Square Enix and Disney Expand Kingdom Hearts with Anime Series and 'Coco' World

Square Enix and Disney have announced a major expansion of the Kingdom Hearts franchise, bridging the gap between gaming and television. During the D23 2026 event, the partners unveiled a new anime series and provided a first look at upcoming content for the highly anticipated Kingdom Hearts 4.

The announcements center on two primary developments: the creation of a dedicated Kingdom Hearts anime series and the introduction of a new playable environment in the next game. The anime series is currently in development and will be distributed via Disney+ and Disney Channel. Simultaneously, a showcase trailer for Kingdom Hearts 4 confirmed that the game will feature a world based on the Pixar film 'Coco,' continuing the series' tradition of integrating Pixar properties into its narrative.

The Evolution of a Collaboration

Kingdom Hearts has long served as a cornerstone collaboration between Square Enix and Disney, blending original characters and complex lore with iconic Disney and Pixar properties. The franchise is currently in a transitional phase; Kingdom Hearts 4 is the first major entry following the conclusion of the 'Dark Seeker Saga,' a narrative arc that spanned multiple titles and nearly two decades of storytelling. This transition provides the developers an opportunity to reset the stakes and introduce fresh settings, such as the Land of the Dead from 'Coco,' to a global audience.

A Shift Toward Multi-Media Storytelling

The move into animation marks a strategic shift for the intellectual property. While the games have historically used cinematic cutscenes to drive their dense plots, a dedicated series on Disney+ allows for a more traditional narrative structure and broader accessibility. By leveraging Disney's streaming infrastructure, the franchise can engage viewers who may not be active gamers, effectively turning the IP into a multi-platform entertainment brand rather than a strictly gaming series.

Future Outlook

While the 'Coco' world provides a glimpse into the gameplay of Kingdom Hearts 4, many details regarding the game's release date and full plot remain under wraps. Industry observers will be watching for further details on the anime's production timeline and whether the series will act as a prequel or a companion piece to the fourth game. For now, the focus remains on how these two new ventures will integrate into the existing, sprawling mythology of the series.