Ever since Nintendo and Illumination Entertainment’s iconic Super Mario Bros. Movie made a killing at the global box office, rumors have been swirling about the next big Nintendo franchise to receive the cinematic treatment. Reports have recently emerged suggesting a potential collaboration between Universal Pictures, Illumination Entertainment, and Nintendo to bring the beloved video game franchise, The Legend of Zelda, to the big screen.
According to Jeff Sneider and John Rocha’s episode of The Hot Mic, Universal and Illumination are negotiating a deal with Nintendo to kickstart a Legend of Zelda film’s development. This proposed project is rumored to be a significant milestone for Illumination, as it solidifies its position in the realm of video game adaptations.
This news arrives following an unfortunate leak in 2015 that put a premature end to Netflix’s proposed live-action TV show based on The Legend of Zelda.
The incident was revealed by comedian and voice actor, Adam Conover, who provided insight into the matter due to his involvement in a now-canceled claymation Star Fox movie project with Nintendo.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie, released on April 5, was a resounding success, capturing global audiences and breaking box office records.
With revenue exceeding $1.3 billion, it earned the title of the most profitable video game adaptation in history. It’s one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, boasting the largest worldwide opening weekend for an animated feature. The film and its monumental triumph sparked interest in further cinematic adaptations of Nintendo’s iconic properties, leading to rumors of a sequel and potential spin-offs focused on characters like Luigi and Donkey Kong.
However, not everyone is thrilled about the rumored Legend of Zelda film. Despite Illumination’s solid track record, fans are expressing their reservations about the studio adapting the fantasy video game series.
Critics argue that Illumination’s inclination towards glossy, upbeat films could potentially clash with the poignant narratives and magical mystery that are a staple of The Legend of Zelda franchise. Fans have also voiced concerns over the potential casting choices packed with Hollywood stars and an over-reliance on pop music, as seen in Illumination’s past projects.
Amid the speculation and debate, the creators of the recent hit, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, have expressed interest in a Zelda movie. The game’s release has only fueled the excitement for a potential film adaptation as the franchise has become more popular than ever. However, one challenge remains: in the games, the protagonist Link never speaks, posing a significant hurdle for the film’s creators.
But, hey, if Chris Pratt can pull off voicing a relatively mute protagonist in Mario, we’re pretty sure someone out there can do a sick Link impression.
