Tekken with Colonel Sanders? No, But Not For a Lack of Trying

Despite Katsuhiro Harada, Tekken series director, having envisioned a Colonel Sanders cameo for years, it remains unrealized. This, according to Harada himself, is due to rejection from both KFC and his own superiors.

Harada's Proposal Rejected

In a recent interview, Harada revealed his past attempts to secure Colonel Sanders for Tekken, including contacting KFC's Japanese headquarters. This wasn't a new idea; he previously expressed his desire for the KFC icon as a guest fighter on his YouTube channel. His proposal, however, was met with disapproval, leaving fans disappointed.

Further details emerged from game designer Michael Murray, who explained that KFC wasn't receptive to the idea, possibly due to concerns about player reception to a character like Colonel Sanders fighting in the game. This highlights the complexities of securing such crossovers.

Harada's Vision and KFC's Hesitation

Harada has openly stated his "dream" of including Colonel Sanders, even outlining a well-developed concept with director Ikeda. However, KFC's marketing department expressed reservations, believing it wouldn't resonate with players. Despite this setback, Harada remains hopeful, extending a public invitation to KFC for collaboration.

Other Crossovers and Future Prospects

Tekken has successfully integrated characters like Akuma (Street Fighter), Noctis (Final Fantasy), and Negan (The Walking Dead). While a Waffle House crossover is also unlikely, fans can anticipate the return of Heihachi Mishima as the game's third DLC character. For now, the Colonel Sanders dream remains just that – a dream.