Disney confirmed during its D23 2026 showcase that an original Kingdom Hearts anime series is heading to Disney Channel and Disney+. Produced in partnership with series director Tetsuya Nomura and Square Enix, the adaptation marks the franchise’s first foray into television.
Rather than serving as a direct retelling of Sora’s long-running video game journey, Disney describes the upcoming project as an original narrative. Promotional artwork released alongside the announcement shows a young figure wielding a Keyblade from behind. Franchise fans have noted the character’s outfit bears a striking resemblance to attire seen in Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link and Dark Road, suggesting the show may explore historical lore or an alternate timeline within the broader universe.
The timing of the reveal aligns with a broader push for the franchise. Alongside the series announcement, Disney and Square Enix confirmed that Kingdom Hearts IV is slated for a late 2027 release window. Launching a television adaptation ahead of or alongside the next major console entry provides an avenue to re-engage long-time fans while introducing casual audiences to the complex, decades-old universe.
Neither Disney nor Square Enix has revealed an official premiere date, episode count, or animation studio yet. For now, the project carries a simple “coming soon” label, leaving key details under wraps as production progresses.
