Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I want to see it happen, no matter what.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Honestly, with the issue before being Nomura not liking the script and developing Kingdom Hearts II at that time (which would have made creative liberties hard to allow), I think a Kingdom Hearts series could be a good thing in this day and age. They have a story set out for them that they can now properly follow.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Huh. To be honest, I don't know quite how I feel about this. On the one hand, it would be really interesting to see an animated series, if only just to get a different take on the series. Plus, now with the series expanded as much as it has since 2002, they would have a lot to work with to translate the story into a tv show. However, with the bulk of the story being told through the games all these years, I can't help but feel that if it's not broke, don't fix it.

But either way, would definitely check it out if they were successful in greenlighting it.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

*yells through cupped hands* get the gravity falls people to collaborate on this.


seriously though, who knows if anything will come of it, but it would be neat. i wonder if they would just treat it as its own thing, try to make it faithful adaption of the first game, or given it a new canon story

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

i would love to see it could they put the series on disey or kingdom hearts youtbe channel just in case he cant get a disney slot on tv

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I can't wait if this becomes a thing.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Don't need it, don't care.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I think I'm cautiously interested. Back when the series was first pitched, the series was far from solidified in it's atmosphere and Disney just didn't seem to get it as well as they (apparently) do now. If you look back at the early marketing for the game and Kingdom Hearts V-Cast (which I believe was created by Disney and had little input from Nomura) they were putting too much focus on it being a romp through their various movies and less on the original plot. I'm not saying it's not understandable (they did have to appeal to their fanbase after all), but with that kind of atmosphere from within Disney, the series would've focused too much on Disney worlds and less on the original plot of the games that Nomura created. Not to mention that video game adaptions at the time were kinda hokey.

All of that said, I'll echo what a lot of people here have said and say that Disney seems to have gotten a better idea of what this series is about over the years, the atmosphere and creative style of the franchise has solidified, and video game adaptions are being a bit more faithful to the original content. Actually, with KH3 coming out, this series might be a good way to help newcomers and those who stubbornly refuse to buy the remixes (and complain about the story...) learn the plot of the series in a way the games might not be able to do for them.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Alex hirsch should head this. That is all.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

He's busy working on his new project for Fox and the live action Pokemon movie. That is all.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

-crosses fingers-

I really hope this becomes a thing. I want some sort of KH show in my life; and I feel like if it doesn't happen now, then it never will.

And now would be such a great time for it, too, with I.5 & II.5 coming out for PS4 and KHIII being a huge deal/hype worthy (and Disney being more on board with KH than they ever have been before).

[strike]Now just follow the manga, and everything will be aces.[/strike]

@Audo The main guy behind Gravity Falls wouldn't touch KH. He's... not exactly a fan of it, and that's putting it mildly:/

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Does he have a statement about it?

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

He said this about it... "Kingdom Hearts is an abomination under the sun, I think it's Space-Jam level cynical to cram anime characters and Disney characters together. I think Mickey Moused dressed in a little goth hood made of zippers is the worst thing I've ever seen, and proves that God doesn't exist."

:(

I mean, I don't want to throw him under the bus. I don't think he's even touched any of the games, and I can understand why he might feel this way from the outside looking in. But still.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Arcane Compendium

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

that's hilarious

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Damn, the space jam comparison was kind of accurate though xD ah well, apparently JonTron really doesn't like the series either. That's a little more than he's not a fan of it though xD

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Idk it's kinda 50/50

If they gonna just adapt game plot into series like they did with manga - damn that will be great. That may be even better if they could use novellas plot to bring some light to overlooked events like Vanitas' past.
And it would be really good to bring some fresh blood to fandom with new fans.

On the other hand - it's too late. Yes, there is 1.5+2.5 coming, 2.8 just came out and we eagerly wait for 3 but even short lenght cartoon needs some time to be producted so we may see some short pilot on the fall if we're lucky.

Also I would personally prefer that they wont use any style deformations. I'd like to see KH in classic Disney style, like Bambi, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast etc. I'd be really disappointed if they gonna use chibi/deformed style like GF, SU or something. I like those cartoons, they are not bad, but I'd like to see characters as close to original as possible.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Well, finding out Alex Hirsch hates Kingdom Hearts with such an extreme level of viciousness depresses me. Gravity Falls is really diddlying zany as shit and is all up its own butt with lore.

