Despite Katsuhiro Harada, Tekken series director, having a long-standing desire to include Colonel Sanders in the game (a dream he's held for years), it appears this crossover won't be happening. This is according to Harada himself, who revealed that both KFC and his own superiors have rejected the proposal.
Harada's Colonel Sanders Pitch Rejected
Harada's attempts to secure Colonel Sanders as a playable character have been unsuccessful. He personally contacted KFC's Japanese headquarters, but his request was met with resistance. This isn't new; Harada previously expressed his desire for the Colonel on his YouTube channel, only to be met with disapproval from his superiors. He even described the experience as receiving a "bad look." Therefore, fans shouldn't anticipate a KFC crossover in Tekken 8 anytime soon.
Game designer Michael Murray elaborated on the failed negotiations with KFC, stating that the company wasn't receptive to the idea. He speculated that the issue might stem from the concept of Colonel Sanders engaging in combat. The difficulty of securing such collaborations was also highlighted.
Harada's Vision and KFC's Hesitation
Harada has openly admitted his ambition to feature Colonel Sanders in Tekken, even going so far as to say he's "dreamed about" it. He and Director Ikeda had developed a detailed concept, confident in their ability to execute it brilliantly. However, KFC's marketing department expressed doubt about player reception, leading to the rejection. Harada's plea to KFC to reconsider remains unanswered.
Tekken's Crossover History and Future Prospects
The Tekken franchise boasts a history of surprising guest characters, including Akuma (Street Fighter), Noctis (Final Fantasy), and Negan (The Walking Dead). While a Colonel Sanders appearance is unlikely, Harada also considered a Waffle House collaboration, but that also seems improbable. He acknowledged the limitations of their internal resources. However, fans can anticipate the return of Heihachi Mishima as the game's third DLC character.
