After a quarter-century of captivating gamers with its unique blend of Disney magic and JRPG action, Kingdom Hearts took center stage at this year’s D23 conference. While fans eagerly anticipated a new glimpse at the highly anticipated Kingdom Hearts IV, the announcement of an official animated series for Disney+ was a delightful surprise. The creator of Kingdom Hearts, Tetsuya Nomura, followed up with a message to his dedicated fanbase: embrace the madness and let your imaginations soar.
A New Chapter Begins: The Kingdom Hearts Animated Series
“I imagine you’re surprised by this sudden announcement,” writes Nomura”>writes Nomura. “Some of you may be wondering, ‘What will it be about?’ We can’t discuss all the details just yet, but I’ve been in close discussions with the scenario team, including myself, and when needed, we’ve also enlisted the art team’s cooperation, even creating multiple new character designs specifically for this project. I can’t say anything more right now, but the hint is in the single piece of key art that’s been revealed. Please let your imaginations run wild.”
The only glimpse we’re getting so far is the back profile of a keyblade wielder. This mysterious figure sports a more barbarian-like attire compared to the usual cloaks and JNCO jeans worn by cross-dimensional defenders. At D23, Disney revealed that this series will be an original story, diverging from direct adaptations of existing games.
While ancillary spin-offs are hardly new to Kingdom Hearts”>are hardly new to Kingdom Hearts, this animated series marks the most formal collaboration between the action RPG and Disney since the game’s inception. Historically, Disney has kept Kingdom Hearts at arm’s length, perhaps due to its unconventional nature. It’s rumored that even Michael Eisner can’t even recall green stamping the collaboration”>Michael Eisner can’t even recall green stamping the collaboration.
Interestingly, Seth Kearsley, director of Eight Crazy Nights, produced his own pilot for an animated Kingdom Hearts series back in 2003, which Disney rejected”>his own pilot for an animated Kingdom Hearts series back in 2003, which Disney rejected. Now that the franchise is reportedly raking in significant revenue, akin to Star Wars amounts of cash, Kingdom Hearts has finally found its place within the Magic Kingdom.
As per Nomura’s instructions, some fans speculate that the mysterious Belmont-looking hero originates from one of the Kingdom Hearts mobile games”>originates from one of the Kingdom Hearts mobile games. Personally, I believe it’s high time for Sora to team up with heroes from the Miramax and Hollywood Pictures universes. Imagine Sora partnering with Encino Man, Silent Bob, or even Mr. Holland to send those Heartless packing! And let’s get Warren Beatty back in his Dick Tracy fedora, if he isn’t wearing it as we speak”>if he isn’t wearing it as we speak!
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