Kingdom Hearts Announcement Rumored for D23 as Fans Look to Friday Showcase
A new Kingdom Hearts announcement may be on the way at D23, and fans are already trying to figure out what Disney and Square Enix could be preparing. According to entertainment insider Daniel Richtman, something related to Kingdom Hearts is expected during D23’s Friday showcase on August 14.
The rumor has sparked plenty of speculation, especially because Kingdom Hearts IV recently returned to the spotlight with new gameplay footage during June’s Nintendo Direct. Despite that appearance, the highly anticipated sequel still does not have an official release window, leaving fans eager for any update on Sora’s next adventure.
Richtman initially suggested two possible announcements. One possibility is that Disney may reveal Coco as a new world in Kingdom Hearts IV. The Pixar film has long been a fan-requested setting thanks to its colorful visuals, emotional story, and strong musical identity, all of which could fit naturally into the Kingdom Hearts universe.
Another possibility is that Disney could announce a Kingdom Hearts movie or TV series. The franchise has often been discussed as a strong candidate for adaptation because of its mix of Disney characters, original heroes, Final Fantasy influence, and a sprawling storyline that has built a passionate fanbase over more than two decades.
However, there is some uncertainty about where such an announcement would fit. Friday’s D23 showcase is expected to focus heavily on entertainment, including films, television, and stage productions. Richtman briefly questioned whether a video game reveal would make sense during that presentation, especially since Kingdom Hearts already has its own dedicated panel scheduled for Saturday.
That said, D23’s official showcase description reportedly includes games alongside movies, TV, and live productions, which keeps the door open for a gaming-related reveal on Friday night.
The Friday showcase at the Honda Center is scheduled to run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT. Kingdom Hearts will then receive a dedicated session on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. PT titled “Deep Dive into Kingdom Hearts.” That panel is expected to include Disney’s Nana Gadd, Kingdom Hearts IV co-director Tai Yasue, and longtime voice actors Haley Joel Osment and David Gallagher.
While many fans are hoping for fresh Kingdom Hearts IV news, there may be another possibility: a crossover with Fortnite. Earlier this month, dataminers reportedly found a Gummi Ship car decal with textures based on Sora’s outfit in Rocket League. Since Rocket League and Fortnite are both under Epic Games, some fans believe this could point to a Kingdom Hearts collaboration arriving in Fortnite around Chapter 7 Season 4, which is expected near August 20.
A Fortnite crossover would arguably fit Friday’s broader entertainment showcase better than a full Kingdom Hearts IV gameplay reveal. It would also make sense from a marketing perspective, as Disney has been increasingly active in expanding its presence across major gaming platforms.
For now, nothing has been confirmed by Disney or Square Enix. The rumored announcement could involve Kingdom Hearts IV, a screen adaptation, a Fortnite collaboration, or something completely unexpected. Still, with D23 underway and a dedicated Kingdom Hearts panel just around the corner, fans may not have to wait long to learn what is next for Sora, Donald, Goofy, and the wider Kingdom Hearts universe.
