Nintendo’s success with the Super Mario Brothers movie has sparked speculation about the possibility of a film adaptation for another iconic franchise: The Legend of Zelda. Nintendo’s strength lies in its nostalgia-driven franchises, which consistently perform well. The recent Super Mario Brothers movie has become one of the highest-grossing animated films, surpassing even renowned classics like Frozen and The Lion King. Although the movie received mixed reviews, it resonated with fans, evident from its high audience score. This success opens the perfect opportunity for Nintendo to pursue a Legend Of Zelda Movie.
The Legend Of Zelda Movie Needs Fan Support
In a recent interview with Polygon, The Legend of Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma expressed his interest in turning the franchise into a movie. However, Aonuma acknowledges that the decision ultimately rests with Nintendo. Given Nintendo’s firm grip on its franchises, they would carefully consider any compelling arguments and script proposals before greenlighting a Zelda movie. The director of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Kenta Motokura, also hinted at the importance of fan support and demand in making such projects happen.
The opinion of Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary game designer and creator of Mario and Zelda, holds significant weight. During his press tour for the Mario movie, Miyamoto spoke about the shared vision between Nintendo and Illumination Entertainment, the studio behind the Mario film. While he didn’t explicitly confirm a Zelda movie, he appeared open to the idea, suggesting that more opportunities lie ahead.
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Adapting The Legend Of Zelda Movie From The Games
Adapting The Legend of Zelda into a movie presents unique challenges compared to Mario. Link, the game’s protagonist, is a silent character, devoid of personal motivations or expressions. Unlike Mario, who has appeared in various adaptations and animated TV shows, Link’s silent nature may make him less relatable to audiences. However, Nintendo and Illumination have shown their ability to create compelling narratives even with challenging characters. Finding a solution to Link’s silence would be crucial in translating the franchise to the big screen.
The timing for a Zelda movie couldn’t be better. The Legend of Zelda franchise has gained immense popularity, particularly with the release of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Breath of the Wild, in particular, propelled the series to new heights, with its universal acclaim and impressive sales figures. Tears of the Kingdom has already sold over 10 million copies within three days of its release, rivaling the success of even Super Mario Odyssey. Nintendo shouldn’t miss the opportunity to capitalize on the franchise’s current popularity and announce a Zelda movie.
Nintendo and Illumination Entertainment’s Continued Partnership
While the Mario movie has been prioritized and released on streaming platforms, it’s only a matter of time before Nintendo shifts its focus to the next big project. A Zelda movie has been a topic of discussion for a while, with rumors of a potential Netflix adaptation in the past. Although the Netflix partnership didn’t materialize, Nintendo now has a capable partner in Illumination Entertainment. Some fans have reservations about Illumination’s visual style for Zelda, suggesting that a Japanese studio like Studio Ghibli would be a better fit.
In conclusion, Nintendo’s success with the Super Mario Brothers movie paves the way for a potential Zelda movie. The franchise’s nostalgic appeal, coupled with the recent popularity of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, makes it an opportune time for an adaptation. While challenges exist, such as Link’s silence, Nintendo’s track record of innovative problem-solving and their collaboration with Illumination Entertainment instill confidence in their ability to deliver a compelling Zelda movie. Fans eagerly await official confirmation and hope that a Zelda movie will capture the essence of the beloved franchise.
