After a quarter century of doing its own thing, Kingdom Hearts took center stage at this year’s D23 conference. As anticipated, we got a new glimpse at the upcoming Kingdom Hearts IV, along with a release window. Less anticipated was the announcement of an official animated series, which will debut on Disney+. While details on what the series will cover were scant, Kingdom Hearts creator Tetsuya Nomura followed up with a memo, instructing fans to follow in his footsteps: Go nuts. Go absolutely bonkers.
「キングダム ハーツ」のアニメーションシリーズの制作が決定しました。
突然の発表に驚かれたと思います。どんな内容になるの？と気になる方もいらっしゃると思います。…— キングダム ハーツ (@_KINGDOMHEARTS) August 15, 2026
“I imagine you’re surprised by this sudden announcement,” writes Nomura. “Some of you may be wondering, “What will it be about?” We can’t discuss all the details just yet, but I’ve been in close discussions with the scenario team, including myself, and when needed, we’ve also enlisted the art team’s cooperation, even creating multiple new character designs specifically for this project. I can’t say anything more right now, but the hint is in the single piece of key art that’s been revealed. Please let your imaginations run wild.”
So far, our only look at the yet-to-be-named animated series is the back profile of a keyblade wielder. The mysterious figure is dressed a little more barbarian-like than the usual cloaks and JNCO jeans for cross-dimensional defenders. At D23, Disney said the series will be an original story instead of adapting any of the existing games.
While ancillary spin-offs are hardly new to Kingdom Hearts, it’s the most formal marriage between the action RPG series and the House of Mouse since the game’s inception. Outside of a few character greets at the parks, Disney seems to have kept the games at something at an arm’s reach. Because they’re a touch out there. Michael Eisner can’t even recall green stamping the collaboration. Eight Crazy Nights director Seth Kearsley produced his own pilot for an animated Kingdom Hearts series back in 2003, which Disney rejected. Now that it reportedly rakes in Star Wars amounts of cash, Kingdom Hearts is no longer a stranger in the Magic Kingdom.
As for Nomura’s memo to “let your imaginations run wild,” that has seemingly been his approach from the get-go. The story, a Dark Tower-like omni-fiction that intersects everything from Final Fantasy XIV to 101 Dalmatians, is an infamous tangle of conflicts with ever evolving emotional tulpas. How earnest Nomura is about the continuity between his projects, and how it would ever manifest in things like the Final Fantasy VII remakes, is in constant flux.
As per his instructions, some fans believe the mystery Belmont-looking hero originates from one of the Kingdom Hearts mobile games. As for me, I’m thinking it’s about time for Sora to meet the heroes of the Miramax and Hollywood Pictures universe. Partner up with Encino Man, Silent Bob or Mr. Holland to send those Heartless packing. Get Warren Beatty back in his Dick Tracy fedora, if he isn’t wearing it as we speak.
