Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of Kingdom Hearts! The beloved video game franchise is expanding its universe with an upcoming anime series and a highly anticipated game release.
Kingdom Hearts The Series: An Anime Adventure on Disney+
The D23 event's Disney Entertainment Showcase panel revealed an exciting development for Kingdom Hearts fans. An original anime series, titled Kingdom Hearts The Series, is in the works and set to debut on Disney+ and The Disney Channel. While the production studio remains undisclosed, the series promises to offer a fresh take on the iconic adventure, expanding the Kingdom Hearts universe with a brand-new story.
In a tweet, Disney shared the news, expressing their excitement for this upcoming project. The tweet reads, "Ready for a new adventure? An original Kingdom Hearts anime series inspired by the beloved video game franchise is coming soon to Disney Channel and DisneyPlus."
Kingdom Hearts IV: A Late 2027 Launch
The same panel also announced the highly anticipated release of Kingdom Hearts IV, scheduled for late 2027. This game will introduce a world inspired by the film Coco, adding a unique twist to the Kingdom Hearts experience. Actor Benjamin Bratt, who voiced Ernesto de la Cruz in the film, confirmed his return to the franchise for this game.
Kingdom Hearts IV will be a multi-platform release, launching simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via various digital stores. This wide availability ensures that fans across different gaming platforms can enjoy the latest installment in the Kingdom Hearts saga.
The Impact of Kingdom Hearts on Disney's Gaming Landscape
Disney Games highlighted the significance of the Kingdom Hearts franchise, recognizing it as one of nine billion-dollar game franchises for the company. This acknowledgment underscores the immense popularity and commercial success of the Kingdom Hearts series, solidifying its place as a key pillar in Disney's gaming portfolio.
Deep Dive into Kingdom Hearts: A Panel to Look Forward To
For those eager to delve deeper into the Kingdom Hearts universe, the D23 event will host a "Deep Dive into Kingdom Hearts" panel on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. PDT (7:30 p.m. EDT). This panel promises to provide valuable insights and updates, and a livestream will be available on both the official Kingdom Hearts franchise's YouTube channel and The Game Awards YouTube channel.
A Look Back at the Kingdom Hearts Franchise
The Kingdom Hearts franchise has a rich history, with various games, smartphone titles, and even manga and light novel adaptations. Square Enix, the game's creator, has been actively developing and expanding the franchise since its inception.
In April 2022, Square Enix announced Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link and Kingdom Hearts IV, but development on Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link was canceled in May 2025. Despite this setback, the company has continued to move forward with the franchise, releasing a collection of Kingdom Hearts games for Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
The Kingdom Hearts III game, released in January 2019, became the fastest-selling title in the franchise's history, with over 5 million copies shipped worldwide, including digital sales. The "Re Mind" DLC further enhanced the game's popularity, launching in January 2020.
Additionally, Square Enix released Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, the first rhythm action game in the franchise, for the Switch, PS4, and Xbox One in November 2020. This title added a unique twist to the series, appealing to fans who enjoy music-based gameplay.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Kingdom Hearts
With the upcoming anime series and the highly anticipated Kingdom Hearts IV game, the future looks bright for the Kingdom Hearts franchise. Fans can look forward to exploring new worlds, experiencing fresh stories, and continuing their adventures in this beloved universe. The franchise's expansion into anime and its continued success in the gaming industry showcase its enduring popularity and its ability to captivate audiences across different media platforms.
