Disney Greenlights Original 'Kingdom Hearts' Anime Series for D23

Key points

• Disney announced an original 'Kingdom Hearts' anime series for Disney+ and Disney Channel at the D23 event on August 14, 2026.
• The series is being developed in partnership with Square Enix and game creator Tetsuya Nomura, featuring a new story that expands the universe rather than retelling existing game plots.
• Actor Benjamin Bratt confirmed he will voice his 'Coco' character, Ernesto de la Cruz, in the upcoming 'Kingdom Hearts IV' video game, scheduled for late 2027.
• The franchise, which debuted in 2002, has sold over 39 million units worldwide and includes more than a dozen games.
• Disney Kids & Family president Ayo Davis emphasized the series aims to bring the game world to life in a new way while maintaining the core identity of the franchise.

Background

The 'Kingdom Hearts' franchise originated in the early 2000s, with former Disney CEO Michael Eisner recently recalling the initial approval process. The new series joins a growing slate of original animated content on Disney+, including 'Messi and the Giants' and 'Warrior Cats,' reflecting Disney's broader strategy to leverage gaming IP for new storytelling formats.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Deadline both reported the announcement at D23, highlighting the partnership with Nomura and Square Enix. Nerdist noted the long wait for a TV adaptation, expressing surprise that it took until 2026. Disney's official statement framed the move as part of a larger strategy to use games as entry points for new audiences, noting that Disney Games has driven over $4 billion in consumer spend this fiscal year. All sources agree the series will feature a new story, not a direct adaptation, though Nerdist speculated it might retain the franchise's complex plot elements.

Why it matters

This marks the first original TV series for the 'Kingdom Hearts' franchise, signaling Disney's continued investment in gaming IP and its strategy to bridge gaming and traditional media. The announcement also highlights the growing integration of gaming characters into Disney's broader entertainment ecosystem, including the upcoming 'Kingdom Hearts IV' game featuring a Disney character.

What to watch

Fans should expect more details on the series' release date, cast, and production team in the coming months. The 'Kingdom Hearts IV' game is set to debut in late 2027, and Disney may announce further gaming-related projects at future events.