Kingdom Hearts Reference Spotted in Unexpected Place

Kingdom Hearts Reference Spotted in Unexpected Place

Key Takeaways

  • A Kingdom Hearts fan noticed a keyblade reference in an episode of PAW Patrol.
  • The pose and giant key held by Toodles the Clown in the show resemble Sora from Kingdom Hearts.
  • Fans speculate that animators purposefully included the reference.

As a lifelong Kingdom Hearts enthusiast who has spent countless hours traversing the Disney-infused worlds and battling the Heartless, I was absolutely floored when I stumbled upon a hidden gem in an unexpected corner of the television landscape – PAW Patrol. The discovery of Toodles wielding a keyblade-esque weapon in the show’s “Pups Save a Clown” episode was nothing short of electrifying, and it’s safe to say that this diehard fan was left with goosebumps.


One Kingdom Hearts fan was met with an incredible surprise after discovering a reference while watching the children’s show PAW Patrol. The Kingdom Hearts series is well-known for including Disney film references and locations, though it has never been made into a proper show.

The Kingdom Hearts series, initiated in 2002 with the game titled Kingdom Hearts, follows characters Sora, Goofy, and Donald traversing Disney-themed realms to combat the villainous Heartless. With the debut of the first game, the franchise has since spawned three primary installments and more than a dozen entries altogether. Anticipation among fans is high for Kingdom Hearts 4, which is also referred to as the start of the end. In an unexpected twist, fans even slipped in a nod to the series within an episode of PAW Patrol.

As Reddit user AffectionateSpite160 observed during an episode titled “Pups Save a Clown” on PAW Patrol, Toodles the Clown exhibited a pose strikingly similar to Sora from the Kingdom Hearts series after executing a combo. To enhance the resemblance, Toodles brandished a large key reminiscent of the keyblade. This caused a flurry of comments, with viewers suggesting that the animators had intentionally paid homage to the franchise. In this pose, Toodles holds an oversized purple and silver key aloft, mimicking a sword, while leaning on one hand, much like Sora in the same posture. When compared to an image of Sora in the identical stance, it’s striking how alike they appear. Even though Kingdom Hearts 4 represents a fresh start for Sora’s narrative, it appears that fans will continue to spot elements of the protagonist in other works.

Kingdom Hearts Fan Notices a Keyblade Reference in PAW Patrol

In this episode of PAW Patrol, it’s clear that the keyblade was intentionally referenced by the animators, as some observers suggest they were amused while creating it. Other commentators point out that this is a clever blend of two worlds, but young viewers might not grasp the tribute. Interestingly, one viewer spotted a subtle detail: Toodles’ key bears a faint resemblance to the Starlight keyblade from Kingdom Hearts 3. Both blades share similarities in their silver body and purple-blue handle, making it evident why this link is being drawn.

In various forms of entertainment, from an episode of PAW Patrol to others, fans of Kingdom Hearts would probably concur that spotting a reference to this franchise isn’t straightforward. With the excitement building around Kingdom Hearts 4 and the start of the Lost Master Arc, it’s hoped that more nods to the Kingdom Hearts universe will make appearances in other TV shows.

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2024-09-27 01:44