A new anime series based on the hit video game franchise Kingdom Hearts has been ordered at Disney+ and Disney Channel. The announcement was made at Disney’s D23 fan event, with actor Benjamin Bratt unveiling the news.
The anime is being developed in partnership with series creator Tetsuya Nomura and game developer Square Enix. Described as a “reimagining” of the iconic adventure, the series will feature a brand-new story that expands on the Kingdom Hearts universe while celebrating its beloved characters. A first-look image was revealed, featuring protagonist Sora and his trusty Keyblade.
Since debuting in March 2002 for the PlayStation 2, the Kingdom Hearts franchise has expanded to include more than a dozen games and sold over 39 million units worldwide. The series is a crossover between Disney’s animated properties and Square Enix’s Final Fantasy franchise, following Sora and his friends as they battle the forces of darkness across various Disney worlds.
During the same panel, Bratt revealed he will voice his Coco character Ernesto de la Cruz in the upcoming Kingdom Hearts IV video game, which is set to debut in late 2027 .
“‘Kingdom Hearts’ has captivated gamers everywhere with its unique blend of adventure and imagination,” said Ayo Davis, President of Disney Kids & Family. “There’s something really exciting about taking a world fans have spent years exploring through the games and bringing it to life in a completely new way. And with a creative team that is working closely with the legendary Tetsuya Nomura, our new series will be unmistakably ‘Kingdom Hearts,’ while giving fans a whole new way to experience the world they love.”
For nearly 25 years, fans have wanted a Kingdom Hearts anime. Now they’re getting one. With Nomura directly involved and a new story set to expand the universe, this could be the animated adaptation fans have been waiting for. The series is currently in development at Disney+ and Disney Channel. More details to come.
Source: Variety
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