Thank god I don't admire Alex Hirsch that much. But damn...I wanted to see Gravity Falls in KH because it'd be so awesome to see Bill Cipher as a boss. Alex voices like half the main cast so imagine how uninterested he'd be to voice them or see somebody else touch his story. God damn.

It really isn't too late at all. Kingdom Hearts is going to continue after KH3, so this is the perfect time to start grabbing a wider audience. The show would need to be REALLY good, though.

I think Kingdom Hearts fans need to learn how to let go of the series as we know it. We are not the future of the series as sad as it is to say.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

If a TV show did get approved I wonder how much of the series' darker content would have to be cut?

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

None, probably. Enough of that "darker" content is veiled enough that people won't realize it. Some people still don't realize the connotations of it even now.

Disney gets dark. Look at Gravity Falls, for example.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

This is the absolute worst thing I've heard this year. Alex hating Kingdom Hearts? Fake news!

With the reboot of Ducktales and Tangled continuing on as an animated show, I think Disney might actually show some interest in this product as it shows they're committed to the hand drawn animation style, which is absolutely how I would want to see this show.

It is just talking at the moment though, he hasn't even officially pitched it to them so my hopes and expectations are down.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Always interesting to see people's different perspectives on story takes. It can help to expand one's mind and possibilities. Definitely all for it if they succeed.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I don't really agree. Far more people have died in KH than in GF or anything else on Disney channel. Plus KH is action oriented, something else that is lacking with the current disney cartoons. I don't think Disney would approve of a adaptation 100 percent accurate to the games

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Dark is more than just death, and no one in Kingdom Hearts ever dies. Gravity Falls get's pretty diddlyed up with it's monsters and shit.

Also lmao:
[video=youtube;C-RJvJy-uhs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-RJvJy-uhs[/video]

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Gravity Falls may have had dark moments, but I wouldn't really call it a dark series. It was mostly light hearted and silly. KH is serious and somber. Especially in 358 2 days and BBS.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Rebels may not be Disney Animation, but it still airs on DXD, and that show can have some pretty... Well disguised dark stuff. I'm still not over Ezra mind controlling a guy into killing himself early season 3.

And yes, Gravity Falls got away with a lot of messed up shit as well.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

To the lord above, I pray this becomes a thing.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

KH is mostly light hearted and silly as well and I would say it only had dark moments rather than it being serious and somber.



I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree because I honestly can't see Disney having any objection to the story of Kingdom Hearts on their television network.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

They aren't really dying though. It's the same kind of "death" you see in any animated series where villains/enemies get destroyed. The only difference is that we see our heroes go through a great deal of suffering as well. And death is not the only thing that makes something dark.

You are right that they might lessen the amount of people who get axed, but Disney need only look at their competitors and see that there is no harm in having a show with more serious moments. Voltron, Trollhunters, Korra, Steven's Universe, Samurai Jack, and quite a number of series out on the market were and are trailblazers because they aren't afraid of pushing the envelope. They aren't afraid of having the main cast suffer and in turn have the audience suffer with the cast.

Disney has its own history of well loved shows with the main cast experiencing some pretty dark moments like TRON Uprising, Gargoyles, Oban Star Racers, American Dragon: Jake Long, Motorcity, Gravity Falls (which was dark not because of death but because of the visceral imagery and ability to imply worse things than death), Kim Possible...Hell, Star Wars Rebels. The list goes on.

If Disney isn't willing to let Kingdom Hearts be what it has been for 15 years with an E/E10+ rating in a video game, then there is no point in having a show.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

IF this becomes a thing, I kind of hope they let them do their own vision of the story instead of copying it bit by bit (though of course main plot points will have to stay the same)

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Same. I don't want it to be the games. I don't want it to be the manga. Not the novel. Not even the Spanish comic lol I don't even want it to be the original pitch Kearsley had years ago. I want something that adds something unique and enjoyable to the Kingdom Hearts franchise.

The manga and novels offer things that aren't present in the games. Anybody who could get a series like this started should be allowed the freedom to take this series where they want to take it while still hitting all of the important story beats from the games.

Imagine what a show could be like without the baggage of the game's script. Imagine seeing Kairi do more, or Riku showing more emotional conflict with his choices in KH1.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Considering how many KH fans loved Gravity Falls, it is hilarious.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

This gets overlooked/ignored so often that one practically has to preach it.
If one really wants to spread out the actual dark things and the suffering caused in KH it would become quite a long list in itself, but if one is only ever looking at/accepting death as "dark" it is no surprise the plenty of the dark aspects aren't noticed.

