A new animated series based on the popular video game franchise Kingdom Hearts is set to premiere, Disney revealed at the D23 Entertainment Showcase on Friday. The series, which will air on Disney Channel and Disney+, marks a fresh format for the franchise best known for its video games. The announcement was made by Benjamin Bratt, who voices a character in the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 4 game.
A Unique Adaptation
The series, currently known by the working title Kingdom Hearts, is being developed in collaboration with Tetsuya Nomura, the creator of the series, along with the Square Enix creative team. Rather than retelling the existing game stories, it will explore new narratives within the Kingdom Hearts universe. A preview image featuring the protagonist Sora and his iconic Keyblade was displayed, although details like casting, episode count, and an official release date remain undisclosed.
Disney’s Vision for the Series
Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family, expressed that the series will maintain the essence of Kingdom Hearts, introducing the franchise to new audiences while preserving what fans love about it. This announcement marks the first time that Kingdom Hearts, a collaborative project between Disney and Square Enix since its inception on the PS2 in 2002, is being adapted into a television format.
Kingdom Hearts 4 and its Context
The news of the animated show accompanies another major announcement regarding Kingdom Hearts 4, which now has a release window set for late 2027. The game is anticipated to launch on platforms including Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, aligning with the series’ 25th anniversary in the West.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.