Kingdom Hearts Anime Confirmed for Disney Plus and Disney Channel
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Disney announced a new Kingdom Hearts anime series coming to Disney Plus and Disney Channel, arriving ahead of Kingdom Hearts IV.
The Kingdom Hearts franchise is finally making the jump to animation. Actor Benjamin Bratt dropped the announcement during the Disney Entertainment Showcase panel at D23 2026, confirming that an episodic series is officially on the way. According to Game Rant, the project involves Square Enix and series director Tetsuya Nomura, though their exact day to day involvement remains under wraps.
Promotional material shared by Disney points to a release window that could arrive sooner rather than later, with some speculation leaning toward a late 2026 premiere. The timing lines up strategically as Square Enix continues to build momentum for Kingdom Hearts IV, which is currently slated to launch in 2027. Fans looking at the initial poster art spotted a young character wielding a Keyblade in attire that predates Sora's main journey, suggesting the project might serve as a prequel.
Disney has described the show as a reimagining of the iconic adventure that introduces a brand new story. That phrasing leaves room for interpretation, and the community is already debating whether the show will establish an alternate continuity, serve as a direct canon prequel, or act as a standalone entry. With decades of lore spread across handheld spin-offs and mobile titles, a dedicated television series could offer a much needed entry point for viewers who want to catch up on the overarching narrative without digging through every side game.
Original reporting by Renan Fontes over at Game Rant provides the full details on the D23 reveal. For players who treat gaming as a transmedia experience that spans consoles, streaming platforms, and community lore discussions, this adaptation represents a major new milestone for the franchise.
Tags: Kingdom Hearts, Anime, Square Enix, Disney Plus, RPG
Original article: Game Rant