A live-action Legend of Zelda film is officially in development, a surprising turn for Nintendo after years of reluctance from creator Shigeru Miyamoto. Announced in November 2023, the project has fans eager for details. Here’s what’s known, when it might release, and how it ties to the success of recent video game films.
Miyamoto once firmly opposed a Zelda movie, even rejecting the idea if Steven Spielberg pitched it, according to Gail Tilden, ex-Nintendo of America marketing head in a podcast with the Video Game History Hour. The disastrous 1993 Super Mario Bros. film likely fuelled his stance. Yet, decades later, he’s now a producer on this adaptation.
Nintendo confirmed Wes Ball (Maze Runner) as director and Avi Arad (Marvel veteran) as a producer alongside Miyamoto. Announced via an official press release, the live-action film remains in early pre-production. Few specifics exist, but Nintendo’s hands-on approach suggests a focus on staying true to the franchise.
With the announcement in late 2023, a release is likely years away. The Super Mario Bros. Movie took five years (2018–2023), and Sonic the Hedgehog spanned six (2014–2020). A 2026 or 2027 premiere seems plausible, depending on production scale.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie earned over £1 billion globally in 2023, while Sonic films each cleared £240 million. Their success, blending fan service with broad appeal, likely convinced Nintendo to greenlight Zelda, capitalising on a proven market for game adaptations.
The Zelda movie marks Nintendo’s cinematic expansion amongst a number of successful game to big screen adaptions. Details remain scarce, but anticipation is high.
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