Wes Ball Looks to Hayao Miyazaki for Inspiration in Live-Action The Legend of Zelda Movie

Nintendo fans around the world were abuzz last month following the official announcement of a live-action The Legend of Zelda movie.

This adaptation of the iconic video game series comes after decades of speculation and high anticipation from the community.

While the film’s release is still a ways off, new details surrounding its creative direction are gradually emerging.

The latest insight comes straight from the film's confirmed director, Wes Ball—known for helming the Maze Runner trilogy and the recent Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Wes Ball shared his artistic vision for the highly anticipated Nintendo project.

Ball expressed a deep desire to craft a film that stands apart, stating that he is aiming “to make something truly special” with The Legend of Zelda movie.

Notably, Ball revealed his chief source of inspiration: acclaimed filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, the creative force behind many of Studio Ghibli’s greatest works. Ball elaborated that he has always dreamed of creating a live-action film that captures the sense of wonder and whimsy characteristic of Miyazaki’s body of work.

In his words, “I’ve wanted to see a live-action film with the same wonder and enchantment that Hayao Miyazaki brings to animation.

That imaginative spirit is something I hope to bring to The Legend of Zelda.” Hayao Miyazaki is renowned for directing cinematic masterpieces such as Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away.

Studio Ghibli’s influence has long been felt within the gaming industry, most notably in Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Eiji Aonuma, producer of Breath of the Wild, previously confirmed that the development team drew inspiration from Studio Ghibli’s signature style when designing the open-world adventure that reimagined the Zelda franchise for the Nintendo Switch. At present, the live-action Zelda film is in the early stages of pre-production, awaiting Wes Ball's completion of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.

Fans continue to follow every development with keen interest, eager to see how this celebrated director and his creative team will bring the rich world of Hyrule to life. While further production milestones and the film’s release date remain unannounced, the involvement of Wes Ball and his acknowledgement of Hayao Miyazaki’s influence bode well for the movie’s creative vision.

As the project progresses, Nintendo enthusiasts and filmgoers alike can look forward to more updates on this landmark adaptation of one of gaming's most beloved franchises.

Zelda The Legend of Zelda Legend of Zelda Wes Ball Studio Ghibli Hayao Miyazaki Legend Nintendo Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Entertainment Weekly Eiji Aonuma Breath of the Wild