THE APEX TIMES
Disney greenlights first original ‘Kingdom Hearts’ TV series for Disney Channel and Disney+
The animated project, inspired by the hit video game franchise, will be developed with Square Enix and creator Tetsuya Nomura, expanding the world of Kingdom Hearts for a new generation on kids and streaming platforms.
Disney has greenlit its first ever original television series based on the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise, with the show set to air on Disney Channel and stream on Disney+. The announcement was made at D23, Disney’s biennial fan event, indicating that the studio is leaning further into game-to-screen adaptations while building fresh animated content for its kids and family audiences.
The new series, which Disney said will use Kingdom Hearts as its working title, is an original anime-style show inspired by the franchise’s established universe. Disney described it as a reimagining of the iconic adventure, built around a brand-new story intended to expand the world of Kingdom Hearts while also featuring the characters that have drawn a global fan base.
Disney said the series is being developed in partnership with video game creator Tetsuya Nomura and the creative team at Square Enix. The company framed the collaboration as central to keeping the series “unmistakably Kingdom Hearts,” while delivering a distinct new narrative for viewers who may know the world through the games.
Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family, said the appeal of the project is the opportunity to translate the franchise’s mix of adventure and imagination into a new format. Davis added that the company expects the working process to align closely with Nomura, positioning the show as a faithful extension of the fan-explored world rather than a wholly unrelated adaptation.
Beyond the franchise itself, the project reflects Disney’s broader content strategy for Disney Channel and Disney+, which increasingly blends established IP with original series. Disney noted that the Kingdom Hearts show joins a growing slate of original animated programming for Disney+, listing titles that include Dragon Striker, Phineas and Ferb, Big City Greens, and several upcoming series.
In its announcement, Disney also pointed to additional upcoming animated projects, including Messi and the Giants, Warrior Cats, and Journey. The company presented the Kingdom Hearts greenlight as consistent with a platform goal of offering stories centered on magic, wonder, adventure, and heart for children and families.
For Square Enix, the partnership highlights continued opportunities to extend its major intellectual properties beyond games. For Disney, the move also underscores how the company views gaming franchises as a pipeline for audience engagement, particularly among families and older kids who may already be familiar with the source material.
The announcement did not include details such as a production start date, episode count, animation style specifics beyond “original anime series,” or any release window on Disney Channel or Disney+. It also did not say whether the series would be produced by a specific internal unit or external studio, nor did it outline any casting, music, or distribution arrangements beyond the platform confirmations.
What to watch next is how Disney and its partners will translate the franchise’s established narrative and visual identity into a television structure, and whether the companies will provide further information on creative oversight, timeline, and when audiences can expect the first episodes. Given the D23 setting, additional franchise-focused updates could follow as the studio moves from greenlight to production.
Why It Matters
- The greenlight adds a major gaming franchise to Disney Channel and Disney+ programming, reinforcing Disney’s push to attract families with IP that already has built-in recognition.
- By partnering with the franchise creator and Square Enix’s team, Disney is indicating an emphasis on creative authenticity to reduce the risk of audience disconnect in adaptations.
- The move increases the competitive pressure on streaming and kids entertainment providers to secure tentpole genre and IP-driven animated content.
Sources
Key Facts
- Disney greenlit an original anime series based on Kingdom Hearts (working title) for Disney Channel and Disney+.
- The series is described as a reimagining with a brand-new story that expands the Kingdom Hearts universe.
- Disney said the project is developed with video game creator Tetsuya Nomura and Square Enix’s creative team.
- The announcement was made at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
- Disney said the show is part of Disney+’s expanding lineup of original animated series for kids and families, alongside titles including Dragon Striker and Big City Greens.
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