The announcement came during the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23 on August 14 and 15, 2026, marking the first time the Square Enix and Disney collaboration will receive a dedicated television adaptation.
Series Details and Development
The series, currently carrying the working title Kingdom Hearts, will premiere on both Disney Channel and Disney+. It is being developed in close partnership with series creator Tetsuya Nomura and the creative team at Square Enix. Rather than retelling the events of the existing games, the show will feature a brand-new story set within the Kingdom Hearts universe. Official descriptions emphasize that it will expand the world while celebrating the characters that have resonated with fans for more than two decades.
Disney Kids and Family president Ayo Davis highlighted the appeal of the project, noting that the series will remain unmistakably Kingdom Hearts while offering a fresh entry point for both longtime players and new audiences. Nomura has confirmed his direct involvement, stating that he has consulted closely with the scenario team and contributed new character designs created specifically for the anime. He has urged fans to let your imagination run wild based on the single piece of key art released so far, which depicts Sora holding his iconic Keyblade.
No release date, episode count, voice cast, or animation studio has been revealed yet. The project is simply listed as coming soon. Actor Benjamin Bratt, who announced the series on stage, also confirmed he will voice Ernesto de la Cruz in the upcoming Kingdom Hearts IV game, which is scheduled for a late 2027 multiplatform launch that includes a world inspired by Pixar’s Coco.
Franchise Background
The Kingdom Hearts franchise launched in 2002 and has since sold more than 39 million units worldwide across more than a dozen titles. Its distinctive mix of Disney characters, original protagonists, action-RPG gameplay, and intricate storytelling has built a dedicated global following. Bringing that world to television in anime form represents a natural evolution, especially given the series’ strong visual style and cinematic presentation in the games.
Looking Ahead for Fans
For fans, the news arrives at a strong moment for the franchise. With Kingdom Hearts IV on the horizon and this original anime expanding the lore in a new medium, the universe that began with a boy, a Keyblade, and a journey across Disney worlds continues to grow. Further details on the series are expected in the coming months as production progresses.