In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Wes Ball, the director of the upcoming live-action movie based on The Legend of Zelda video games, shared his vision for the film. Contrary to fan speculation, Ball emphasized that the movie would not be a “Lord of the Rings”-style epic but rather a unique fantasy-adventure experience inspired by the work of legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki.
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Wes Ball’s Vision:
Ball expressed his desire to create “this awesome fantasy-adventure movie that isn’t like ‘Lord of the Rings,’ it’s its own thing.” Drawing inspiration from Miyazaki’s signature style, known for its wonder and whimsy, Ball envisions a live-action Zelda movie that captures the essence of Miyazaki’s storytelling magic. He sees this project as an opportunity to deliver something special and unique to both longtime fans of the game and new audiences.
Passion for the Project:
Reflecting on his lifelong connection to the Zelda franchise, Ball stated, “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.” He reassured fans that the team is working diligently to create a memorable and captivating cinematic experience. Ball emphasized that their goal is not merely to capitalize on the popularity of the franchise but to craft something genuinely extraordinary.
Project Timeline:
While Wes Ball is currently in post-production for “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” he shared insights into the timeline for the Zelda movie. The plan is to take a brief break after “Apes” before diving into the Zelda project. Although it’s uncertain whether the Zelda movie will be Ball’s next venture, he expressed enthusiasm for delivering what fans are hoping for and introducing new audiences to the beloved world of Zelda.
Collaboration and Production Details:
The live-action Zelda movie is a collaboration between Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Zelda, announced the project on Nintendo’s social media channels. Avi Arad, known for his work on the “Spider-Man” movies, is producing alongside Miyamoto. Derek Connolly, the screenwriter of “Jurassic World,” is penning the script. Nintendo is heavily involved in the production, with over 50% of the financing coming from the gaming giant.
Plot and Casting Details:
As of now, plot and casting details remain tightly under wraps. Fans have taken to social media to express their dream casting choices, with Hunter Schafer, known for “Euphoria” and the “Hunger Games” prequel, emerging as a popular pick for the title character, Zelda. Schafer herself expressed enthusiasm about the possibility, stating, “That would be so cool.”
Conclusion:
The anticipation for The Legend of Zelda live-action movie continues to build as fans eagerly await further details. With Wes Ball’s commitment to delivering a unique and enchanting experience, the project holds the promise of bringing the iconic video game series to life in a way that pays homage to its rich legacy while offering something fresh and imaginative.
