From the live-action series adaptation of The Last of Us to the new animated The Super Mario Bros Movie, video game film adaptations have been rather successful of late. Classic video game heroes such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Mario and Luigi have already had live-action film adaptations. Now, however, it looks like it’s Link’s turn.
Nintendo has announced it will develop a live-action film adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow of Nintendo and Avi Arad, Chairman of Arad Productions Inc., will be the film’s producer. Miyamoto was the producer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie, as well as countless video games.
Wes Ball will direct the Legend of Zelda film. Ball also directed the Maze Runner films. Nintendo and Arad Productions Inc. will produce the film, which is being co-financed by Sony Pictures Entertainment. Nintendo states it will provide over 50% of the film’s financing, while Sony will distribute the theatrical version globally.
The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda video game was released worldwide in 1987 and follows Link, who takes it upon himself to save Princess Zelda from the evil Ganon. Since its inception, the series has been popular with fans of adventure games. There are currently over 25 titles in The Legend of Zelda series, including ports and remakes. Nintendo aims to grow its audience by creating film adaptations of its iconic games.
“By producing visual contents of Nintendo IP by itself, Nintendo is creating new opportunities to have people from around the world to access the world of entertainment which Nintendo has built, through different means apart from its dedicated game consoles,” states the official news release.
“By getting deeply involved in the movie production with the aim to put smiles on everyone’s faces through entertainment, Nintendo will continue its efforts to produce unique entertainment and deliver it to as many people as possible.”
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