Also, when I remember series like Gargoyles which is Disney too that one was quite dark in itself, just more overt with the whole thing than KH, I don't see why anything in KH's overall story should be "censored" or toned down in comparison.


As for the whole making a TV-show in general I am honest when I say that I'm sceptical about it.

It may really be a chance to tell the overaching story better with more focus on actual characterisation and character interactions since the games are not exactly stellar on this (heck, the novels despite being only semi-/unclearly canon do a much better job than the games do) if they have some decent script writers in charge and choose to largely ignore the details of the game scripts, but for that to work they would need people in charge who actually understand the personalities and character traits of the major cast in conjunction with the overaching story and twists, something I remember Tai Yasue stating somewhere only Nomura personally knows at least on the latter part.

By now we know that while being a creative ideas-guy Nomura isn't exactly the brightest lightbulb when it comes to coherent and understandable presentation and has also somewhat of a fixation on making everything and everyone (inlcuding an originally planned as unrelated browser-spin-off and an exclusive concert scene) canon and connected to the games somehow and I fear what kind of mess this could entail for a possible TV Series regardless in which animation "form" it is done.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I have always wanted to see a western take on a Kingdom Hearts script

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

If it's along the lines of the manga/novels/games (as in, Sora not already having the keyblade from the getgo like the pilot implies), then I think it's fine. It should follow closely while taking some creative liberties to make it flow better than it originally did in the games. If it does that, that'd be really exciting. (For example, more references to Terra, Aqua, and Ven in the vague sense instead of shoehorning them in later) I also want it to stick close so that there's no potential conflicts (like there originally was). Nomura should probably have a hand in this too.

As for the art of the storyboard, storyboards aren't always pretty and is not usually the final look of the show. So while I'm not worried, I hope with the art style, they mix typical Disney art style with Nomura's recognizable artist features. It can't be as detailed for the sake of animation cost, but I hope they don't simplify it so much that the characters don't resemble themselves.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I think its cool he gets a second chance to do an animated series because it felt like he was passionate about the first game and the story of the series. I'm not sure if i want it to be a straight adaptation because everything is on youtube and I'm not as enamored with the story as I once was. I'd probably be ok with it taking liberties with the canon if the show itself was good.

Outside of The gravity falls teams I wouldnt mind if the Voltron Legendary defenders team took a crack at it.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I want it to happen but I'm so scared of the thought that it could happen.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

That isn't even why it is hilarious xD Gravity Falls is a weird-ass show that has its own lore and a god damn physical journal full of information about the show you have to read. Riddles you have to solve, visual hints you have to make note of. Gravity Falls is just as big of a puzzle as Kingdom Hearts, except Alex Hirsch did it for fun and Nomura is maybe semi-serious most of the time.

Literally a case of a pot calling the kettle black. "Anime style" is even more funny when Nomura worked with Disney's art team to blend his style to theirs...not to mention Nomura's style is hardly anime at all.



To be honest, Nomura should be as far away from the process as possible. He should make a list of key plot points, some hopes and wishes, things that cannot be done, then step away from the project and let it do its own thing.

I love Nomura but a TV show deserves the same freedom the manga got. Look at how fun and entertaining that is.



I agree only as far as the idea that Nomura should have some hand in the show. Like I said to Sephiroth, he should outline key plot points, hopes and wishes, stuff that should not happen, but after that he needs to step back and just see what they make. The games are always going to be the main canon, so a TV series should be free to do its own thing. A Western storytelling touch would do wonders to the story of Kingdom Hearts.

Of course...if the show is even greenlighted.



Gravity Falls has quite a few South Korean studios working on it. Unless you mean the core Disney Television Animation team, then yes they'd be great. Voltron's team would also be great but they are great because they all have been working together for years. I'd rather see them all work on more original projects. Studio MIR would be great but they are also a highly-sought after studio these days. Who knows how long their Voltron contract is for and what other projects they have in the works (I think they worked on a feature film).

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

folks, don't get mad at Alex for thinking Kingdom Hearts is bullshit levels of jarring, because it totally is.

"Chip and Dale are working on decoding the data that Ansem the Wise gave to Riku"

>Mickey throwing off his black jacket and saying "They'll pay for this." after Goofy died

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

whoopsie, double post incoming



It'd be nice to see KH look somewhat more like these Mickey toons, but retaining KH's warmer color scheme and stylistic differences.

