Along with the unprecedented rise of comic book movie adaptations, video game movies are one of the most beloved genres out there. The roster is a mixed bag in terms of quality, but everyone loves seeing their favorite characters take to the silver screen, even if they end up disappointed at the live-action result. Video game movies give us another opportunity to dive into our most treasured fictional universes, often from an entirely different angle. Fans have been petitioning for certain games to get the official film treatment for years, and The Legend of Zelda has topped fan-surveys as the most wanted game-to-movie adaptation. In fact, a live-action TV series was recently in the works on Netflix, but was later canceled by Nintendo after the streaming platform allegedly leaked their plans.
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The beloved video game series follows Link, a hero chosen by the gods to save his world. As part of a sacred trio destined to reincarnate in a never-ending cycle, Link’s tale has changed and evolved over 27 entries in the series. Zelda weaves a narrative of courage, power and wisdom, and fans are hesitant to trust most film companies with the source material. If any director aims to produce a Zelda film that the fanbase will enjoy, they’ll need to meet a few specific requirements. Here’s what it would take to make a successful Legend of Zelda live-action movie.
A Plot That Doesn’t Muddle the Timeline
Via: Nintendo
The Zelda timeline is infamous in the gaming community, mostly for its complexity and confusing split. 27 games are hard enough to keep track of in the canon, and Ocarina of Time divides the timeline into three parts based on how the story could end. Any multiverse timeline is prone to be confusing, but fans of the Zelda games are serious about figuring out where new games fit into place. The series already has tons of established lore, and new additions need to make sense with it all.
A good Zelda movie should fit somewhere in the timeline and coordinate with the other stories around it. There is the option of adding to the end of the timeline, but the movie still needs to make sense with whichever games precede it. It shouldn’t change things that have already happened in the universe or alter the personalities of any canonical characters. Most fans understand that an original story will be different from their beloved games, so all we ask for is a little fidelity.
The Full Orchestra Treatment
Music is something that sets this series apart from all others. The various Legend of Zelda soundtracks are incredibly diverse and packed with memorable melodies, and the music is recognizable even to those who have never played a game. While most video game movie adaptations don’t get a fully orchestrated soundtrack, a Zelda movie absolutely needs one. The sounds of the franchise’s universe are too beautiful to not be heard at the hands of talented orchestral musicians. Whether the directors compose entirely new pieces or take inspiration from past series’ masterpieces, they should be heard in all their lovingly crafted glory.
A Diverse Cast That Makes Sense
The Legend of Zelda seldom uses any voice acting, though Breath of the Wild is an exception. Otherwise, character vocalizations are limited to sighs, grunts, and other forms of onomatopoeia. Despite this, Link’s world is alive with unique characters, and everyone has a distinct personality. Knowing this, movie crews need to take two things into consideration.
First, the casting needs to be diverse. From the powerful grace of the desert-dwelling Gerudo women to the rocky visages of the Gorons, we need to see a cast of actors from all walks of life. To limit Hyrule’s representations of ethnicity and body type is to do the franchise (and its fan) serious injustice.
Second, the cast needs to be skilled enough to accurately portray established characters. This mainly applies to the wielders of the Triforce; since Link is almost always shown to be mute, any actor who takes on his role should be able to communicate with no spoken words. Someone who steps into the shoes of titular Princess Zelda has to capture both her youthful attitude and unparalleled wisdom. Iconic villain Ganon is the picture of ambition and dominance, so his actor should be as imposing as they come.
Solid Choreography For Combat
The Legend of Zelda focuses largely on combat, especially swordplay. Throughout the series, we see Link develop an impressive repertoire of skills with all sorts of weapons. The developers have always done a beautiful job showing us the precision and power behind his attacks, and it’s one of the most enjoyable parts of the franchise. As such, any Zelda movie must dedicate plenty of time and effort toward its combat choreography.
Good combat lends to a beautiful aesthetic that draws viewers in and keeps them engaged for the entirety of a scene, and the quality of fight scenes can make or break a movie. Take Assassin’s Creed from 2016, for example — it isn’t a perfect video game adaptation by any means, but it has gorgeous fight sequences that lift the overall quality of the film. If a Zelda movie were to follow suit with solid choreography and give us a good story, it might end up being one of the best video game movies of all time!
A Believable Yet Magical Atmosphere
Magic is an extremely prevalent theme in the story, but the world also feels believable and real. Along with fairy fountains hidden in the earth and giant talking trees are political happenings, commerce and people homesteading across the country. The game’s otherworldly elements don’t feel otherworldly; they just feel like they belong.
A Zelda adaptation needs to show the balance between magical adventures and a grounded world. The environment is comparable to King Arthur and his knights, who lead believable lives even with mythical swords and lake priestesses. It shouldn’t just feel like an enchanted wonderland or an ancient medieval society, either. There are several races of people in the Zelda universe, and each society has its own original culture and lifestyle. The film creators need to accurately represent Hyrule and its many residents.
