Summary
OneKingdom Heartsfan was met with an incredible surprise after discovering a reference while watching the children’s showPAW Patrol. TheKingdom Heartsseries is well-known for including Disney film references and locations, though it has never been made into a proper show.
TheKingdom Heartsfranchise began in 2002 with the eponymousKingdom Hearts, following protagonists Sora, Goofy, and Donald through various Disney-themed worlds to fight against theenemy known as the Heartless. Since the first game’s release, the series has seen three main installments across over 15 total entries. Now, fans eagerly await the release ofKingdom Hearts 4, also known as the beginning of the end. Some fans couldn’t contain their excitement and managed to sneak a reference to the franchise as a whole into an episode ofPAW Patrol.
While watching an episode ofPAW Patroltitled Pups Save a Clown, Reddit user AffectionateSpite160 noticed Toodles the Clown’s peculiarly familiar pose. In the episode, Toodles strikes a pose similar to Sora from theKingdom Heartsfranchise after he has completed a combo. To complete the look, he even wields a giant key that resembles the keyblade. Many commentators immediately flooded the replies, stating that the animators definitely knew what they were doing. Toodles is holding a giant purple and silver key in the air, much like a sword, while bent down with one hand on the floor. When put side-by-side with an image of Sora in the same pose, it’s uncanny. DespiteKingdom Hearts 4being a resetfor Sora’s story, it seems that fans will still see remnants of the protagonist in other media.
Kingdom Hearts Fan Notices a Keyblade Reference in PAW Patrol
The reference to the keyblade in this episode ofPAW Patrolis unmistakable, with some commentators theorizing that the animators were surely laughing among themselves while making it. Another commentator notes that, despite it being such a clever crossover, children might not even realize the homage. In the sea of replies, a different user made an even keener discovery: the key that Toodles is holding vaguely resembles theStarlight keyblade fromKingdom Hearts 3. Both blades are silver with purple-blue handles, so it’s easy to see where the connection is being made.
Whether it’s an episode ofPAW Patrolor any other medium,Kingdom Heartsfans would likely agree that finding a reference to the franchise isn’t easy. Hopefully, amid the hype surroundingKingdom Hearts 4and the beginning of the Lost Master Arc, more references to theKingdom Heartsfranchise will find their way to other television shows.
Kingdom Hearts
WHERE TO PLAY
Kingdom Hearts follows a young boy named Sora and a cast of beloved Disney icons like Donald Duck, Goofy, and Mickey Mouse, as they fight back against the forces of the Darkness and the Heartless.
