More information on the upcoming Kingdom Hearts sequel is on its way.
D23, an annual fan event held for Disney fans, is set to run from 14–16 August, 2026 this weekend. This year, the event is hosting a “Deep Dive Into Kingdom Hearts” panel focusing on the RPG franchise's history, which hasn’t yet been confirmed to include the highly-anticipated sequel Kingdom Hearts IV.
However, a D23 app has reportedly released some information on the panel’s reveals a little early (via Vice), confirming Kingdom Hearts IV’s co-director is Tai Yasue.
Kingdom Hearts IV
Developer: Square Enix
Release date: TBA
Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Is Riku in Kingdom Hearts IV?
Kingdom Hearts IV, Square Enix’s long-awaited sequel to 2019’s Kingdom Hearts III, finally showed signs of life earlier this year with a new Nintendo Direct trailer. It looks like fans won’t have to wait much longer before getting more information on the game, however, as a few new tidbits have already been made public via the D23 app.
Tai Yasue is said to be co-directing Kingdom Hearts IV, according to the app. Yasue has co-directed many prior Kingdom Hearts titles, including Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, and Kingdom Hearts III. The app states: “Tai Yasue is the co-director of Kingdom Hearts IV. He is now one of the bilingual video game developers at Square Enix Japan Studios.”
This new detail may suggest that the upcoming “Deep Dive Into Kingdom Hearts” panel will reveal more information on the sequel, though this has not been officially confirmed by Disney.
The panel’s description simply reads: “Join us for a journey through light and darkness as we commemorate 25 years of KINGDOM HEARTS. Discover how this saga united Disney, Pixar, and Square Enix, with insights from the creative minds, character voices, and more behind the magic.”
Interestingly, the app also includes a mention of David Gallagher, who plays Riku, a long-time best friend of the series’ protagonist Sora. Haley Joel Osment (who plays Sora) is also listed on the D23 app, suggesting that the panel might include an appearance from both voice actors.
When is the D23 Kingdom Hearts panel happening?
D23’s Deep Dive Into Kingdom Hearts panel will kick off on 15 August, 2026, at 4.30pm PT (7.30am, 16 August GMT+8) and run for an hour.
