Rumors of an upcoming Zelda film have ignited a mixture of excitement and concern among devoted Nintendo fans. Following the remarkable success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which shattered records at the box office, speculation has been rampant about a potential collaboration between Nintendo and animation studio Illumination. However, many fans are expressing their apprehensions about this rumored partnership.
In a recent episode of The Hot Mic podcast, esteemed reporter Jeff Sneider from a reliable source, suggesting that Universal Pictures, the parent company of Illumination, is on the verge of finalizing a deal with Nintendo for a future Zelda film. Sneider emphasized the significance of this development, noting the substantial cost involved due to the undeniable triumph of . He confidently stated, “Zelda…is looking like the next big Illumination Nintendo franchise…it’s happening, and it’s costing Universal a pretty penny.”
Curiosity surrounding this potential collaboration led Kotaku to seek comments from Nintendo. As of now, the gaming giant remains tight-lipped, leaving fans to ponder the possibilities.
Fans Fear Illumination’s Handling of Zelda
While Illumination undoubtedly excelled with their Mario adaptation, some Zelda enthusiasts are skeptical about their ability to capture the essence of the fantasy video game franchise. The studio’s inclination towards glossy, lighthearted films doesn’t align with the often poignant and mysteriously magical narratives of the Zelda series. Fans are particularly concerned about the potential inclusion of pop songs, a characteristic trait prevalent in not only the Mario Bros. movie but also in other Illumination productions. The prospect of enduring rounds of extravagant casting announcements featuring Hollywood stars also leaves Zelda fans anxious. Here are some reactions from the passionate fan base:
– YouTuber Penny Parker expressed her reservations on Twitter, stating, “I enjoyed the Mario movie, but I can say with full confidence Illumination is NOT the right studio to handle a Zelda movie. Not saying ‘it will be bad,’ but they couldn’t even show restraint with 80 licensed songs in Mario, a franchise already revered for iconic music.”
– Twitter user velsmells chimed in, sharing their apprehensions, “Illumination making the Mario movie filled me with so much glee, but the thought of them making a Zelda movie stops me in my tracks LOL… Also, it’d be so cool to see an entire Zelda movie with the style of [animation studio] Fortiche, especially after their success with Arcane S2.”
– Echoing similar sentiments, Twitter user UltimaShadowX opined, “I don’t think Illumination is the right fit at all for the Zelda IP. I am just saying if it HAS TO BE them, Toon Link is the most fitting route to go with… Imagining DreamWorks doing a Zelda movie with The Last Wish style would be insanely hype and preferable.”
Nintendo’s Motivation to Bring Zelda to the Big Screen
While adapting Zelda into an animated film presents unique challenges, it’s not surprising that Nintendo would consider expanding its repertoire on the silver screen. The astounding success of the Mario Movie, recently surpassing Disney’s Frozen as the second-highest-grossing animated film of all time, serves as a compelling reason to venture into new cinematic territories.
Renowned game creator Shigeru Miyamoto, responsible for both Mario and Zelda, expressed his interest in future film projects centered around well-known and suitable characters during an interview with Japanese publication Nikkei. Eiji Aonuma, the producer of Tears of the Kingdom and an integral part of the Zelda franchise, echoed this sentiment in a recent interview with Polygon, stating, “I am interested for sure. But it’s not just me being interested in something that makes things happen, unfortunately.”
While fans might be divided on the choice of Illumination as the studio for a Zelda film, it remains to be seen how the iconic video game series will translate to the silver screen. Nintendo’s decision will undoubtedly impact the final product, and fans eagerly await further developments to uncover the future of their beloved Zelda universe.
Owen Gower, an experienced journalist specializing in gaming and pop culture, offers expert insights and analysis on the potential Zelda movie and the concerns voiced by fans. With his finger on the pulse of the gaming community, Gower delves into the intricacies of this exciting development, shedding light on both the enthusiasm and anxiety that surround the rumors. Stay tuned for more updates as the saga of the Zelda movie unfolds.
*Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of Nintendo or its affiliates.*
