Kingdom Hearts: The Series heads to Disney+

The biggest surprise of the panel was not in the game at all: Disney is producing Kingdom Hearts: The Series, an animated take on the franchise headed to Disney+ and Disney Channel, with an all-new story from Tetsuya Nomura and Square Enix rather than a retread of the games.

The announcement came with a single piece of key art, Sora seen from behind against white clouds above the words "Coming Soon". There is no trailer, cast list or premiere date yet.

It is the property's first screen adaptation in its 24-year history — announced just ahead of the series' 25th anniversary next year — and it explains why Kingdom Hearts earned a main-stage slot at a parks-focused expo.