Nintendo Announces Live-Action The Legend of Zelda Movie: Development Led by Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad

Nintendo has officially confirmed that a live-action adaptation of its iconic The Legend of Zelda franchise is in development, marking a major milestone for both the company and its fans worldwide.

The project will bring The Legend of Zelda—one of Nintendo's most beloved and enduring intellectual properties—to the big screen in a wholly new format, spearheaded by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto and prominent film producer Avi Arad. The film is being produced through a collaborative effort between Nintendo and Arad Productions Inc., with direction by Wes Ball.

On the production front, industry veteran Avi Arad, known for his roles in blockbusters such as "Venom," "Uncharted," "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," and "Ghost In The Shell," brings significant Hollywood expertise to the table.

Shigeru Miyamoto, architect of the Zelda series and other Nintendo classics, addressed the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), saying he has spent years working alongside Avi Arad to bring this project to life.

In his message, Miyamoto emphasized the careful approach and strong involvement of Nintendo in overseeing the adaptation, explaining, "I have asked Mr.

Arad to produce this film with me, and with Nintendo deeply involved in negotiations and oversight, the film’s development is now officially underway.

While its completion will take time, I hope fans look forward to what’s coming." Financing for the film reflects a significant commitment from Nintendo, which will fund more than half of the production budget alongside Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., further solidifying the project's scale and reach.

Sony Pictures Entertainment will handle worldwide theatrical distribution, ensuring that Zelda reaches a global audience upon release. By actively participating in the production of visual content based on its own intellectual properties, Nintendo is extending its influence beyond dedicated game consoles like the Nintendo Switch and expanding access to its rich universe of entertainment.

This move follows the success of previous adaptations and a larger trend of game publishers seeking to bring their flagship franchises to different entertainment mediums. As Nintendo continues to invest in new ways for fans to engage with its celebrated characters and stories, the live-action The Legend of Zelda film stands as a testament to the company's enduring commitment to creativity and broadening its cultural footprint.

More details about the film, including casting and release date, remain forthcoming, but the collaboration between Miyamoto, Arad Productions, and Sony Pictures Entertainment signals an ambitious new era for the franchise.

Zelda Nintendo The Legend of Zelda Shigeru Miyamoto Sony Legend of Zelda Wes Ball Avi Arad Sony Pictures Miyamoto