The massive success of the original PlayStation 2 action role-playing game Kingdom Hearts almost prompted Disney to develop its own crossover platform fighter modeled after Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. series.
According to former Disney Interactive concept artist Ken Christiansen, who worked on the first Kingdom Hearts, the unexpected popularity of blending various Disney properties opened the entertainment giant's eyes to broader crossover opportunities. Speaking in an interview with Time Extension, Christiansen detailed how internal perspectives shifted dramatically following the game's release.
Before Kingdom Hearts became a hit, Disney executives were notably hesitant about mixing different animated universes. Christiansen recalled that studio leadership resisted blending worlds like The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, leading to minor friction between corporate heads and developers who championed the crossover concept.
Once Kingdom Hearts proved to be a blockbuster success, corporate attitudes softened, leading to pre-production on an internal project tentatively titled Disney's Action Figure Face Off. Similar to the toy-come-to-life framing used in the original Super Smash Bros. on Nintendo 64, the proposed game used a Toy Story-style premise where collectible figures of Disney characters—including roster additions from Tarzan, The Lion King, and Treasure Planet—would battle each other in arena combat.
Despite the initial enthusiasm, Disney's Action Figure Face Off never progressed beyond early prototypes, as Disney ultimately chose to prioritize safer, standard film tie-in projects. However, the company eventually embraced crossover gaming in later years through titles such as the toys-to-life sandbox Disney Infinity, the kart racer Disney Speedstorm, and the life simulation game Disney Dreamlight Valley.
Meanwhile, the franchise that started it all continues to expand. Kingdom Hearts 4 is scheduled for release late next year, and an animated series adaptation for Disney+ is currently in production.
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