Square Enix and Disney will not push Kingdom Hearts 4 past its targeted late 2027 release window, according to reassurance provided by series director Tetsuya Nomura. The upcoming action-RPG is slated to arrive across current-generation platforms simultaneously at an unannounced date next year.


Attendees at the biennial D23 expo in Anaheim witnessed the reveal of a new world based on Pixar's 2017 animated film Coco. Gameplay footage showcased Sora teaming up with Miguel and Hector to take down the Heartless, complete with thematic outfits and a new Keyblade designed for the Land of the Dead. Details regarding how Coco integrates into the broader storyline remain under wraps until future updates.


Footage preserved on social media captured critical comments from the dev team despite Disney and Square Enix removing the official D23 panel livestream. Addressing online skepticism about the late 2027 target, Nomura explicitly stated in a translated clip shared by Aitaikimochi that the game will arrive in 2027 without delays. Co-director Tai Yasue echoed those sentiments by promising a guaranteed release next year, while an extended trailer confirmed Mickey, Donald, and Goofy as playable characters.


Viewers of the extended preview also caught a glimpse of Riku's new character design and confirmation that Donald and Goofy will join Sora in the Land of the Dead. Highlighting their dedication to production, Nomura and Yasue returned immediately to Tokyo to continue work on the title. Beyond noting that development is moving faster than anticipated, Nomura verified his active involvement in the upcoming Kingdom Hearts animated series for Disney+.


On-stage performances brought the D23 panel to a close as voice actors Haley Joel Osment and David Gallagher reenacted the iconic ending scenes of Kingdom Hearts 2. The appearance marked their first joint live recording session in over twenty years of portraying Sora and Riku, coinciding with Disney confirming Gallagher's return for Kingdom Hearts 4.


Looking ahead, Kingdom Hearts 4 anchors a massive 2027 release lineup for Square Enix alongside Final Fantasy 14: Evercold in January and Final Fantasy 7 Revelation in spring 2027.