Katsuhiro Harada's Ambitions for a Colonel Sanders Crossover

In a surprising twist in the world of gaming, Tekken's development head, Katsuhiro Harada, has revealed that the beloved mascot of Kentucky Fried Chicken, Colonel Sanders, will not be making an appearance in the iconic fighting game series anytime soon. Despite Harada's enthusiasm for the concept, it appears that the fried chicken giant is not on board with the idea of this crossover.

Unconventional Fighters in Tekken

The Tekken franchise, known for its unique blend of characters from various genres, has welcomed unconventional fighters over the years, including Negan from "The Walking Dead," Noctis from "Final Fantasy," and Akuma from "Street Fighter." Nevertheless, Colonel Sanders has remained an elusive figure in the game, as Harada's attempts to include him have hit a brick wall.

Harada's Personal Experience with KFC

In a candid interview with *The Gamer,* Harada shared the backstory of his long-standing dream. "A long time ago, I envisioned a KFC x Tekken crossover," he stated. His excitement led him to meet with KFC's Japan headquarters, where he pitched the idea of having the Colonel as a playable character. However, the reaction was less than favorable. KFC reportedly gave him "a bad look," causing Harada to rescind his ambitions for this quirky collaboration.

The Waffle House Suggestion

Moreover, fans have humorously suggested introducing a Waffle House stage to the game. Harada, however, clarified that this would also be a challenge, citing that any addition would require Waffle House's approval. Given KFC's lukewarm response, he expressed doubt that such a partnership could materialize.

Recurring Discussions and Hopes

Interestingly, Harada has revisited the idea of bringing Colonel Sanders into the gaming fold multiple times. In a 2020 podcast, he mentioned that KFC was not receptive to his proposals, even as he noted that the Colonel appeared in other games afterward. "Maybe there were issues with him fighting against other characters which posed a problem for them," he speculated.

Harada's Vision for Colonel Sanders

In 2021, Harada remained hopeful, hinting that there was a concrete plan in place for incorporating the character into the franchise. "I dream of Colonel Sanders in Tekken," he said alongside Director Ikeda. "We have a brilliant idea for this character that players would love." Yet, he lamented that the marketing department continues to oppose the concept, fearing backlash from players. In a last-ditch effort, he humorously called on KFC representatives to get in touch with him.

The Reality of Colonel Sanders in Gaming

While KFC has allowed Colonel Sanders to appear in more whimsical contexts, such as in the Funko Fusion game and even in a meme-inspired dating simulator, the absence of such a unique character from the Tekken roster embodies a recurring theme in the world of gaming—sometimes, the most charming ideas are left unrealized. Could this be a missed opportunity for a truly one-of-a-kind gaming moment? Will KFC ever reconsider its stance? Fans wait with bated breath as Harada's dream hangs in the balance.