Live-Action LEGEND OF ZELDA Director Says Film Will Be More Inspired by Hayao Miyazaki Than LORD OF THE RINGS

Nintendo is finally producing a live-action film based on their hit franchise The Legend of Zelda. Maze Runner and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes director Wes Ballis taking on the challenge of making this movie, and in a recent interview with EW, he talks about what we can expect from the film. He explains that the movie will be more inspired by the work of Hayao Miyazaki and less like The Lord of the Rings. Ball shared his vision for the film:

“This awesome fantasy-adventure movie that isn’t like Lord of the Rings, it’s its own thing. I've always said, I would love to see a live-action Miyazaki. That wonder and whimsy that he brings to things, I would love to see something like that."

That feels like the right tone for The Legend of Zelda. A lot of fans have always wanted to see Studio Ghibli adapt Zelda, so doing it as a live-action Miyazaki movie is something that fans are sure to get excited about. Ball went on to say:

"It’s going to be awesome. My whole life has led up to this moment. I grew up on Zelda and it is the most important property, I think, that’s untapped IP, if you will. So we very much are working hard to do something. We’re not just trying to do it because we can. We want to make something really special."

Ball went on to offer an update on the film’s development:

"We’re working on the script, and whether it’s the next one or not, it’s hard to say exactly. But certainly the plan is, after Apes is done, to have a little bit of a rest for a moment, and then dive into [Zelda] and hopefully give fans what they’re hoping for, and also invite new people in. I think Nintendo's desire is to introduce people to this world that’s been around for 40 years now."

Nintendo and Sony Pictures are co-producing the movie, with Derek Connolly (Jurassic World) writing the screenplay.

The Legend of Zelda follows the adventures of a young hero named Link, who is often tasked with rescuing Princess Zelda and battling the malevolent villain Ganon. The series is praised for its engaging, open-world exploration, intricate puzzles, and rich storytelling. Each game typically takes place in the fantasy realm of Hyrule and features a mix of action, puzzle-solving, and exploration. With a history spanning over three decades, The Legend of Zelda has consistently delivered great entertainment to gamers and fans.

What are your thoughts on Ball’s vision for The Legend of Zelda movie?