Nintendo and Sony Pictures Join Forces For Live-Action Legend of Zelda Film

In an exciting development for fans of the legendary video game series, The Legend of Zelda is set to hit the big screens as a live-action film, thanks to a collaboration between Nintendo and Sony Pictures. Renowned video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, the mastermind behind Zelda, and Avi Arad, the producer of the Spider-Man trilogy, will co-produce the film. The Maze Runner director, Wes Ball, has been chosen to helm the project.

While details about the cast and plot are yet to be disclosed, Mr. Miyamoto took to Nintendo’s Japanese social media account to share the news with fans. He revealed that the film’s development is underway, with Nintendo deeply involved in the production process. Miyamoto expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It will take time until its completion, but I hope you look forward to seeing it.”

The Legend of Zelda franchise, which debuted in 1986, is Nintendo’s second most successful series, having sold approximately 150 million copies worldwide. The latest instalment, titled “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” made history by selling 10 million copies within just three days of its release last May, marking it as the fastest-selling Zelda game to date. Its predecessor, “Breath of the Wild,” remains the best-selling game in the series, boasting an estimated 30 million copies sold globally.

The announcement of the Zelda film comes at a time when gaming films are experiencing a renaissance. Earlier this year, Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros Movie achieved immense success, becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films ever, raking in over $1 billion at the box office. Other gaming franchises, such as Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog and Nintendo’s Detective Pikachu, have also proven to be box office hits, signalling a positive trend for video game adaptations in the film industry.

Avi Arad, a seasoned producer known for his work on the Spider-Man films and the 2022 Uncharted movie, is set to bring his expertise to the Zelda project. Arad’s impressive track record and the recent triumphs of gaming-inspired films have likely inspired Nintendo’s decision to explore the world of Zelda on the silver screen once again.

This upcoming film marks the first attempt at a live-action Zelda adaptation, although the franchise did have an animated TV series in 1989. Notably, Netflix was rumoured to be developing a new Zelda series in 2015, although the project never came to fruition. With the combined creative forces of Nintendo, Sony Pictures, and the talents of Miyamoto, Arad, and Ball, fans eagerly anticipate the cinematic journey that awaits them in the realm of Hyrule.

Kiki Garba