One of gaming’s most beloved universes is about to enter a whole new era. Disney
announced at D23 2026 that Kingdom Hearts is officially getting its first original animated
series, developed for Disney Channel and Disney+.
The announcement quickly caught fans’ attention, especially because this won’t simply be a
retelling of the games. The series will feature a brand-new story set within the Kingdom
Hearts universe.
A New Story in the Kingdom Hearts Universe
The series is being developed in partnership with Tetsuya Nomura, creator of the franchise, and the creative team at Square Enix.
The goal is to expand the world of Kingdom Hearts through an original adventure while
celebrating the characters and elements that have made the franchise a fan favorite for more than two decades.
That means even longtime players who already know Sora, Donald, Goofy, and their friends
will have something completely new to discover when the series arrives.
From Video Games to Anime
Created through the collaboration between Disney and Square Enix, Kingdom Hearts
debuted in 2002 and became known for combining Disney characters and worlds with its
own original story filled with adventure, fantasy, and the eternal battle between light and
darkness.
The franchise has now sold and shipped more than 39 million units worldwide, showing
just how much Kingdom Hearts has grown since its PlayStation 2 debut.
Now, more than two decades later, the franchise is taking another major step with its first
original animated series.
What Can Fans Expect?
For now, Disney and Square Enix are keeping most details under wraps. The official
announcement has not confirmed a release date, episode count, or full cast of characters.
What we do know is that the anime will introduce a brand-new story and that Tetsuya
Nomura and the Square Enix creative team are involved in its development, making the
possibilities for its connection to the larger Kingdom Hearts universe even more exciting.
Save the Date
🎮 Franchise: Kingdom Hearts
📺 Where to Watch: Disney Channel and Disney+
✨ Format: Original Animated Series
🗓 Release Date: To Be Announced
A New Door to Kingdom Hearts Is About to Open
With Disney worlds, Keyblades, unforgettable characters, and a universe filled with
mysteries, Kingdom Hearts has everything it needs to make the jump from video games to
animation.
Now, with an original story and the creative minds behind the games involved, the upcoming series promises to give fans a completely new way to experience the world of Kingdom Hearts.
