Nintendo Announces Live-Action The Legend of Zelda Movie with Wes Ball Directing

Nintendo has officially announced the development of a live-action film adaptation of its iconic video game series, The Legend of Zelda.

The announcement marks a significant milestone in Nintendo's expanding effort to bring its beloved IPs to wider audiences through film, following the box office success of The Super Mario Bros.

Movie in partnership with Illumination.

This time, Nintendo is teaming up with industry giants Avi Arad and director Wes Ball.

The upcoming film will be distributed globally by Sony Pictures Entertainment, marking a first for the legendary franchise. Avi Arad, recognized for producing blockbuster hits such as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Uncharted, and the original Iron Man, brings a wealth of experience to the project.

Wes Ball, renowned for directing the Maze Runner trilogy and currently working on Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, will helm the project as director.

The collaboration between Nintendo, Arad Productions, and Sony Pictures Entertainment aims to deliver a cinematic experience that remains true to the adventure and timeless appeal of The Legend of Zelda series. In an official statement, Nintendo highlighted the creative partnership behind the project.

"The film will be produced by Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow of Nintendo, and Avi Arad, Chairman of Arad Productions Inc., who has produced many mega-hit films.

The film will be produced by Nintendo and Arad Productions Inc., and directed by Wes Ball.

The film will be co-financed by Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., with more than 50% financed by Nintendo.

The theatrical distribution of the film will be done worldwide by Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.," the company shared. Shigeru Miyamoto, series creator and the driving force behind many of Nintendo's most successful franchises, shared on social media that he and Avi Arad have been collaboratively developing the Zelda film for several years.

Miyamoto indicated that while fans are eager for updates, the project "will take some time until its completion," emphasizing Nintendo's commitment to bringing the world and spirit of Zelda to life with care and authenticity. Through ventures like these, Nintendo aims to deliver its universes to both longtime fans and new audiences, leveraging not only the power of its game consoles like Nintendo Switch and the eShop but also the global reach of multimedia platforms.

As with the Super Mario Bros.

Movie, Nintendo's active involvement signals an intent to ensure quality and respect for its fanbase. At this time, no official release date has been announced for the live-action The Legend of Zelda movie.

However, with a talented team and substantial backing from Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment, anticipation within the gaming and movie industries is high.

Further updates are expected as production progresses, and fans are encouraged to stay tuned to Nintendo Directs and official channels for the latest information.

Zelda Nintendo The Legend of Zelda Shigeru Miyamoto Sony Legend of Zelda Wes Ball Avi Arad Sony Pictures Miyamoto Arad Productions Sony Pictures Entertainment Illumination Super Mario Bros. Movie Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Uncharted Iron Man Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes The Maze Runner