Why Are Games Like Zelda Getting Film Adaptations?

Gaming and studio giants Nintendo and Sony Pictures are teaming up to create a live-action film based on The Legend of Zelda game series.

On board the project will be renowned game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, Maze Runner director Wes Ball and Spider-Man trilogy producer Avi Arad, who will co-produce the film.

While the cast and plot details remain unknown, Miyamoto confirmed the film's development on Nintendo's Japanese account, expressing excitement.

宮本です。「ゼルダの伝説」の実写映画の企画を数々のヒット作を手がけたAvi Aradさんと長年進めてきました。今回Aviさんに共同プロデューサーをお願いし、任天堂自ら制作に深く関与して正式に開発をスタートしました。完成まで時間がかかりますが、楽しみにお待ちください。https://t.co/UDjMVPtcAx

— 任天堂株式会社 (@Nintendo) November 7, 2023

The Popularity of Game Adaptations Has Increased

The Legend of Zelda is the latest gaming franchise to be adapted into a full-length film, joining a growing trend in the industry.

Its emergence as a cinematic project is hardly surprising, given the game's significant influence and massive fan base, which has naturally drawn the attention of filmmakers who recognize its potential for success.

Nintendo's second most successful franchise, The Legend of Zelda, has sold over 150 million copies since its debut in 1986.

The most recent game in the series, "Tears of the Kingdom," released on the Nintendo Switch, achieved remarkable success by selling over 10 million copies in just three days, making it the fastest-selling Zelda game.

Meanwhile, the franchise's top-seller, "Breath of the Wild," boasts an estimated 30 million copies sold.

This latest film project follows the trend of successful gaming adaptations in recent years, marking a resurgence in bringing beloved game worlds to the silver screen.

Released earlier this year, Nintendo's Super Mario Bros Movie earned over $1 billion at the box office, the first film in the year to do so.

Similarly, "Sonic the Hedgehog," released in 2020, received positive reviews for its humor, visual effects, and engaging storyline, ultimately becoming a commercial success that has grossed over $300 million in box office takings worldwide.

Finally, "Detective Pikachu" which was released in 2019, brought the beloved Pokémon franchise to the big screen with a unique twist — an animated Pikachu with the voice of Ryan Reynolds. Along with Mario and Sonic, the film became a box office hit, further establishing the viability of adapting popular gaming franchises into successful films.

The success of these movies, along with others in the genre, has likely influenced Nintendo's decision to venture into film adaptations once again with "The Legend of Zelda."

Edited by Nikola Djuric