Nintendo announced today that they are developing a live-action Legend of Zelda movie set to be directed by Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) and written by Derek Connolly (Jurassic World). Update: Scooper Daniel Richtman shared on his Patreon that the studio is looking for an actor between the ages of 15-20 to play Link, which likely means that Tom Holland, who has frequently been fan-cast as the character, is out of the running.
The film will be produced by Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow of Nintendo and Avi Arad, Chairman of Arad Productions Inc. Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. will handle worldwide distribution of the Legend of Zelda movie, as well as co-finance the project with Nintendo. Miyamoto confirmed on X/Twitter that he has “been working on the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda for many years now with Avi Arad-san, who has produced many mega hit films.” He continued: “I have asked Avi-san to produce this film with me, and we have now officially started the development of the film with Nintendo itself heavily involved in the production. It will take time until its completion, but I hope you look forward to seeing it.“
The first Legend of Zelda game was released by Nintendo in 1986 and followed Link, a young hero who seeks to save the Kingdom of Hyrule and rescue Princess Zelda from Ganon, an evil villain who desires the Triforce in order to gain ultimate power. The first game was followed by nearly twenty sequels, and the franchise has become one of Nintendo’s most acclaimed.
After the enormous success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, it seemed clear that Nintendo was looking at following that success with more movies based on their most popular games. Rumours had pointed to Illumination, the animation studio behind the Super Mario Bros. Movie, tackling the Legend of Zelda movie as well, but studio head Chris Meledandri quickly shot them down.
“I mean I can understand how people would surmise all sorts of things because obviously, we’ve had a great experience working together,” Meledrandri said. “My relationship with Nintendo now includes being on their board of directors, so I understand how people can surmise these things. But in terms of the specifics, that was just something that I’ve been hearing lots of reports. This is just about what’s next between Nintendo and Illumination.“
What do you hope to see in the Legend of Zelda movie? Who would you cast as Link, Zelda, and Ganon?