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Kingdom Hearts news
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The gist
Disney announced a Kingdom Hearts anime series for Disney+ and Kingdom Hearts 4 at D23. The franchise is a billion-dollar property, expanding into TV.
Background
Kingdom Hearts is a long-running action RPG series developed by Square Enix, blending Disney characters with Final Fantasy elements. The franchise is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and Disney has recently highlighted its billion-dollar status. At D23, Disney announced both a new anime series and Kingdom Hearts 4, which was previously shown at a Nintendo Direct.
How it unfolded
- Jun 2026Kingdom Hearts 4 made a surprise appearance at the Nintendo Direct, revealing first gameplay and confirming platforms including Switch 2.
- Aug 14, 2026Disney called Kingdom Hearts a 'billion-dollar' franchise during its D23 showcase.
- Aug 15, 2026At D23, Disney announced 'Kingdom Hearts The Series' for Disney+ and Disney Channel, and officially announced Kingdom Hearts 4.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Disney and Square Enix announced the anime series and Kingdom Hearts 4, emphasizing the franchise's growth.
- Analysts
- The anime is seen as a logical step for a billion-dollar franchise, expanding its reach.
- Caution
- Some commentators express concern about the franchise's expanding complexity and potential over-saturation.
Still unverified
Release dates for the anime and Kingdom Hearts 4 have not been announced.