In a groundbreaking collaboration, Nintendo and Sony have officially announced their joint venture to bring the beloved video game franchise, The Legend of Zelda, to life on the big screen.
The highly-anticipated live-action adaptation has garnered attention since its initial announcement nearly a month ago, with key figures such as Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad taking on producer roles, while Wes Ball, known for directing The Maze Runner trilogy, is set to helm the project.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly (EW), Wes Ball unveiled some of the inspirations driving the vision of the forthcoming film, including the legendary Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki.
Drawing inspiration from a gaming icon and a cinematic legend
In the interview with EW, director Wes Ball expressed his enthusiasm for The Legend of Zelda franchise and his aspiration to deliver a unique cinematic experience that pays homage to both the iconic gaming series and the visionary work of Hayao Miyazaki.
Ball, who is currently occupied with his upcoming project, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” shared his vision for The Legend of Zelda film, emphasizing the importance of making it distinct from other fantasy-adventure movies, such as “Lord of the Rings.”
Ball stated,
“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.”
This sentiment hints at his desire to capture the magical and immersive qualities of Miyazaki’s films, which often blend fantasy, adventure, and heartfelt storytelling, much like The Legend of Zelda franchise itself.
A lifelong dream realized
For Wes Ball, the opportunity to direct a live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda represents the culmination of a lifelong dream. Growing up as a fan of the video game series, he views this project as a chance to bring an iconic and untapped intellectual property to the silver screen.
He expressed,
“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.”
This deep connection to the source material suggests a dedication to delivering an authentic and captivating cinematic experience for fans and newcomers alike.
Scripting underway, but patience required
While the excitement surrounding The Legend of Zelda live-action film is palpable, Wes Ball has revealed that the scripting process is already in progress. However, fans eager to embark on an adventure through Hyrule will need to exercise some patience.
Ball indicated that he plans to take a brief hiatus after completing post-production for “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” before diving headfirst into the production of The Legend of Zelda. This deliberate approach underscores his commitment to crafting a truly special and memorable adaptation.
