Michael Eisner Denies Approving Square Enix’s Kingdom Hearts

Disney’s former CEO Michael Eisner reportedly had no recollection of approving Square Enix’s Kingdom Hearts when asked about the franchise’s origins, despite it being one of the biggest crossover properties to ever combine Disney worlds with Final Fantasy characters.

Announcement: Eisner “No” when asked about approving Kingdom Hearts

During a panel connected to Delphi Interactive—an event where Eisner was an investor—reporter Stephen Totilo asked Eisner whether he remembered giving the green light for Kingdom Hearts. The franchise launched on PlayStation 2 in 2002. Eisner’s response was simply “No.”

Totilo later clarified that Eisner had been pitched the project in Tokyo as a crossover between Final Fantasy and Disney characters. Even with that reminder, Totilo reports that Eisner still did not recall why he approved the series.

Practical impact: what executives say about the original pitch

While Eisner’s memory of the decision appears to be missing, at least one person involved at the time has offered a detailed recollection of how the pitch was received. Kingdom Hearts Insider reports that Shuji Utsumi—then managing director for Disney Interactive’s Asia Pacific division—described the meeting where he presented Kingdom Hearts to Eisner.

In Utsumi’s account, Eisner reacted with the demeanor of an “ancient Chinese Emperor.” On the project itself, Utsumi says Eisner’s direction was: “Keep at it, and do it right.”

Platform scope: the franchise’s known next releases

The article also points to what’s currently scheduled for the series going forward. Kingdom Hearts I-III Collection is expected to release in October. The reveal, however, was accompanied by criticism of the artwork shown at the time.

There was no confirmed timeline provided for Kingdom Hearts 4. The report suggests the next opportunity for news may be at the D23 expo next month.

What comes next (and what changed today)

Michael Eisner reportedly said he did not remember approving Kingdom Hearts when asked about the 2002 PlayStation 2 launch.
A Tokyo pitch reminder (Final Fantasy + Disney crossover) reportedly did not jog Eisner’s memory about why he approved it.
Disney Interactive Asia Pacific executive Shuji Utsumi previously described the meeting as Eisner urging development: “Keep at it, and do it right.”
Kingdom Hearts I-III Collection is expected in October, with the reveal noted for problematic artwork.
No release date was given for Kingdom Hearts 4, with D23 expo positioned as the next likely news window.