The world of Kingdom Hearts is officially expanding beyond video games, as Disney has greenlit a new original anime series based on the beloved Square Enix franchise.
Announced during Disney’s D23 event, the Kingdom Hearts series is being developed for both Disney+ and Disney Channel in partnership with franchise creator Tetsuya Nomura and the creative team at Square Enix.
Rather than simply retelling the story of the games, the anime will feature a brand-new story that reimagines the iconic adventure while expanding the larger Kingdom Hearts universe. Disney says the series will also celebrate the characters fans have followed throughout the franchise.
“Kingdom Hearts has captivated gamers everywhere with its unique blend of adventure and imagination,” Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family, said while announcing the project. Davis added that the creative team is working closely with Nomura to ensure the series remains unmistakably Kingdom Hearts while offering fans a new way to experience its world.
Kingdom Hearts [Square Enix]
The Kingdom Hearts franchise first launched in 2002 as an ambitious collaboration between Disney and Square Enix, combining original characters like Sora with worlds and characters from Disney properties. Over more than two decades, the franchise has grown into one of Square Enix and Disney’s most recognizable gaming collaborations.
The timing of the anime announcement comes as Kingdom Hearts enters another major era. Disney recently confirmed the gaming franchise has surpassed $1 billion, while Kingdom Hearts IV is also on the way.
Disney has not yet revealed the anime’s voice cast, episode count or an exact premiere date, only confirming that the series is “coming soon” to Disney+ and Disney Channel.
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