Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner stated that he does not remember the specific reasons for approving the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise. When asked directly if he recalled saying yes to the game, Eisner initially replied no. Upon being reminded that the pitch involved Final Fantasy characters alongside Disney properties, he recalled the project but still could not remember the rationale behind his decision.
Eisner served as CEO of The Walt Disney Company from 1984 to 2005, the period during which the initial Kingdom Hearts game was greenlit by Square Enix. While Eisner acknowledged that he approved numerous deals and projects during his tenure, the lack of recall for such a significant and unique crossover franchise has drawn attention.
The Kingdom Hearts series, a collaboration between Square Enix and Disney, merges characters and worlds from Final Fantasy with the Disney universe. It has since developed its own extensive lore over 24 years.
Despite Eisner's inability to recall the specific justification, Disney has historically had a complex relationship with its intellectual property, sometimes approving unconventional projects. The company has also been involved in other distinct video game titles such as Epic Mickey and Disney Mirrorverse, which exist alongside the Kingdom Hearts series. Further insights into the original pitch might be revealed during an upcoming D23 retrospective panel for the franchise.