Disney Considered a Smash Bros.-Like Crossover Game Inspired by Kingdom Hearts

Former Disney Interactive concept artist Ken Christiansen confirmed that the idea for a crossover fighting game, reminiscent of Super Smash Bros., originated from the Kingdom Hearts franchise.

Early Concept and Challenges

In 2013, Christiansen shared early sketches of Disney characters battling, sparking speculation about a potential crossover. He revealed that Kingdom Hearts’ own struggles with approval within Disney played a key role in the concept’s development.

“One of the reasons Kingdom Hearts was so difficult to get started was because Disney was so reluctant to have that possibility of crossing over The Lion King into The Little Mermaid world,” Christiansen explained. “That was the main hangup for Disney America. They couldn't get over that.”

The ‘Disney’s Action Figure Face Off’ Concept

Despite initial hurdles, creatives envisioned a game featuring Disney action figures fighting, drawing inspiration from Toy Story. The concept, titled “Disney’s Action Figure Face Off,” showcased battles between characters like Captain Hook versus Beast, the Sheriff of Nottingham versus King Louie, Ursula versus John Silver, and the Queen of Hearts versus the Horned King.

The project only reached the prototype stage before Disney ultimately abandoned it in favor of movie and TV tie-in games.

Christiansen’s concept art offers a wistful glimpse into a game that never materialized, highlighting the potential for a unique Disney crossover experience.