During the D23 2026 showcase, Square Enix dropped a fresh trailer for Kingdom Hearts 4 and locked in a late 2027 release window. Alongside the long-awaited game update, Disney revealed an all-new original anime, Kingdom Hearts: The Series, slated for a Disney+ premiere. Together, these announcements give fans a solid timeline for the franchise’s future while expanding its universe into episodic animation.
Coco Joins Sora’s Next Journey
The new footage confirms that Pixar’s heartwarming hit, Coco, will serve as one of the playable realms in Kingdom Hearts 4. This setting feels right at home in the franchise, beautifully mirroring the series’ ongoing themes of memory, legacy, and family.
Furthermore, Square Enix confirmed that the title will land on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 in addition to other platforms. With a late-2027 launch now in sight, the game is moving out of the rumor mill and into a tangible release phase, promising fresh Disney environments and a richer narrative.
Disney+ Gets an Original Kingdom Hearts Anime
Expanding beyond the consoles, Kingdom Hearts: The Series is heading to Disney+ as an original anime production. Franchise creator Tetsuya Nomura is personally involved in the project, ensuring the adaptation stays true to the beloved lore while breathing new life into iconic characters.
Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family, shared enthusiasm for the venture: “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.” This partnership aims to capture the distinct magic of the games while offering character arcs that standard gameplay might not always accommodate.
A Bigger Runway for a Tangled Universe
Ultimately, the big takeaway is a double dose of content for the fanbase: a major new entry focused on family and remembrance, and an animated series offering a fresh lens on a delightfully complex mythology.
Late 2027 might feel like a bit of a wait, but D23 has made the horizon look much brighter. Are you more excited to wander through the Land of the Dead in Coco via Kingdom Hearts 4, or to dive into Nomura’s storytelling on Disney+?
Source
Read the original report on Nintendo Everything.