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It’s actually happening. For months, we’ve heard whispers that a The Legend of Zelda film might finally be in the works - and it turns out that’s true. Nintendo is indeed currently working on a live-action adaptation of the well-beloved franchise alongside … Sony?
Earlier this year, Nintendo teamed up with Illumination to create the wildly successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie. While it may not have received the best critical response, fans quickly warmed to the film, making it the third highest grossing animated film of all-time. It sits only behind Frozen II and The Lion King (2019). That means that The Super Mario Bros. Movie is one of just 11 animated films to surpass $1 billion at the box office - an incredible achievement. The film’s post credits scene teased a sequel but so too did whispers begin about an extended Nintendo film universe. Well, The Legend of Zelda is the next franchise in line to get the adaptation treatment.
Relive the joy of The Super Mario Bros. Movie below.
The news was revealed by Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto. Posting a statement to the Nintendo Twitter account, Miyamoto said, “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. 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.”
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It was further confirmed that Wes Ball, of The Maze Runner fame, will be directing the film. It’ll be produced by Nintendo and Arad Productions but oddly enough, it’ll be co-financed by Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment. That’s right. Sony is getting a slice of the pie. The statement does add that “more than 50%” will be financed by Nintendo, so Sony is the minority here.
Sony Pictures Entertainment will handle the worldwide distribution. Given the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, it’s unlikely we’ll see any major progress made on the film until this is resolved, although the two parties involved are thought to be nearing a deal. Regardless though, it’s exciting to think we’ll finally be seeing Link and Zelda brought to life on our screens. What delightful news to brighten a dull November day.
Topics: The Legend Of Zelda, TV And Film, Nintendo