Disney is finally bringing “Kingdom Hearts” to the small screen. At its D23 fan event, the studio ordered an anime series based on the hit video game franchise, set to air on Disney+ and Disney Channel.
The project is being developed in partnership with game creator Tetsuya Nomura and developer Square Enix. Per Disney’s description, the series “reimagines 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.”
A first-look image was revealed, featuring franchise protagonist Sora and his trusty Keyblade. No release date has been announced yet.
A Long-Awaited Adaptation
“Kingdom Hearts” debuted on PlayStation 2 in March 2002 and has grown into one of gaming’s biggest franchises, spanning more than a dozen games and selling more than 39 million units worldwide. Fans have spent decades waiting for a proper screen adaptation, so the announcement landed with a jolt on Friday.
The news was revealed by actor Benjamin Bratt during the Disney Entertainment Showcase panel at D23. Bratt, who voices “Coco’s” Ernesto de la Cruz, also announced he’ll reprise the role in the upcoming “Kingdom Hearts IV” video game, set to debut in late 2027 from Square Enix.
“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.” — Disney Kids & Family president Ayo Davis
“Kingdom Hearts” joins a growing slate of new original animated series at Disney+, including “Messi and the Giants,” “Warrior Cats” and “Journey.” Disney Kids & Family president Ayo Davis said the show will be “unmistakably ‘Kingdom Hearts,’ while giving fans a whole new way to experience the world they love.”
Why It Matters
“Kingdom Hearts” is a franchise built on a specific brand of magic — Disney worlds colliding with original characters like Sora, and for years fans have asked why it was never turned into a proper show. This series pairs the game’s original creator, Tetsuya Nomura, with Square Enix, a good sign for fans who worry about adaptations losing their spirit. With “Kingdom Hearts IV” coming in late 2027 and now an anime on the way, the franchise’s most loyal audience finally has a lot to look forward to.
