Kingdom Hearts is officially heading to Disney+ in the form of a brand-new animated series. Franchise creator Tetsuya Nomura has shared the very first details about this upcoming adaptation, marking a major milestone for a property that has spent decades trying to bring its expansive Disney and Square Enix crossover to television screens.
Following years of persistent rumors, the project was officially confirmed during a D23 event earlier this month. Shortly after the announcement, Nomura took to social media to reassure fans that the series will chart an entirely new narrative path within the overarching universe.
What to Know for the New Kingdom Hearts Anime
“We can’t discuss all the details just yet, but I’ve been in close discussions with the scenario team, including myself, and when needed, we’ve also enlisted the art team’s cooperation, even creating multiple new character designs specifically for this project,” Nomura shared in an official statement. He added, “I can’t say anything more right now, but the hint is in the single piece of key art that’s been revealed. Please let your imaginations run wild while you await further updates.”
Beyond the initial premise, it has been confirmed that the show is a collaborative production between Disney Kids & Family and Square Enix. Nomura is heavily involved in the creative direction, particularly regarding the aesthetic of the fresh character designs. While the series is officially slated for Disney+, an exact release date or window has not yet been announced.
Kingdom Hearts Is a Perfect Fit for Anime
The community has been campaigning for an anime adaptation since the very first game launched. Given the franchise’s unique fusion of iconic Disney properties and Square Enix storytelling, animation has always felt like a natural medium for the series, though previous attempts failed to materialize. While the lore has previously been expanded through manga and light novels, an animated series serves as the final frontier for the IP. With Disney increasingly embracing anime formats—as seen with the success of projects like Star Wars: Visions—the timing finally seems right.
With Kingdom Hearts 4 currently slated for a late 2027 release, there is a chance the two projects could debut around a similar timeframe. However, given that the show appears to be in the early stages of development, a launch in 2028 or later remains more probable. For now, fans will have to wait for further updates to see how the adaptation handles its rich mix of worlds and characters.