Having a continuity-driven KH series with more focus on comedy would probably do wonders for endearing audiences to the characters so they actually give a damn when shit goes ham

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Yeah, on a more in-depth analysis, you can see he's really not just into it, if his idea of Kingdom Hearts is "anime characters" and "Mickey in a coat full of zippers".
Like, my best take is that he saw glimpses of KH II and didn't like it?
Of course he wasn't doing a full immersive review but a few words and chuckles, but I think he hardly looked into the saga, disliking the main concept to begin with.
And that's okay, having opinions is legit.

People often hate their own style when handed by others, especially in such sectors. While interesting and hilarious, at the end of the day I'm not even that shocked.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

damn, I wish someone had thought of that.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I relistened to his clip and they didnt mentioned the lore or the story outside of the design choices. Alot of people don't really like the idea of Final Fantasy crossing over with Disney so i just thought he was one of them. I didnt think it was him being a hypocrite.

Sorry i meant the writing team with my quote rather than the animation team even if Kingdom Hearts done by Studio MIR would be aces.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

So, do we think it will look better in traditional animation or cgi? My money is on CGI. I've seen the previews for the Tangled series and it looks a bit strange, seeing that I'm used to the CGI.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Don't even get me started on the Ansem stuff in Sora's mind. My body's still not done processing the bullshit out of my system yet.

EDIT:
[FONT=Verdana]

Hey, I remember you! Good to see you again, U.N. Owen! (don't know why I remember the username so much if you only had 18 posts :P)[/FONT]

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Can we get someone like Frustrated Jacob involved with this? He just has such a good grasp on the things that make the story/characters good, things that can be improved on, and things that went wrong (as well as what's in a scene and how to tell a story well).

Note that I'm 99.9% kidding. That would never happen. And nor should it happen. But we do need someone who understands Sora's character arc that exists in the first game, and whatnot, etc. And maybe even who has an understanding/acceptance for some Eastern ideas.

But I'm really excited about the idea of this! I think it could be great... It could go terribly wrong and be awful, but it has the chance to be good if it gets green-lighted. Especially since Disney being involved with this could probably do a good job of making the Disney worlds feel more accurate and relevant, but at the same time... we don't want to run the risk of them completely outshining Sora and whatnot.

A TV show--aside from being able to treat the girls better and neat stuff like that, which is already great--could also fix the continuity errors, actually foreshadow stuff, etc.

...If they got someone to work on it who really knew what they were doing, anyway (and wanted to keep the main story beats, while telling it in their own way), but they probably won't.

I kind of want someone to make a series of videos that puts everything from Kingdom Hearts in order, and send it to Disney and Seth Kearsley. (Like, can you guys imagine how COOL it would be to have a Kingdom Hearts show that told things in order, in a way you could actually understand it--where it wasn't just some massive, overly-complicated puzzle?) But then I realize that anyone who even tried that, would just die: a lot of that because of 0.2 fitting into the timeline in the weirdest way possible.

Edit: It's also odd for me, of all people, to say this--as a massive SoKai shipper (who recognizes that it may have just been confirmed as canon... for reasons), but I hope a show mostly leaves their relationship the way it was in the games. I mean, I don't mind if they make it somewhat better--by actually letting us get to see them together more, and things like that--but I don't want this to turn into the ooey-gooey, overly romantic kind of couple in Western media that I hate (that Disney sometimes does do *cough* OUaT *cough*). Thankfully, I don't think that would ever happen, though. ^_^' Just keep them the cute, innocent, and awkward young teenagers that I know and love, please.

Edit 2: Or you know what... Just an adaptation of the first game (even if that's all we'd get), with maybe some Easter Eggs about the other games would be pretty great. KH1 is already near perfect, but they could make it even better--by doing things like this:

[FONT=Cambria]"The moment that SDG defeat Ansem Seeker of Darkness, we cut away to Kairi back in Traverse Town:[/FONT]

[FONT=Cambria]The world starts shaking, and people begin disappearing, and everyone is freaking out. But Kairi steadies everyone she comes across, and assures them all with a sure look and smile on her face, that everything’s fine and that Sora and Riku succeeded in their mission to return everything back to normal.[/FONT]

[FONT=Cambria]It would be important here that she does say part of it was Riku who accomplished this, in order to hint at her faith in him and her friendship with him--and to make her less of a Satellite Love Interest for Sora.[/FONT]

[FONT=Cambria]Kairi looks at the sky once (because that’s what’s Sora’s name means), with a hand over her heart, and then disappears (this is when she’s pulled to the End of the World to meet with Sora at the end of the game).[/FONT]

[FONT=Cambria]We cut back to Sora, see him have his debate with Ansem, see Kingdom Hearts destroy Ansem, SDG and Riku and Mickey close the Door to Darkness, and Sora have his flashbacks about Riku.[/FONT]

[FONT=Cambria]And everything plays out as normal from here on out, when Sora suddenly turns around and sees that Kairi’s somehow there and runs to meet her.[/FONT]

[FONT=Cambria]So there: A way to make Kairi’s character and treatment ever so slightly better in a KH1 show without damaging or changing the original’s story at all.

