Disney+ Just Greenlit the Kingdom Hearts Anime We’ve Waited 20 Years For
Kingdom Hearts Gets Its Own Anime Series on Disney+ and Disney Channel!
What’s the Big News?
Disney just announced something super exciting for video game fans: a brand-new anime TV series based on the famous Kingdom Hearts games is coming to Disney+ and Disney Channel!
Think of it like this: imagine your favorite video game world getting its own cartoon show, but with a totally new story that adds even more to the universe you already love.
Who’s Making It?
This isn’t just any adaptation—it’s being made with the original creators!
| Key People | What They Do |
|---|---|
| Tetsuya Nomura | The legendary creator and director of the Kingdom Hearts games |
| Square Enix | The game company that makes Kingdom Hearts (and Final Fantasy) |
| Disney Branded Television | The team behind Disney Channel and Disney+ original shows |
Important Point:
Disney says the series will be "unmistakably Kingdom Hearts" because the creative team is working closely with Nomura himself. So it’s not just inspired by the games—it’s officially part of the family.
What Is Kingdom Hearts Anyway?
If you’ve never played it, here’s the ELI5 version:
Imagine Disney characters (like Mickey, Donald, Goofy) teaming up with Final Fantasy heroes to fight darkness across magical worlds—all while a boy named Sora searches for his friends with a giant key-sword.
- First game: March 2002 (PlayStation 2)
- Total games: More than a dozen
- Copies sold worldwide: Over 39 million!
It’s famous for mixing Disney magic with anime-style storytelling—and fans have loved it for over 20 years.
How Was It Announced?
The news dropped at D23—Disney’s huge fan event—during the Disney Entertainment Showcase panel.
Who announced it?
Benjamin Bratt (the actor who voiced Ernesto de la Cruz in Coco)!
And get this—he also revealed he’ll be voicing Ernesto again in the upcoming Kingdom Hearts IV video game, coming late 2027.
So the anime and the next game are happening at the same time—double the excitement!
What Will the Anime Be About?
Disney’s official description says:
It “reimagines the iconic adventure with a brand-new story that will expand on the universe of ‘Kingdom Hearts’ while celebrating the characters that have captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world.”
In simple terms:
- New story (not just a retelling of the games)
- Expands the lore (adds new pieces to the puzzle)
- Celebrates the characters (Sora, Donald, Goofy, Mickey, Riku, Kairi, and more!)
Why This Matters
Important Point:
Disney Kids & Family President Ayo Davis said:“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 is part of a bigger wave of new animated shows coming to Disney+, including:
- Messi and the Giants
- Warrior Cats
- Journey
Kingdom Hearts is joining a powerhouse lineup of fresh, original animation.
Summary
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| What’s happening? | Kingdom Hearts anime series ordered |
| Where? | Disney+ and Disney Channel |
| Who’s involved? | Tetsuya Nomura + Square Enix + Disney |
| Story? | Brand-new, expands the universe |
| Bonus news? | Benjamin Bratt returns as Ernesto de la Cruz in Kingdom Hearts IV (2027) |
| Franchise stats | 20+ years, 12+ games, 39M+ copies sold |
FAQ
1. Do I need to play the games to understand the anime?
Probably not! Since it’s a brand-new story designed to “celebrate the characters,” it’ll likely be newcomer-friendly—while still rewarding longtime fans.
2. Is this anime or Western animation?
Disney calls it an “anime TV series,” so expect a Japanese animation style (likely produced in partnership with a Japanese studio).
3. When will it come out?
No release date yet—Disney only announced it’s “ordered” (greenlit). Production takes time, so probably 2025 or later.
4. Will the original game voice actors return?
Not confirmed yet, but Benjamin Bratt is returning for the game, so there’s hope for other familiar voices!
5. Is Kingdom Hearts IV still happening?
Yes! It was officially confirmed with a late 2027 target release window.
Final Thought
Whether you’ve been swinging the Keyblade since 2002 or you’re just curious what the hype is about—this anime is your new entry point into one of gaming’s most magical crossover universes.
Stay tuned. The door to Kingdom Hearts just opened a little wider.