Director envisions Zelda as live-action Ghibli epic
Dec 06, 2023 10:15 AMWes Ball, known for directing the Maze Runner series, has been tasked with bringing The Legend of Zelda to life in a live-action adaptation. In an interesting turn for the storied gaming franchise, Ball aims to infuse the film with the wonder and whimsy found in acclaimed filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki's work, suggesting a Studio Ghibli-like production style. With iconic titles like "Spirited Away" under his belt, Miyazaki's influence is set to guide this new Zelda project.
The much-anticipated Zelda movie is being developed with the involvement of Shigeru Miyamoto, the original creator of the franchise. Financial backing will be significantly provided by Nintendo, with Sony Pictures Entertainment distributing the film globally. This move comes on the heels of Nintendo's successful venture with Illumination Entertainment to produce The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1.3 billion.
The Legend of Zelda franchise has been a flagship series for Nintendo since its inception on the NES, with recent entries like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom further cementing its legacy. Details on the movie are scarce, but the gaming community is buzzing with excitement over the fusion of Zelda's rich fantasy world with the artistic storytelling style reminiscent of Studio Ghibli.
Even before the official project, fans have expressed their love for both Zelda and Studio Ghibli aesthetics, as seen in a fan-made video reimagining Zelda: Ocarina of Time in a Ghibli-inspired animation style.
What can we expect from the live-action Zelda movie?While specific plot details have yet to be revealed, we can expect a fantasy adventure film inspired by the imaginative style of Studio Ghibli and the rich legacy of The Legend of Zelda games, with a commitment to creating a special and unique cinematic experience faithful to the beloved source material.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
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Miss Peachy commented on: 2023-12-06 10:58:06
Pretty stoked to hear Wes Ball is taking a page out of Miyazaki's playbook for the Zelda adaptation; the potential for a whimsical and majestic take on Hyrule is super intriguing. Fingers crossed that they nail the balance between honoring the source material and creating something fresh and epic 🎮✨
N3rdo commented on: 2023-12-06 10:48:08
Wes Ball taking cues from Miyazaki for a Zelda adaptation feels like a dream mashup for fans; blending the whimsical, enchanting elements of Studio Ghibli with Zelda's own rich lore could create a truly magical cinematic experience. Having Nintendo's backing and Miyamoto's involvement gives me hope that they'll nail the essence of Hyrule - can't wait to see how this unfolds on the big screen
Rolling R!ck commented on: 2023-12-06 10:28:10
Wes Ball's vision to blend The Legend of Zelda with a sprinkle of Miyazaki magic is genuinely intriguing; if done right, it could capture the enchanting essence that's captivated gamers for decades. Nintendo's direct involvement and choice of a director with a knack for young adult adventures signals a promising journey to Hyrule that could resonate not just with fans but with the wider audience drawn to epic fantasy stories.
