A Kingdom Hearts series might be coming to Disney+, according to a recent online rumor.
A recent claim from scooper MyTimeToShineHello has set the internet ablaze, suggesting that Jon Favreau—best known for his work on Iron Man, The Lion King, and The Mandalorian—has been tapped to build a shared Disney universe, starting with a big-budget Oswald the Lucky Rabbit hybrid animation/live-action series for Disney+. From there, the rumor states that Epic Mickey, Kingdom Hearts, and even Favreau’s long in production film Magic Kingdom could be in development.
Jon Favreau (Iron Man, The Mandalorian) was in charge of making a shared Star Wars universe by Disney, and now he will do the same for Mickey Mouse! Starting with a big budget Oswald the Lucky Rabbit animation/live action hybrid show for Disney+. Then from there… Epic Mickey,… https://t.co/C2iTmjDVeD
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) March 6, 2025
While nothing is officially confirmed in any way, the mere mention of a Kingdom Hearts series has fans speculating about what a live-action, animated, or high-budget streaming adaptation could look like. The Kingdom Hearts franchise, a collaboration between Disney and Square Enix, is a long-running action RPG series that brings together classic Disney characters and worlds with Square Enix’s Final Fantasy universe.
With its deeply interconnected storyline, numerous characters, and complex lore, Kingdom Hearts would be one of Disney’s most ambitious adaptations if this report holds any truth.
Sora, Donald, and Goofy in Kingdom Hearts 2 – YouTube, Lin
However, there’s a major caveat—Disney doesn’t fully control Kingdom Hearts. The series was created under a partnership with Square Enix, meaning that any adaptation would require significant collaboration with the Japanese gaming giant. Tetsuya Nomura, the longtime director of the franchise, has been notoriously protective of the series’ story and characters. If Disney were to push forward with a Kingdom Hearts adaptation, Square Enix’s involvement would be necessary to maintain authenticity, but it remains to be seen whether the company would be open to such a project, especially if it veers too far from the games.
Adding to the skepticism, Disney recently stated that it would no longer be producing long-form animated content for Disney+ following the cancellation of Tiana. The move was widely seen as a shift away from costly animated projects that may not be providing strong returns on streaming. This directly contradicts the idea of a high-budget Kingdom Hearts streaming series, which would almost certainly involve heavy long form animation.
Princess Tiana in The Princess and The Frog – YouTube, Walt Disney Animation Studios
However, we previously reported on an exclusive rumor that the decision to move away from long-form animation on Disney+ was not simply about cost-cutting, but rather part of a broader effort to phase out Jennifer Lee’s hires at Walt Disney Animation Studios. If that shake-up is truly at play, it’s possible that some animated projects—particularly ones Disney views as high-profile—could still make it through under the right leadership.
Sora in Kingdom Hearts 3 – YouTube, Shadow Digital Entertainment
As of now, there is no confirmation from Disney or Favreau regarding these claims. The idea of a shared Disney universe sounds appealing on paper, especially given Favreau’s experience crafting interconnected narratives. However, considering Disney’s shifting priorities, the complexities of Kingdom Hearts’ licensing, and recent industry trends, it remains uncertain whether this project will see the light of day.
If it does, it would mark one of the most ambitious crossovers Disney has ever attempted. Until more details emerge, fans should approach this rumor with cautious optimism.
Do you think Jon Favreau is actually creating a Kingdom Hearts series for Disney+? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
