A ‘Kingdom Hearts’ Anime Is Exactly What the Series Needs After 25 Years
Polygon argues that a Kingdom Hearts anime would be a natural next step as the game series approaches its 25th anniversary, combining Disney characters with the Japanese role-playing franchise’s already anime-like style. The proposed adaptation could help make its dense, long-running story more accessible while extending a franchise Disney has described as worth billions.
The article notes that Disney is holding a D23 panel dedicated to Kingdom Hearts, featuring Disney, Pixar and Square Enix creatives, voice actors Haley Joel Osment and David Gallagher, and Kingdom Hearts 4 co-director Tai Yasue. It points to Disney and Square Enix’s existing anime ventures, alongside successful game adaptations such as Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Castlevania, as evidence that such a series is feasible.
- Polygon says Kingdom Hearts is well suited to an anime adaptation.
- Disney’s D23 event renews attention on the franchise.
- Similar Disney, Square Enix and game-anime projects set precedents.
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Kingdom Hearts is a Japanese role-playing game series made by Square Enix in partnership with Disney. It follows Sora, a boy who travels between worlds based on Disney and Pixar films with allies such as Donald Duck and Goofy, while fighting creatures known as the Heartless.
The series began in 2002 and has expanded through many games on different consoles, as well as mobile titles and spin-offs. Its story involves friendship, memory, alternate versions of characters and a conflict over powerful hearts, which can be difficult for newcomers to follow.
Disney owns the characters and worlds used in the games, while Square Enix develops the series. An animated version could tell parts of the existing story in a different format and introduce the franchise to people who do not play the games.