And they could also make sure to pass the Bechdel Test, by making sure that it is a two-way-conversation between Kairi and her grandmother in that one flashback, etc."[/FONT]

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

If it become a series there is actually not that much difference - it would be either cheap CGI like in HTTYD cartoon, or some cheapish traditional. My hopes are on oldschool toons like Gargoyles, Duck Tales or on the simplistic style that Launchpad mentioned

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I'm skeptical. My biggest concern is that Disney would oversimplify (read: whitewash) the series' philosophy and characters in order to accommodate western expectations of a less challenging "cartoon" narrative. It also just feels non-essential and maybe even counterproductive given that it would transition the series from one visual medium to another lower budget visual medium.

They would probably replace Shimomura's music, too. My heart couldn't take that.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

It couldn't be verbatim with the mess of a plot / script we have now. If it were a retelling like the manga it might fare better. The series would be a chance to restructure the elements they have now and brush up on the continuity.

This is honestly one of the most solid, genuine aspects of Kingdom Hearts that I enjoy; it tethers me to the series on such an emotional level, that I would be devastated if it were absent or couldn't be utilized in some way.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Certainly agree with this one.
I personally think the KH series as a whole needs to loosen up a little and allow works that explicitly and intentionally are not tied to the overaching narrative canon like the manga already had.
Alternate/parallel storylines are a thing (heck franchises like Neon Genesis Evangelion have five or more retellings of the same base story with different elements independent from one another while still using largely the same cast of characters).

Definitely, as long as they don't take it too far and "westernize" the story too much in order to cram as many standard tropes for western works into it as possible, although a general outline of key plot points and definite don'ts compiled by Nomura would probably prevent just that.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Well, that's what I'm worried about if they don't stick more closely to what's happening in the games. I fear it'll just turn into a western Disney show without the... 'heart' of Kingdom Hearts.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I also shudder to think what might happen if they decided to stick with Shimomura's score but handed it off to somebody at Disney to revise. Some of her pieces are really cinematic, and I'm not sure they would fit neatly with the tone and pacing of a 20 minute episode as is.


I don't think that's even an issue really: the decision is Disney's, not Nomura's, so if they want to milk their franchise with a dozen adaptations there's nothing stopping them.




I think the real issue at stake here is the potential for an adaptation of the series to misconstrue its thematic center: it's easy to identify the story as a universal "light VS dark/good VS evil" hero's journey because this is the bare narrative framework it (generally) uses to advance more complex and arguably interesting dialogues regarding human relationships and essential spiritual connections. That's not to say that the series is about "God" or any specific religious ideology, but it is informed by a cultural perspective which doesn't necessarily distinguish between the tangible and secular or the ethereal and divine as a strict dichotomy. Indeed, intangible forces of nature are often the most pervasive in KH, like the depth of one's heart and memories, which in turn inform so much of the emotional content which resides at the surface of any given entry. Characters like Riku, Roxas, Axel, Namine and Xion all encounter crises of character stemming from questions of spiritual self-worth: identity conflicts which are at their heart character-driven methods of investigating the series' principal motifs.

That's a tall order for an American cartoon, and while it certainly can be done (I think series like The Clone Wars and The Last Airbender have proven complexity in children's media is not a lost cause), I also don't see any benefit in presenting a watered-down take on the series which by definition will have less to offer than the original. The reason adaptations like the manga and especially the light novels have been well-received (to my mind) is that those divergences they take from the source material are usually in favor of expanding upon these ideas and delivering a wider perspective on the established canon. They utilize the advantages of their respective mediums to provide insight above and beyond the original telling: indeed, that's what a successful adaptation should do. I think a TV KH could do this in the right hands, I'm just not confident given Disney's track record of conditioning its audience to both expect and accept the route of least resistance, which is a large part of it (and its creative teams') near total insulation from real and substantial critique. Aaaand that's another conversation entirely.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

let's not pretend Kingdom Hearts has ever had complex writing or themes, shit's as basic as it gets.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Nomura could be a "story consultant" for the show just to make sure certain things are consistent with the canon and certain changes fit his vision of the story. For example, if Kearsley wanted to introduce Sora/riku/kairi's parents or delve into Demyx's backstory or if he wanted to show how mickey met leon before the first game, he can talk to nomura and the scenario writers for their input.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

