Gaten Matarazzo Shares His Passion for Nintendo and Dreams of an Animated Legend of Zelda Film

Stranger Things actor Gaten Matarazzo, well-known for his role as Dustin Henderson in the acclaimed Netflix series, has long been a passionate Nintendo fan.

This holiday season, Matarazzo strengthened his association with Nintendo by partnering with the gaming giant to highlight some of its latest Nintendo Switch games.

In a recent interview with Variety, he opened up about the deep connection he feels toward Nintendo and its beloved franchises, revealing a personal dream involving one of its most iconic series. Matarazzo explained that he has a particular fondness for The Legend of Zelda, a franchise celebrated for its rich lore, captivating visuals, and unforgettable music.

When asked about the synergy between Nintendo’s properties and the entertainment industry, Matarazzo shared his vision for what he believes could be a groundbreaking animated adaptation of The Legend of Zelda.

In his words, he is captivated by the idea of a film that is “driven visually and musically,” emphasizing how storytelling can thrive in a world where characters rarely speak aloud.

He noted that such an animated project could explore "a vocally silent world where narrative unfolds through visuals and score, rather than dialogue," demonstrating both his creative insight and appreciation for Nintendo’s storytelling prowess. While Nintendo has yet to officially announce a Legend of Zelda animated feature, the actor’s remarks come at an exciting time for fans of Nintendo movies.

The Super Mario Bros.

Movie is slated for release in 2023, highlighting a renewed interest in bringing classic Nintendo titles to the big screen.

Matarazzo’s suggestion draws attention to the unique challenge and opportunity presented by a franchise like Zelda, where music and atmosphere often speak louder than words. Beyond cinematic dreams, Matarazzo also discussed his holiday gaming plans.

He mentioned that he would be gifting copies of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet to his friends—and even picked up a copy for himself.

The latest entries in the Pokémon series have been noteworthy successes for Nintendo, with strong sales figures worldwide and a positive reception among Switch players. Matarazzo’s support and enthusiasm reflect Nintendo’s enduring appeal among celebrities and veteran gamers alike.

The Nintendo Switch has maintained consistent popularity since its launch in 2017, benefiting from a diverse library of titles available both physically and in the Nintendo eShop.

With Nintendo continuing to expand its reach through collaborations and multimedia adaptations, high-profile endorsements such as Matarazzo’s only strengthen the brand's cultural influence. For longtime fans, Matarazzo’s dreams of a visually stunning Legend of Zelda adaptation capture the hopes of many who wish to see Link’s adventure reimagined for a new audience.

As Nintendo continues to innovate and engage with its global community, possibilities for adaptations and new titles remain as exciting as ever.

Whether gifting games during the holidays or dreaming of animated adventures, the passion of dedicated fans like Gaten Matarazzo helps fuel the enduring legacy of the Big N.

Zelda Nintendo Legend of Zelda Zelda movie Legend Gaten Matarazzo Netflix Stranger Things Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Variety