Zelda Film Director Draws Inspiration from Studio Ghibli

Director Wes Ball of the live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda has expressed interest in drawing inspiration from the beloved anime films of Studio Ghibli for the development of the movie. The project was officially announced in November 2023, with Wes Ball, known for directing Maze Runner, attached to the film.

Fans of the cherished Nintendo video game series were thrilled by the announcement, but also expressed concerns online about how the Nintendo classic would be adapted for the big screen in a live-action format.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ball offered an update on the Zelda movie, outlining his vision for the film and emphasizing his intention to draw inspiration from esteemed anime movie director Hayao Miyazaki.

After years of speculation, The Legend of Zelda by Nintendo is set to finally receive a live-action film.

Director Ball expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s going to be awesome. My whole life has led up to this moment. I grew up on Zelda and it is the most important property, I think, that’s untapped IP, if you will. So we very much are working hard to do something. We’re not just trying to do it because we can. We want to make something really special.”

The director articulated his vision for the movie, expressing a desire to create a unique and captivating fantasy-adventure that sets itself apart from the likes of Lord of the Rings. He expressed admiration for the wonder and whimsy portrayed in Miyazaki's work, hoping to capture a similar essence in the live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. Additionally, Ball disclosed that production for the movie is progressing well, hinting at a potential timeline for its release.

We are currently working on the script, and while it's uncertain whether it will be the next one, our plan is to take a break after Apes and then focus on [Zelda], with the goal of satisfying existing fans and attracting new ones. Nintendo aims to introduce new people to this 40-year-old world. It remains to be seen what The Legend of Zelda movie will be like, but we will keep you informed about its development.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the upcoming live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. I grew up playing the video games and I am a big fan of the franchise. I think it has a lot of potential to be a great movie.

I am also intrigued by the director's intention to draw inspiration from Studio Ghibli films. I love the whimsical and imaginative worlds that Studio Ghibli creates, and I think they could be a great source of inspiration for a Zelda movie. I am confident that the director will be able to create a unique and captivating film that will appeal to fans of the video games and newcomers alike.