The live-action Legend of Zelda movie receives a release window from Nintendo. The video game franchise began back in 1986 and consists of nearly 30 installments centered on the young hero Link and his adventures through magical lands to rescue the eponymous Princess Zelda and protect the kingdom of Hyrule from evil forces. In November 2023, Nintendo announced they were developing a live-action Legend of Zelda movie with Wes Ball (The Maze Runner, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) directing and Derek Connolly (Jurassic World) writing the script.
Now, a year later, the project has received a release window, and there is still a long wait ahead for the video game adaptation. According to a Nintendo financial report (via IGN), the live-action Legend of Zelda movie is listed for “202X,” meaning it should be released before the decade’s end, and at most, the movie is five years away. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa said the following:
In the field of visual content, we are making direct investments and are deeply involved in the planning and development of multiple productions. The Super Mario Bros. Movie, a joint production with Illumination, was released in April last year and was viewed in theaters by approximately 170 million people. This film was enjoyed by people of all ages worldwide, regardless of gaming experience, making Mario more familiar to a broader audience than ever before. Looking ahead, we are creating a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros., set for theatrical release in April 2026. Additionally, we are planning and developing a live-action film of The Legend of Zelda.
What Live-Action Legend of Zelda’s Release Window Means For The Movie
There Will Be A Long Wait
The live-action Legend of Zelda‘s release window means that the movie will be released before the end of the decade. There isn’t much detail yet, though this does seem to confirm that the movie is at most five years away. The Nintendo financial report also lists the Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel for 2026, so it seems that after that movie’s $1.3 billion box office success, Nintendo is prioritizing a sequel first. Still, Nintendo fans have a lot to look forward to on the big screen in the coming years.
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The release window means that the live-action Legend of Zelda movie remains in active development and should be expected before the end of the decade. Much remains unknown about the movie, though director Wes Ball did say he wants to make a “live-action Miyazaki,” referencing the legendary filmmaker behind the Studio Ghibli classics Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and many more. Furthermore, Ball intends for his adaptation to be “serious” and doesn’t plan to rely heavily on motion capture.
Our Take On The Live-Action Legend of Zelda Movie’s Release Window
Why It’s Still Good News
Though there will be a long wait for the live-action Legend of Zelda movie, the release window is still promising news. With the project actively in development, fans can feel reassured that it’s moving forward, even if Nintendo seems to be prioritizing a Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel first, which makes sense after its massive financial success. Still, the live-action Legend of Zelda movie should see the light of day before the decade’s end.
Source: Nintendo (via IGN)
Based on Nintendo’s legendary video game series, The Legend of Zelda is a live-action action-adventure fantasy film by director Wes Ball. The film’s producers include Shigeru Miyamoto, the original creator of Zelda, and Avi Arad.
- Director
- Wes Ball
- Studio(s)
- Nintendo , Arad Productions
- Distributor(s)
- Sony Pictures Entertainment
- Writers
- Derek Connolly