded to include more than a dozen games. As of March 2026, the series has sold over 39 million units worldwide. Square Enix expects sales to grow even more with the release of the Kingdom Hearts Collection [I-II] on October 8, 2026.
This will be the first time the nearly 25-year-old franchise has been adapted into a television series.
Kingdom Hearts IV Gets a Release Window and Coco World
The D23 panel also brought big news for gamers. Kingdom Hearts IV will launch in late 2027. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.
The game will feature a world based on Pixar’s Coco. Benjamin Bratt will reprise his role as Ernesto de la Cruz in the game. A new trailer for the game was also shown at the event.
Series creator Tetsuya Nomura and co-director Tai Yasue appeared on stage to assure fans that development is on track for the late 2027 launch.
What’s Missing: Release Date, Cast, and Episode Count
Disney has not announced a release date for the Kingdom Hearts anime series. There is no release window either. The show is simply described as “coming soon”.
The voice cast has not been revealed. The episode count is also unknown. The animation studio producing the series has not been confirmed.
More details may emerge from the “DEEP DIVE into KINGDOM HEARTS” panel at D23. That panel features guests including Nana Gadd from Disney & Pixar Games, Tai Yasue from Square Enix, Haley Joel Osment (who voices Sora), David Gallagher (who voices Riku), and Renée Johnson (who handles Disney character voices).
Fan Excitement and Social Media Reaction
Fans have been reacting with excitement on social media. Many are celebrating the long-awaited adaptation. Some are already trying to figure out how the anime will fit into the complex Kingdom Hearts timeline.
One fan on X wrote: “A KINGDOM HEARTS ANIME!!? US KH FANS ARE EATING GOOD IN UNDER 5 MINUTES!!”. Another fan shared: “WHAT DO YOU MEAN KINGDOM HEARTS ANIME FROM NOMURA. WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE NOW HAVE TO WATCH A FUCKING DISNEY ANIME TO UNDERSTAND KINGDOM HEARTS LORE”.
The announcement has generated significant buzz across gaming and entertainment communities. Many fans are eager to see how the series will expand the Kingdom Hearts universe.
A Growing Slate of Animated Series on Disney+
The Kingdom Hearts anime joins a growing list of original animated series on Disney+. Upcoming shows include Messi and the Giants, Warrior Cats, and Journey. The platform’s animated lineup also includes Dragon Striker, Phineas and Ferb, and Big City Greens.
Disney is clearly investing in animated content for its streaming platform. The addition of Kingdom Hearts brings a beloved video game franchise to a new medium.
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What This Means for Kingdom Hearts Fans
For fans of the games, this anime represents a new way to experience the world they love. The series will not simply retell the game stories. It will offer a brand-new narrative that expands the existing universe.
The involvement of Tetsuya Nomura and the Square Enix creative team is a strong signal that the show will stay true to the spirit of the games. Fans can expect the same blend of adventure, imagination, and emotional storytelling that has defined the franchise for over two decades.
The Kingdom Hearts anime is currently in development. It will be available on Disney+ and the Disney Channel. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
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