Sony Builds Anticipation for Nintendo and The Legend of Zelda Film

Sony and Nintendo, typically competitors in the video game industry, have joined forces for the highly anticipated live-action film adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. During his speech at the Consumer Electronics Show 2024, CEO Kenichiro Hirada expressed his enthusiasm for the film, noting that it will bring an incredible story of adventure and discovery to audiences. The unexpected collaboration between the two companies adds an interesting twist to the upcoming release.

Sony Pictures, not the game division at Sony Interactive Entertainment, is collaborating with Nintendo and Marvel producer Avi Arad to produce the Zelda movie. The partnership was announced in late 2023, with Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto overseeing the film. Miyamoto also played an advisory role in the successful 2023 The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1.3 billion at the box office.

In 2015, The Wall Street Journal reported that the studio was developing a live-action The Legend of Zelda TV show for Netflix, citing an anonymous source. However, former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata denied this claim in an interview with Time Magazine, stating that it was "not based on correct information." The rumor resurfaced in 2018, this time with Castlevania director Adi Shankar reportedly linked to the series.

It's now apparent that a live-action Zelda movie is in the works, with Wes Ball from The Maze Runner set to direct. The storyline and casting for Zelda and Link have yet to be revealed. In 1991, Sony and Nintendo introduced the Nintendo PlayStation console at CES, but Nintendo later withdrew from the partnership. Although supposedly all 200 prototypes were destroyed, some have surfaced over the years, with one selling for a significant sum in 2020.

More recently, a YouTuber built their own Nintendo PlayStation--see it here.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie. I grew up playing the games and have always been captivated by the rich world and characters. The fact that Sony and Nintendo are collaborating on this project is exciting, as it brings together two industry giants. I am confident that they will create a movie that stays true to the spirit of the games while also bringing something new and exciting to the big screen.

I am also intrigued by the choice of Wes Ball as director. His work on The Maze Runner series showed his ability to create visually stunning and action-packed films. I believe he will bring the same level of quality to the Zelda movie. I can't wait to see how he brings the world of Hyrule to life and how he interprets the characters we all know and love.