Summary (tl;dr)

The "Kingdom Hearts" franchise is currently trending following major announcements at Disney's D23 2026 event, including a new trailer and late 2027 release window for the highly anticipated Kingdom Hearts IV, and the reveal of an original animated series, Kingdom Hearts: The Series, heading to Disney+ and Disney Channel.

Essential Background

"Kingdom Hearts" is a long-running action role-playing game series developed by Square Enix in collaboration with Disney. It famously blends characters and worlds from Disney and Pixar with original characters and a complex overarching narrative, featuring protagonist Sora as he battles creatures called Heartless across various Disney-themed universes. The last mainline installment, Kingdom Hearts III, was released in 2019, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in the saga.

The Full Story

During the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23 2026, held from August 14-16, 2026, in Anaheim, California, Disney and Square Enix made significant revelations for the "Kingdom Hearts" franchise. A new trailer for Kingdom Hearts IV was unveiled, confirming a "late 2027" release window across multiple platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. The trailer also showcased a new adventure set in the world of Disney and Pixar's Coco. Additionally, Disney announced Kingdom Hearts: The Series, an original animated show set to debut on Disney+ and Disney Channel. This new series is being developed in partnership with series director Tetsuya Nomura and Square Enix, promising a new story that expands the universe while honoring established characters.

Why It Matters

These announcements have ignited considerable excitement among fans of the "Kingdom Hearts" franchise. The confirmation of a release window for Kingdom Hearts IV and the first look at a new Disney world (Coco) provide concrete details that players have been anticipating for years, suggesting the long development period is progressing. The reveal of an animated series further signifies Disney's commitment to expanding the "Kingdom Hearts" universe beyond video games, offering a new medium to explore its intricate storyline and potentially attract new audiences. Given the series' famously convoluted plot, an anime adaptation could provide a fresh, possibly more accessible, narrative experience. The involvement of Tetsuya Nomura ensures that both the game and the series maintain fidelity to the established lore and creative vision.

Geographic Location

• Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, Orange County, California, United States (D23 2026 event and Disney Entertainment Showcase where announcements were made)