KH would probably work better with an anime adaptation then a American cartoon. At least with that we wouldn't have to worry about the themes being changed to fit a western demographic as others mentioned

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Part of Seth's pitch is for it to have an anime art style for the show. Unless you want the script to be written as an Anime with Anime tropes and whatnot.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Kingdom Hearts already has a bunch of anime tropes so an anime adaptation full of cliches would hardly feel out of place, lol.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Im with Launchpad on this; i feel you guys are overstimating how deep KH actualy is. Disney can handle it.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Let's avoid the anime tropes. They are trash in anime, trash in KH, and would be trash in this. I distinctly remember people complaining about these exact anime tropes in KH2 since 2005.

Why can't we reach that happy medium like ATLA/LoK/Boondocks/Voltron...Anime-esque style of art and animation but with Western sensibilities that appeal to a wide audience, which also lends itself to a more coherent and cohesive plot structure.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

ATLA is very anime and heavily influenced by FLCL, which could be fitting to KH.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

God, hell no. They'd most likely hand it off to some bargain-bin, B tier studio like A-1 Pictures or some shit.

At least with Disney there's a higher chance it will be decently animated.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Hey A-1 does some okay work when you give them money. Like Anohana was solid. But you are right...Brotherhood FFXV, Blue Exorcist, Uta no Price, and pretty much everything they've worked on has had some really fucking awful low points.

But yeah, I'd much rather Disney since they'd go with a solid Korean studio. I can't think of any modern Disney show that had terrible 2D animation quality.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I know only two FF animated series, Brotherhood and Untimed. I know no other series outside A-1 Pictures and of course the mixed reactions.

Ufotable I can't see And just like American Studios I barely know Japanese studios that would pick it up.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Can we stop thinking of Japanese animation studios. That isn't going to happen. They are expensive. Anime-style does not mean Japanese studios. Disney will stick with Canadian, South Korean, Chinese, and maybe a small American studio for a project like this.

(i.e. Titmouse based in Los Angeles animated the opening for ATLA, but JM Animation, DR Movie, and MOI Animation in SK animated the show...and then a number of people from those studios went on to found Mir)

Unlimited was animated by Gonzo.

Ufotable is a fine studio that strives for quality but they are picky about projects.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I just really hope they settle for the right art style. I don't want something like the bew Tangled Series (it looks great, don't get me wrong, but I don't think it'd fit into KH3). Other than that, I am excited to see if this will be a thing or not.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Figured this is a better reference for why it wouldn't be a Japanese studio anyways:

Seth was literally trying to get the idea of "American Anime" out there back when he was pitching KH the first time around. This time, we actually have more obviously Anime-influenced animation thanks to stuff like ATLA, LoK, Voltron, Teen Titans, the Boondocks, Oban Star Racers, Totally Spies...the list goes on.

Seth Kearsley interviewed by Mike Mixtape, discusses Kingdom Hearts TV pilot - News - Kingdom Hearts Insider

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Ok, what American Studio would be interested and collab with SE and Disney?

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Like I literally just said, it won't be an American studio. Shows are almost never animated in America unless Disney decides to throw mad change at them. Labor is too expensive here.

Disney typically employs Canadian (which is expensive, but not as much as America thanks to Vancouver trying to grow as a center for entertainment), South Korean, and Chinese studios. An American studio would work on storyboarding and less laborious work.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I wasn't talking about studios. I hardly pay attention to that stuff.

I meant how the characters behave? Their gestures. Expressions. How they move. The absurdity of it sometimes. Etc. You can see FLCL all over Avatar the Last Airbender regardless of who animated it (though the comparisons to when they handed off Korra to Studio Perriot or whatever for a while compared to when a Korean company did it is striking. StudioP is absolutely trash)

The KH manga also has pretty unique facial expressions and whatnot. I hope whoever animates it makes the characters feel more alive like that rather than how Disney typically shows expressions on their TV shows (though classic Disney expressions on Mickey and the gang is always pretty good)

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

It wasn't aimed at you, but people who were taking "anime style" too literally.

