Disney+ has greenlit Kingdom Hearts, an original anime series based on the globally recognized role-playing game franchise. The announcement was made on August 15, 2026, during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
New Story for a Beloved Franchise
The series is being developed in partnership with legendary video game creator Tetsuya Nomura and the creative team at SQUARE ENIX. Listed under the working title Kingdom Hearts, the project will reimagine the franchise’s iconic adventure through a brand-new story.
The anime will expand the Kingdom Hearts universe while celebrating the characters that have earned a dedicated following among millions of fans worldwide. Nomura’s involvement is expected to help preserve the identity and creative spirit associated with the games.
“Kingdom Hearts has captivated gamers everywhere with its unique blend of adventure and imagination. 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. And with a creative team that is working closely with the legendary Tetsuya Nomura, our new series will be unmistakably ‘Kingdom Hearts,’ while giving fans a whole new way to experience the world they love.”
– Ayo Davis, president, Disney Kids & Family
Expanding Disney+ Philippines’ Animated Slate
The upcoming series will join Disney+ Philippines’ growing lineup of original animated programming. The slate includes Dragon Striker, Phineas and Ferb, and Big City Greens, as well as the upcoming Messi and the Giants, Warrior Cats, and Journey.
The Kingdom Hearts adaptation is part of Disney+’s continued focus on stories built around magic, wonder, adventure, and heart for a new generation of children and families.
Kingdom Hearts began as a collaboration between Disney and SQUARE ENIX. The first game was released for the PlayStation 2 in March 2002, and the franchise has since expanded with several additional entries. Collectively, the series has shipped more than 39 million units worldwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Kingdom Hearts anime series?
A: It is an original anime series inspired by the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise.
Q: Where will the series be available?
A: The series has been greenlit for Disney+.
Q: Who is contributing to the project?
A: Tetsuya Nomura and the creative team at SQUARE ENIX are developing the series in partnership with Disney.
Q: Will the series retell the games?
A: The announcement describes it as a brand-new story that expands the Kingdom Hearts universe.
Q: When was Kingdom Hearts first released?
A: The first game launched for PlayStation 2 in March 2002.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
