Disney+ and Disney Channel Greenlight 'Kingdom Hearts' Anime Series, Benjamin Bratt to Voice Ernesto de la Cruz in 'Kingdom Hearts IV'

Disney+ and Disney Channel have officially greenlit a new anime series based on Square Enix's highly successful 'Kingdom Hearts' action-RPG franchise. The significant announcement was made by actor Benjamin Bratt during the Disney Entertainment Showcase panel at Disney's D23 fan event on August 15, 2026. This television adaptation represents a major expansion for the beloved gaming universe, promising to bring its unique blend of Disney characters and Final Fantasy elements to a new visual medium.

The series is being developed in close collaboration with Tetsuya Nomura, the visionary creator of the original 'Kingdom Hearts' game, and its primary developer, Square Enix. Square Enix, a renowned Japanese video game company, is celebrated for its role-playing game expertise, particularly with its long-running 'Final Fantasy' series, which heavily influenced the 'Kingdom Hearts' aesthetic and gameplay. The anime is set to reimagine the expansive 'Kingdom Hearts' narrative with an original storyline, offering fans a fresh perspective while aiming to further develop and enrich the franchise's established universe. This approach suggests an opportunity to explore new narrative avenues and character arcs beyond the existing game plots.

During the D23 event, a first-look image was unveiled, providing fans with a glimpse of the series' visual style. The image prominently featured the series' enduring protagonist, Sora, wielding his iconic Keyblade. The Keyblade is a signature weapon in the 'Kingdom Hearts' series, capable of unlocking doors and fighting against the forces of darkness, known as the Heartless. The visual confirmation of Sora and his Keyblade immediately resonated with the franchise's dedicated fanbase.

In addition to the exciting news about the anime series, Benjamin Bratt confirmed his involvement in the highly anticipated upcoming video game, 'Kingdom Hearts IV.' Bratt will reprise his role as Ernesto de la Cruz, the charismatic musician from the critically acclaimed Disney-Pixar film 'Coco.' This crossover marks a significant integration of characters and worlds, further blurring the lines between Disney's animated film properties and the 'Kingdom Hearts' universe.

The 'Kingdom Hearts' franchise first debuted on the PlayStation 2 in March 2002, marking a groundbreaking collaboration between Disney and Square Enix. Since its inception, the franchise has grown exponentially, encompassing more than a dozen titles released across various gaming platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and mobile devices. Collectively, these games have achieved remarkable commercial success, selling over 39 million units worldwide, a testament to their global appeal and enduring popularity. While a specific premiere date for the 'Kingdom Hearts' anime series has not yet been disclosed by Disney, the highly anticipated video game 'Kingdom Hearts IV' is slated for release in late 2027, providing a concrete future milestone for fans.

The announcement was further amplified by an official post from the Disney Twitter account on August 15, 2026, which stated: "Ready for a new adventure? 💛 An original Kingdom Hearts anime series inspired by the beloved video game franchise is coming soon to @DisneyChannel and @DisneyPlus." This expansion into an anime series signifies a pivotal moment in the franchise's history, extending its reach beyond video games and into mainstream television animation, catering to both existing fans and introducing the magical world of 'Kingdom Hearts' to a new generation.