Withthe news of a Mario movie in the works, Nintendo fans began speculating about what other properties Nintendo could bring to film. An obvious choice is theLegend of Zeldagames, with their rich stories and worlds, and a plethora of memorable characters. If Nintendo felt confident that a movie about Mario was something that would work, it’s likely that they see the same potential in theirZeldafranchise.
There is no concrete news of any plans for aZeldafilm at the moment,but it’s a definite possibility for some time in the future. If this adaptation were to be greenlit, who would be the best choice to take on the project as a director and bring these iconic stories to life?
RELATED:Could Nintendo Announce A Legend Of Zelda Movie Very Soon?
Peter Jackson
Out of the gate, Peter Jackson seems like the most obvious choice to direct a story about a vast fantasy world after his success withThe Lord of the Ringsfilms. IfJackson applied a similar approachto the one he took to theLord of the Ringsmovies to aLegend of Zeldastory, it could give it the same sense of realism and timelessness thatThe Lord of the Ringshas. Jackson might be best fit for an adaptation ofBreath of the Wild, as it has a sprawling world to work with, and a plot that is very focused on thehumanity and emotions of the characters involved.
The one worry of a Peter JacksonZeldamovie is that he might play it a little too straight, rather than leaning into the fun and quirkiness that theLegend of Zeldafranchise has. However, pre-Lord of the Rings, Jackson had a background in creating independent horror films, and might be able to apply the weirdness of those films to the tone of aZeldaone.
Guillermo Del Toro
If Nintendo is looking for someone who can lean into the weird quirkiness ofZelda, Guillermo Del Toro is a fantastic option. Weird is what he is known for, along with strange creatures and horror elements. All of these could combine to make a really interestingZeldaflick.Del Toro also has a knack for worldbuildingand would definitely be able to handle the world and lore of Hyrule, and make it into something that feels really rich.
It would make a lot of sense for him to tackle one of theZeldastories that has slightly scarier elements,such asMajora’s Mask. That story would be especially fitting for Del Toro because of the kinds of creature work that could be done on screen with Link transforming into different Hylian races (such as the Zora, who are fish people reminiscent of the character fromThe Shape of Water), and the creepiness of Skull Kid and that ever-looming moon.
Alfonso Cuarón
Cuarón is another director who would be able to lean into the whimsy and quirkiness of theLegend of Zeldaseries, but would still be able to handle the scarier elements of the series and the emotional character beats.His work onHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkabanis a perfect example of this - he was able to take a piece of media that is family-friendly and was able to keep it that way while also making it interesting and dark at certain points.
HisHarry Pottermovie also shows that he would be capable of handling a big project like this that involves a much-beloved franchise. Cuarón would be able to bring an artistic touch to aZeldamovie, and really ground it without losing the fun.
Brad Bird
Brad Bird is mostly known for directing animated features (such asThe Iron Giant,Ratatouille, andThe Incredibles), but he has worked on live-action films such asTomorrowland, and he would be able to deftly handle a live-actionZeldafilm, or even an animated one if Nintendo decided to take that route instead. Working with animation has given him an eye for the whimsical and fantastical, and he could bring that toThe Legend of Zeldawhile also keeping the signature emotional heart that is at the center of his most beloved films.
AZeldamovie with the feeling ofThe Iron Giantwould work really well: the blend of realism and fantasy would ground the world, and Bird could work in that essential element of pathos that connects the audience to theZeldacharacters and makes us emotionally invested in them. His work in the animation industry would also lend to a bright and vibrant visual style, even in live-action, which is exactly the kind of touch aZeldamovie in the style ofBreath of the Wild, orOcarina of Time, or evenSkyward Swordwould need.
Hayao Miyazaki
IfThe Legend of Zeldawere to be made into an animated feature specifically,the Studio Ghibli style of animationand storytelling would likely fit the world and the story the best, and it would only make sense to bring on the most prolific of the directors at the company to helm it. Miyazaki is a master at his craft, and his eye for worldbuilding and storytelling through visuals would fit the world ofZeldaperfectly.
AZeldaGhibli movie would probably be closer in tone to something likePrincess Mononokeor evenSpirited Awaythan, say,My Neighbour Totoro, so it could be bright and fun and whimsical while still being able to hold on to the darker elements that show up in theZeldagames.Breath of the Wildwould probably be the best fit for aZeldamovie in this style, because the vast, sprawling world and multitude of characters and creatures would be perfect for the kind of worldbuilding that Miyazaki is known for.
An animated movie would work well becausetheZeldagames are already in an animated formatand it would be less jarring to see the characters in that form than it would to have them suddenly be real people, and Miyazaki’s art style is similar enough to the pre-existingZeldaanimation that it would work seamlessly.
If Nintendo ever decides to make one of theirLegend of Zeldatitles into a film, any one of these directors would be a fantastic choice to keep the tone and integrity of the story and bring it to life in a visually stunning way.
MORE:The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Vs Super Mario 64 - Which Game Is Better?
