The globally beloved Kingdom Hearts game series is making the leap to animation. An original anime series, tentatively titled Kingdom Hearts, has been announced as a co-production between Disney Kids & Family and Square Enix. The series is set to air on Disney Channel and stream on Disney+.
A New Chapter for the Iconic RPG
Since the first Kingdom Hearts game launched in March 2002, the franchise has expanded into 13 titles (20 if Final Mix versions are counted) and has shipped over 39 million copies worldwide as of March 2026. The series follows Sora, the chosen wielder of the Keyblade, as he journeys through worlds inspired by Disney and Pixar, fighting the darkness that threatens the universe while holding onto the bonds he shares with his friends.
The new anime will feature a completely original story, rebuilt specifically for this production. Square Enix’s creative team, including series director Tetsuya Nomura, is confirmed to be involved, ensuring the project stays true to the spirit of the original games.
Disney’s Excitement for the Project
Ayo Davis, President of Disney Kids & Family, shared her enthusiasm: “Kingdom Hearts has captivated gamers around the world with a one-of-a-kind world where adventure and imagination blend. We are thrilled to bring the world that fans have explored for years to the screen in a new format. With the creative team working closely with Tetsuya Nomura, this series will be unmistakably Kingdom Hearts, yet offer fans a completely new way to experience the world they love.”
The announcement came with a key visual unveiled at the D23 Disney fan event. It depicts a mysterious boy holding a Keyblade, illustrated in a style that evokes Japanese animation and differs from the game’s look—instantly sparking curiosity about what this series will bring.
As the Kingdom Hearts universe continues to grow, this anime adaptation promises a fresh adventure full of surprise and emotion. Fans will be watching closely for further updates.
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