Ater decades, Nintendo is finally embracing the idea of developing their beloved video game series into a live-action. The well-known video game creator Shigeru Miyamoto made the unexpected revelation that The Legend of Zelda film is now formally in production.
With famed producer Avi Arad, Miyamoto has been steadily working on this project for years, and he expressed his excitement in a statement posted on Nintendo’s official Twitter account. He emphasized that Nintendo actively contributed to the film’s development in order to ensure that the adaptation maintains the integrity of the original game series.
Wes Ball, who directed the Maze Runner trilogy and the upcoming Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, will direct the movie. The screenplay will be written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Derek Connolly, who is known for his work on Jurassic World. Joining Miyamoto as producers are Joe Hartwick Jr. under their Oddball Entertainment banner and Arad Productions, renowned for their contributions to the Spider-Man and Spider-Verse franchises.
Nintendo’s decision to greenlight a live-action Zelda movie represents a significant shift in their approach to film adaptations. The company had long been cautious about adapting their iconic properties, a stance influenced by the critical and commercial failure of the 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie.
However, the success of the 2023 animated Super Mario Bros. movie, co-produced by Nintendo and Illumination Entertainment, appears to have bolstered their confidence. This animated film, grossing over $1.36 billion worldwide, demonstrated that a video game adaptation could receive critical acclaim and achieve substantial commercial success.
Miyamoto explained, “The reason we were so resistant and careful to adapt our games into movies is because in video games, there is always a player, who overcomes challenges and fights their way through. Their struggle – redoing the levels over and over – is all part of it.”
He emphasized, “Just following the plot points of the video games will never work as a movie. Without the involvement of the player, it won’t meet expectations.”
While specific plot details and casting remain undisclosed, The Legend of Zelda game series follows the brave elf-like warrior Link as he embarks on grand adventures to defeat the malevolent Ganon and rescue Princess Zelda, the ruler of Hyrule. The latest series installment, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, made a significant impact by selling over 10 million copies in its initial three days.
With an accomplished director, a talented screenwriter, experienced producers, and Nintendo’s direct involvement, the live-action Legend of Zelda movie has the potential to become a cinematic triumph, both honoring the cherished video game franchise and captivating a new audience.
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