Seth has been made aware of the manga on Twitter by fans, so maybe he'll draw some inspiration from it.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Here's an idea: Don't make it about Sora.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Man, just imagine a Days adaptation.

The writers could have the characters on the clock tower sometimes--so that we know that's their main thing; and that we should have feelings for it, like we did with Bueno Nacho from Kim Possible and that kind of thing--but they wouldn't have to be there every second.

We could get moments like from the manga--where the sea salt trio's in a meeting room, and Xion is using a dry-erase board to figure out options for their upcoming vacation.

It could just be so good, and much better-structured than the actual game was.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I had a pitch for a show following Riku's perspective of the story.

They could always create a new cast and tell a new story but fans might not warm up to them.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Am I the only one who didn't particularly care for the manga? Mostly because it had the anime/manga simplistic style of not having very complex expressions and default character designs. I'd rather have the characters have very individual and stylized designs and unique distinct expressions.

I'd personally want the style to be more modern western, but really cinematic like an animated film, not the simple lightweight cartoon look. Sort of like the early 2000's animated films, like Atlantis or Treasure Planet, or maybe it could resemble the Disney renaissance films. This would probably be too expensive and over budget to animate though.

Seth did say he wanted an Anime-American style so this probably won't happen anyway.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

How about having the main character being Jiminy Cricket, observing the interactions between the trio around him? Maybe there can be a season in Chain of Memories, and the climax is when Jiminy, often the ignored one in the group, is left emotionally wrecked when he tries to calm Sora down and he gets screamed at for no reason?

That was supposed to be sarcastic but honestly I almost want to see this now.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I REALLY want to see this happen but I just can't picture Disney supporting a story like Kingdom Hearts lol This is just too convoluted and complex for their products standard. If the show happens, I'd hope people to be open minded, cause it's probably gonna be A LOT different from the canon, and if it stirs the community the wrong way, you never know how much patience Disney will have.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

??


Kingdom Hearts is owned by Disney so I don't get what you're trying to say. Are we just strictly talking about TV shows etc. or what?

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

[video]https://youtu.be/6803kZ5KtlE[/video]

I think KH can be confusing but most of that confusion could be through problems with how the story is told rather than it being too complex. So with the benefit of hindsight, a potential tv series could alleviate those problems.

I chose that video because it showcase some of the problems with how the story was told.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Sorry, I think I chose the wrong words to express myself, I love the story otherwise I wouldn't be here and this wouldn't be my favorite franchise, but I'm just assuming to understand more or less the kind of content Disney produces, and also publishes in their media channels, and often they're simple stories, that don't have that much of a convoluted plot like KH. I can't see them actively producing something like KH story which is complex and involves a lot of concepts their main audience can totally lose 5 episodes or so into it. So I personally think they would change it a lot if they were to produce something, specially since it would be a big project considering all the games, and they would need to keep a certain idea of closure in the first season of the material, which would imply not following KH1 ending at all.

That's just my idea of Disney content anyway, I know they support the game, but overall the game is not THAT present in their other media channels aside gaming, because they think this story is all about gamers and not about casual audience, probably reason why there's nothing KH in Disney.

But I do hope they put more faith in the franchise and attempt to make it bigger and gather notoriety! I just think we should all keep an open mind to the project cause it would probably turn into something quite different than KH original timeline.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Regarding your last sentence: I get where you're coming from, but I think them completely derailing from the games' plots (like the timeline) might confuse people. You know, we'd have people say 'but that didn't happen in the animated series! it's different there!' and all. So I think they should stick to the main timeline and have the same overall plot while still having something original to it, like creativity etc.

or just let it be a standalone series, maybe? I dunno.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I don't think y'all are giving the audience enough credit.

People know that various adaptations differ from source material and can vary from medium to medium, and even differ wildly in the same medium. You don't have to be a comic fan to know that there are various versions and universes and canons for any given superhero.

