Kingdom Hearts 25th Anniversary: Disney's Nana Gadd Says Animated Series Is Just the 'First Step'

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Kingdom Hearts will reach its 25th anniversary in 2027, a milestone rooted in the franchise's debut on PlayStation in 2002.

The original Kingdom Hearts launched in Japan on March 28, 2002, and introduced the long-running collaboration between Square Enix and Disney that has since expanded into sequels, remixes and spin-offs across multiple platforms.

Square Enix remains the franchise developer and publisher, with Tetsuya Nomura serving as the series creative director.

Kingdom Hearts IV has been officially announced and is in development under Square Enix, and the property continues to be a central pillar for both companies as they plan long-term initiatives to engage fans.

One of the most notable recent developments is Disney’s announcement that a Kingdom Hearts animated series is in production.

In a recent interview, Nana Gadd, Disney’s director of games, emphasized that the studio sees the television project as the starting point for further activity around the IP.

Paraphrasing Gadd’s remarks, she said that despite the franchise’s longevity, Disney still has a wide slate of ideas for Kingdom Hearts and that the animated series represents the first step in executing those plans.

What this means for players and platform holders is still unfolding.

The Kingdom Hearts catalog has historically focused on PlayStation and, later, Xbox and PC releases, while various collections and spin-offs have appeared on additional systems over the years.

Nintendo platforms have been part of the broader conversation around ports and remasters; fans often look to Nintendo Direct and the Nintendo eShop for announcements about new releases and ports, even though primary mainline entries have been concentrated on other consoles.

For industry observers and fans tracking franchise milestones, the 2027 anniversary will be a key moment.

It coincides with active work on Kingdom Hearts IV and the new animated series, underscoring continued collaboration between Square Enix and Disney.

As official release windows, formats and distribution details are confirmed by the companies, outlets will report verified dates, platform availability and any ties to digital storefronts such as the eShop or other services.

With the anniversary approaching, expect Square Enix and Disney to roll out more confirmed information on release timing, platform support and related projects, all of which will be communicated directly by the companies through their official channels.

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