Nintendo and Sony Joining Forces for a Live-Action Adaptation of Zelda

Article Key Points

Nintendo's live-action Legend of Zelda film will be a collaborative effort between Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Franchise creator Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad, known for producing mega-hit films, will be involved in the project.

Wes Ball will be directing the project.

Nintendo has made an official announcement regarding a live-action film based on The Legend of Zelda. Building on their tremendous success in the video game industry, Nintendo has already ventured into the world of cinema with The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which earned over $1 billion and currently ranks as the second highest-grossing film of 2023.

Due to the immense triumph of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, it was widely anticipated that Nintendo would pursue further adaptations of its franchises for the big screen. Amongst fans, a Zelda movie has consistently been at the top of their wish lists. However, there has been some uncertainty surrounding the nature of this project. While some believed that a Legend of Zelda movie would follow the animation style of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, it has now been confirmed that it will be a live-action endeavor.

The Legend of Zelda movie is set to be produced by franchise creator Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad, with Wes Ball taking on the role of director. In an unexpected move, Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment will be joining forces to bring the movie to life. Both companies will contribute to the financing, with Nintendo covering more than 50% of the budget and Sony handling the theatrical distribution.

Shigeru Miyamoto's involvement in The Super Mario Bros. Movie was instrumental in keeping the film faithful to its video game origins, resulting in its phenomenal success at the box office. Therefore, Miyamoto's participation in the Zelda movie brings promising prospects. Avi Arad, on the other hand, boasts an impressive track record as a producer, having worked on major Hollywood films, including various Marvel movies such as the Spider-Man series. Arad has also ventured into the realm of video game adaptations, having produced both the Uncharted and the upcoming Borderlands films.

Director Wes Ball is the most questionable aspect of this project, as his previous films, The Maze Runner trilogy, received mixed to negative reviews despite their box office success. However, it's worth considering that this may be more attributed to the source material rather than Ball's directing abilities. With Ball currently working on Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, set to release in 2024, it's safe to assume that the Zelda movie is still several years away, although Nintendo's announcement did not provide a specific release date.

The collaboration between Nintendo and Sony to create the Zelda film is particularly surprising, considering their long-standing rivalry in the video game industry. Both companies have been competing in the console market for decades, making their partnership unexpected. Nevertheless, video game adaptations are becoming a major trend in blockbuster cinema, and it will be fascinating to see the final product of the Zelda movie, including the actors chosen for the roles of Link and Zelda.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of the Legend of Zelda series, I am thrilled to hear about the upcoming live-action film adaptation. The collaboration between Nintendo and Sony is an exciting development, as it brings together two industry giants with a wealth of experience in creating immersive and beloved worlds.

The involvement of Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad in the project further fuels my anticipation. Miyamoto's deep understanding of the Zelda universe and Arad's proven track record in producing successful films based on video games are promising signs that the movie will stay true to the essence of the franchise while also appealing to a wider audience.

While the choice of Wes Ball as director may raise some concerns, I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. His experience in crafting visually stunning and action-packed films could lend itself well to the dynamic and adventurous nature of the Zelda series.

Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about the live-action Legend of Zelda film. The potential for an epic and immersive cinematic experience is certainly there, and I am eager to see how Nintendo and Sony bring the world of Hyrule to life on the big screen.