People know the Marvel Cinematic Universe is different from the comics, and those are different from the cartoons and those are different from the video games. People know that the Harry Potter books aren't the same continuity as the movies. (Even though a lot of these people don't really get that you can't have a good adaptation of a book into a film follow the book to the letter)

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Yeah, I agree that people would be able to see both pieces as different overall as Dandelion says, the game continuity and the show continuity. Of course, as a fan, I'd like a 100% faithful adaptation, but I do strongly believe they're not gonna do it, unfortunatelly. And the series could actually benefit from the decision, maybe even creating a transmedia setting in which the show would complement the games in a more casual-friendly perspective, or gather interest from the casual public more efficiently, not agressively towards the original contents at all (like not rewriting them and things of the sort). I hope this show happens, and that it's able to stand on its own feet instead of relying on fans alone, and create a bigger community interested in exploring the game's world as well.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

[video]https://youtu.be/oJz0L3j-vtE[/video]

In the video there are three other quotes from keirsley's twitter that gives us more info about the show. One quote is they wanna have a more "anime" artstyle which means they may try to find a new art designer to handle the aesthethic. Another quote is the show is far from happening as negotiations are just starting. He even quips that KH3 has a better chance of coming out before the show.

The third and most important quote is the show will follow its own timeline and it won't just copy the game. He further describes it as each person has their own version of Sora's journey in their heads so this show might follow his expierences playing the game. Like his answers in the dive to heart might be different and how SDG goes from world to world might be different because some were optional.

The overaching journey will be the same but the path Sora walks might be different (my guess)

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Consider my interest officially piqued. An alternate interpretation of the KH-verse, unbound from Word of God explanations, sounds like an idea with a lot of potential.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Oh god, I'd be mega-excited for an alternate timeline for the show! Sign me up!

Maybe the art style could be more like Amano's? If we're going for a more anime style?

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

KH3 could come out sooner than a TV series? That could work in it's favor. If it comes out once the Xehanort saga is complete they will have the full series to adapt

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

A KH series where explanations make sense? Sign me up!

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

really a Kingdom Hearts show is an opportunity to give us another House of Mouse with tons of stupid Disney injokes, which is fantastic

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I'm just imagining the opening of Kingdom Hearts but just with "HOT DOG HOT DOG HOT DIGGITY DOG" on loop for three solid minutes.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

That song is stuck on my head at least once a month. I wouldn't even be mad if there was a BBS Disney Town type of world in KH3 with that song as the music.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I still think another KH outlet with its own canon would just be a bad idea.
We still have people asking if the manga are enough to follow the saga or that Vanitas is a sweet puppy because of the Light Novels, not to mention those who just have their own headcanons about the videogames.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

ROLL CALL!

SORA!
DOLAN!
GOOBY!
MORKY!
ROOKU!
KAIRI!
ACKSUL!
JEMENY!

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

^ this, this, and this. I said so on another page as well and I really think it would completely confuse some people, saying things like "but that didn't happen in the show! something else happened!" or so.

They should follow the general 'guidelines' of the series and not really make everything up, though it would be great if they could have some creativity like the mangas. Maybe make it something completely standalone? Or really make everything like in the games.[/QUOTE]

…okay?

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Consider how long it takes on average to make one episode of a TV show.
First, Seth needs to pitch the idea and get it green lit. Then they need to find a company to develop the show, get some more writers, etc. This process could be months away.

On average, a cartoon episode takes about 9-12 months to complete so if everything were to be approved by September 2017 (don't take this as fact, I'm using this as an example), the show could air in September-November 2018. In all likelihood KH3 could be out before then.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Which is why it should be aired after KH3. tbh I'm 100% open to an alternate interpretation to the series. As others have mentioned before, plenty of other series have done the same thing without too many issues.

…okay?

I think Grono was parodying the opening of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. x'D

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Eh as long as most of its humor isn't based off of it. I'd prefer a cinematic film style of animation and direction, over wacky cartoon, but that's just me.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Another House of Mouse? What and have the KH cast as patrons of the dinner theater?
And having Sora work there?
And having Xaldin's table right behind Belle and Beast's?
And having an episode where Demyx works as a busboy?
And...and...
.
.
.

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Sora and Riku could be the bouncers:cool:.

The house of mouse could be a neutral meeting place for the multiverse:rolleyes:.

OT- I wouldn't mind the show having a separate continuity from the games. Making it 100% like the games would feel pointless because I could just play the games (or watch it on youtube).

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

If this became greenlit any chance the VA's of the games will reprise their roles?

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

Possibly, but it would depend on what the team and Disney wanted. Personally, I kind of doubt it, since they've been doing a lot of (really good) stunt casting for some of their new shows and the pilot for the first pass had different voices

Re: Seth Kearsley says he's "Pitching a Do-Over" on Kingdom Hearts TV Show

I could probably see them replace Sora because Haley Joel Osment's voice changed after the first game and his Kh2 voice sounds way different than his KH1 voice. Or I could see them having him redub it and not worry about him trying to sound like a preteen.