There are many aspects of Final Fantasy VII that have still remained incredibly memorable to this day, with the inclusion of Don Corneo's sleazy character being one of the many reasons as to why the game made such an excellent first impression. The idea of a hardened ex-SOLDIER cross-dressing in order to infiltrate a don's mansion as a potential bedmate might sound like the most ridiculous thing in the world, but it's a testament to the game's quality that this doesn't manage to feel out of place in the slightest, even in the remake.
Interrogating Don Corneo is easily a major highlight of the game, but one has to admit that his appearance was rather brief in the games. For people who can't get enough of this eccentric character, there are some interesting things to know about him.
10 There's A Dummied Line Of Dialogue If Cloud Is Selected
There's a dummied dialogue sequence that is triggered if the player ends up doing all the optional stuff that would lead to Cloud getting selected by Don Corneo. The don would've asked Cloud about who he thought was better between Tifa and Aerith, stating that he needed a woman's viewpoint for this same. The player would then be asked to choose between Tifa and Aerith, or even Cloud himself!
This could've been quite a humorous exchange, and it's a shame that this dialogue never made it into the final game.
9 An Alternate Ending Was Planned For The Scene
The uncomfortable scene with Don Corneo, in the event of Cloud's selection, is fortunately halted when both Tifa and Aerith end up barging into his room to put an end to the twisted proceedings.
However, this scene could've ended in a way different manner. Apparently, after Don Corneo gets a bit too frisky with Cloud and tries to kiss him, he would jump off the bed and reveal himself to be a man, stating that he wanted to use Don Corneo's mouth for other purposes. Namely, to get the information he needs.
8 Don's Mansion Is Definitely Inspired By Chinese Architecture
While Don's mansion is definitely quite ornate and lavish, what most people would not notice is the fact that his interiors are definitely inspired by Chinese architecture.
This can be seen in the various Chinese kanji that are scattered all around the building, which is a dead giveaway.
7 His Bedsheets Have The Chinese Inscription For The Word "Heaven"
Don Corneo's bed is perhaps the biggest and most noticeable thing in his room, with its kanji being something rather suggestive indeed.
This kanji is also Chinese, just like the ones in his mansion, and stands for "heaven" or "sky." It should be pretty evident what this term is referring to, especially on the bed of someone as sleazy as Corneo.
6 Don Corneo Was Portrayed Like More Of A Mafia Boss In The Remake
Since the first game of the remake series was going to focus solely on the city of Midgar, it was given that Don Corneo's segment would've also been significantly lengthened as a result.
This can be seen in the fact that Corneo has way more of an influence as a mob boss, with his henchmen and other characters such as Madam M, Sam, and Andrea Rhodea adding further weight to his status as an influential figure in the underworld.
5 He Shares His English Voice Actor With One Of The Remnants Of Sephiroth
The voice of Don Corneo is given by Fred Tatasciore in Final Fantasy VII Remake. Final Fantasy fans with sharp ears will recognize this character's voice as being somewhat similar to another character in the extended universe of Final Fantasy VII itself.
After all, Tatasciore has also given the voice for Loz, one of the remnants of Sephiroth, who plague Cloud in Advent Children.
4 It's Clear That His Name's Inspiration Comes From The Godfather
Given the fact that Don Corneo is meant to be a powerful underworld mafia boss, it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that his name is inspired by another famous mob boss from a rather iconic movie. It goes without saying that this inspiration is none other than the legendary Don Corleone from The Godfather. If Corleone existed in this world, he would no doubt be in a similar position as Corneo.
3 The Word "Corneo" Means Something Lewd In Spanish
However, the similarities with one of the most iconic characters in The Godfather aren't the only reason why Don Corneo achieved this name.
After all, the word Corneo means "horny" in Spanish. It's obvious that the developers weren't alluding to the fact that Corneo was shaped like a horn or something when they went for this name.
2 He Actually Survived His Fall In Wutai
If the player decides to trigger the optional event in Wutai with Yuffie, which, let's be fair, is something that no one would ideally miss out on, then Don Corneo makes another appearance in this area as well. However, after messing with the Turks and kidnapping one of their members, Reno ends up pushing Don Corneo off a cliff in retribution.
As per the events of "Lateral Biography Turks -The Kids Are Alright-," Corneo actually managed to survive this fall. However, he shattered both of his legs and is now permanent confined to a wheelchair.
1 He Ends Up Helping The World Regenesis Organization
It seems that losing his mobility humbled Corneo somewhat, who ended up doing some good post the events of Final Fantasy VII.
After the rampant wave of Geostigma ended up ravaging the Planet's population, Corneo ended up acting as a supplier between Shinra and the World Regenesis Organization (WRO) in order to help the world recuperate after such a devastating pandemic.