Over the past couple weeks, we’ve finally learned a bit more about the next entry in Square Enix’s Kingdom Hearts series. In an extended Kingdom Hearts 4 trailer revealed during D23, Disney’s annual fan event, we were given a first look at Coco’s Land of The Dead, and its narrative implications already have us speculating as to what worlds could come next.
But while pondering what worlds could realistically be in Kingdom Hearts 4 is fun, you know what’s even better? Thinking about all of the world that could technically be in Kingdom Hearts 4, with no regards to how absolutely baffling their inclusion might be. In the years since the Kingdom Hearts series first began, Disney has flexed its mouse money and purchased a lot of various companies and properties, and though you’re probably well aware that Disney owns both Marvel and Star Wars, that’s just scratching the surface of everything Mickey Mouse has gobbled up. Naturally, having access to all of these properties means that Disney could include them in Kingdom Hearts, so here are some of the weirdest places we could (but probably won’t) go to in Sora’s next adventure.
Pandora (Avatar)
Though I can imagine a world in which Sora joins up with Aang, Katara, and the gang, we’re talking about the blue Avatar here. Sure, James Cameron still owns the creative rights to his sprawling sci-fi franchise, but Disney’s merger with 20th Century Fox gave the company both distribution and merchandising rights to Avatar, as well as the ability to use the property so long as Cameron gives his permission. The ball is in your court, Jim. — Jessica Cogswell
Philadelphia (It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia)
Having already crossed over with Abbott Elementary, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has already shown it can be brought over into a less R-rated world. Seeing the gang turned into an RPG party feels like a golden opportunity for some comedy, though the mature nature of the source material probably makes this an unlikely one. — Chris Pereira
USCSS Nostromo (Alien)
Sure, Alien isn’t exactly a family-friendly series, but it’s not too difficult to imagine an adorable, much-less-deadly version of a Xenomorph who could either ally with Sora or try to eat his brains (but, like, cutely). There are plenty of heroes and villains from the various movies and TV series who could make an appearance, including the legendary Ellen Ripley or the meticulous, calculating android David. We don’t expect to see anything burst out of anyone’s chest, but it would be rad as hell to see our heroes cross paths with the Weyland-Yutani Corporation. — Gabe Gurwin
A Temple Somewhere (Indiana Jones)
Out of all the entries on this list, I’d argue this one actually seems somewhat plausible. After all, they already did a Pirates of the Caribbean world–is it really too out there to suggest that Disney include another one of its beloved, action-packed adventure franchises? I suppose if they added Star Wars as well, Sora might begin wondering why his pals Han Solo and Indy look so similar … But hey, plenty of far stranger things have happened in Kingdom Hearts, so what’s another? — Jessica Cogswell
Springfield (The Simpsons)
The Simpsons is a crown jewel for Fox, so taking advantage of this newfound opportunity to incorporate its characters would be fun to see. (It could also be an excuse to further demonstrate the demand for a Hit & Run re-release of some sort, which is even more important.) I’d particularly like to see such a crossover leverage some of the more obscure and one-off characters from the Simpsons world–what dastardly deeds is Hank Scorpio up to these days? — Chris Pereira
Yautja Prime (Predator)
A Predator crossover in Kingdom Hearts could be something as simple as including Arnold Schwarzenegger as an ally, or offering some Predator-themed items. But a little film called Predator: Badlands released in 2025, and it offered a wildly entertaining look at a grunt Predator (or Yautja) sent on a certain-death mission to hunt a mysterious beast. This underdog, Dek, has a plasma-edged sword that is so badass, turning it into a keyblade seems like the most obvious choice in the world. He’s also secretly hilarious, which would make him a great companion for Sora. — Gabe Gurwin
A Football Stadium I Guess? (ESPN)
Is this the silliest idea we’ve had in a while? Yes. Would it be absolutely hilarious? Also yes. Disney has owned ESPN for decades, and the thought of sending sports personalities into a fantasy world with a bunch of cartoon characters fills me with joy. What doesn’t fill me with joy is realizing that, since ESPN has undergone sweeping rounds of layoffs and pivoting to bro-centric frat content instead of actual sportswriting and reporting, we’d probably have to play with Pat McAfee in the game. If that’s the case, forget I said anything. — Gabe Gurwin
Washington D.C. (The X-Files)
The X-Files is seeing a resurgence right now between the upcoming Ryan Coogler reboot, a younger generation discovering the original series for the first time, and a downright awful director’s cut of the already-bad second movie. So what better time to pay homage to the supernatural series, which could give Kingdom Hearts an opportunity to briefly delve into the world of horror (or comedy, or drama, or a mix of all three, as would be appropriate for The X-Files)? — Chris Pereira
New New York (Futurama)
While we’re on the subject of fantastic sci-fi series featuring two characters with unbelievable chemistry, why not let Sora and co. head over to New New York to meet up with the Planet Express crew? Sure, just about everything Bender says would be completely inappropriate for Kingdom Hearts’ target audience to hear, but you can’t deny its colorful world and quirky cast of characters would make for great entertainment. Just imagine Fry joining your party and flinging pizzas at the heartless … Who could ask for more? Huh? You think this one is too out there for you? Fine. Bite my shiny, metal– — Jessica Cogswell
Post-Apocalyptic Earth (Planet of the Apes)
The Planet of the Apes trilogy that began with Rise of the Planet of the Apes and concluded with War for the Planet of the Apes (we don’t need to talk about Kingdom here) is massively entertaining and emotionally affecting. The journey of Caesar–beginning as a baby chimpanzee and eventually becoming the leader of an entire colony of apes–is filled with all the dark twists and powerful, devastating moments one could expect from Kingdom Hearts. The apes wouldn’t be out of place fighting alongside Sora, Donald, and Goofy, and Apes star Andy Serkis is no stranger to video games. — Gabe Gurwin
Quahog (Family Guy)
It seems today that all you see is family-friendly Disney characters in Sora’s company, but where are those good old Final Fantasy characters on which we used to rely? I have no idea. I just wanted to lament that fact while also somehow squeezing the Family Guy theme song in here. Anyways, Family Guy is yet another franchise Disney owns thanks to its purchase of 20th Century Fox (now named 20th Century Studios). Somehow, this one feels like the most ridiculous inclusion on this list, but it’s funny to imagine, no? — Jessica Cogswell
