Everything We Know About the Upcoming Live-Action ‘The Legend of Zelda’ Adaptation

The Legend of Zelda is one of the most popular and enduring video game franchises in existence. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, and first introduced by Nintendo in 1986, the series remains critically acclaimed as a result of its rich storytelling, intricate puzzles, and memorable characters. Pioneering the concept of open-world, non-linear gameplay, the series is a combat-filled, adventurous run set to the tune of Koji Kondo’s memorable melodies. Exploring themes of courage and destiny and the balance between good and evil, The Legend of Zelda works in timeless themes as Link and Princess Zelda work to thwart antagonist Ganon’s nefarious plans. 

From the classic 8-bit and 16-bit graphics of the game’s early days to the more contemporary 3D and cel-shaded visuals, the franchise currently consists of 29 video games, including original titles, ports, remakes, and collections. Over 50 million copies have been sold and the franchise has since spewed animated adaptations, multiple comic adaptations, and earworm-filled soundtracks. Thus, it goes without saying that The Legend of Zelda fanbase is an intense one — and the expectations for the live-action movie are high. So, let’s break down what we know about the upcoming film so far. 

Most importantly, Shigeru Miyamoto is involved

Nintendo is developing a live-action film with Shigeru Miyamoto’s blessing and involvement, as the creator recently took to Twitter to share the news: 

“This is Miyamoto. I have 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.”

As Variety notes, he went on to explain that Avi Avrad-San is producing the film and development has officially begun with “Nintendo itself heavily involved in the production.” He also shared that working on this will “take time,” likely to inform his fans that they shouldn’t expect it to hit silver screens anytime soon. (Rome wasn’t built overnight after all.)

Wes Ball is directing with a screenplay from Derek Connolly

Wes Ball is directing the film, which should bode well for those involved, as he is particularly practiced and skilled in the action/adventure department. Ball is well known for directing The Maze Runner series, as well as the 2011 short film Ruin, which follows a killer drone engaged in a high-speed pursuit of a man on a mission. He also directed the upcoming Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which is currently in post-production and slated for a 2024 premiere. 

The film will be written by Derek Connolly, who worked on the story for Jurassic World: Dominion and Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker. He also penned the screenplays for Pokemon: Detective Pikachu, Kong: Skull Island, Monster Trucks, Jurassic World, and Safety Not Guaranteed. A story that spotlights a heroic protagonist, some high-octane adventure sequences, and a big baddie seems right up Connolly’s alley. 

Miyamoto will produce with Avrad-san of the Spider-Verse animated films stepping in as a co-producer. Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment will co-finance the production, with more than 50% financed by Nintendo. In short, there’s an accomplished band of creators teaming up to ensure that this movie lives up to its video game predecessor. 

Why has it taken so long? 

As Miyamoto explained to variety, there’s always a struggle in adapting video games because the player’s involvement is such a major part of the development, and following the basic plot points will not create that same sense of wonder. He shared: 

“The reason we were so resistant and careful to adapt our games into movies is because in video games there is always a player, who overcomes challenges and fights their way through…Their struggle — redoing the levels over and over — is all part of it.” 

He went on, “Just following the plot points of the video games will never work as a movie. Without the involvement of the player, it won’t meet expectations.” 

Based on Miyamoto’s words, it’s likely that the film — though bound to adhere somewhat to the original narrative, in which Link sets out to defeat the evil Ganon and rescue Zelda — will work in additional narratives and characters to develop a movie just as captivating as the gameplay sans participant involvement. This will be no easy feat. Casting details and release date information have yet to be announced, but be sure to check back with Thought Catalog for updates surrounding the live-action The Legend of Zelda film.