The Legend of Zelda Producer Eiji Aonuma Spotted at Universal's Epic Universe Construction: What It Means for Super Nintendo World

With the ongoing global expansion of Super Nintendo World, Nintendo continues to deepen its collaboration with Universal Studios, bringing iconic video game worlds to life for fans around the globe.

The Donkey Kong Expansion, announced earlier this year, has ignited fresh excitement about which beloved Nintendo franchises might join Super Nintendo World in the future.

One franchise that persistently surfaces in these conversations is The Legend of Zelda, an enduring pillar of Nintendo’s legacy since its debut on the NES in 1986. Speculation around The Legend of Zelda’s potential theme park presence gained momentum after a recent promotional video spotlighting the construction of Universal Orlando’s upcoming Epic Universe Park.

This new park, set to feature a Super Nintendo World section like its counterparts in Hollywood, Osaka, and Singapore, is part of Universal’s ongoing initiative to deliver interactive, immersive attractions based on Nintendo’s most celebrated properties. In the video, as noted by fan site Tokyo Game Life and reported on Famiboards, viewers noticed a cameo from Eiji Aonuma, the acclaimed producer overseeing The Legend of Zelda series.

Aonuma was seen alongside Nintendo luminary Shigeru Miyamoto, both clad in construction attire, inspecting progress at the Epic Universe site.

Their joint appearance, captured midway through the promotional footage, quickly caught the attention of eagle-eyed fans across social media platforms, including Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). While seeing Aonuma on-site has fueled conversation among fans eager for a The Legend of Zelda attraction, it is important to approach the development with perspective.

Aonuma’s participation does not constitute an official announcement or confirmation of a Legend of Zelda expansion at Super Nintendo World.

As Senior Officer at Nintendo’s Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD) division, Aonuma could be present in support of broader initiatives, or simply accompanying Miyamoto as part of Nintendo’s collaborative efforts with Universal on various fronts. Since launching in March 2021 at Universal Studios Japan, Super Nintendo World has drawn global acclaim for faithfully recreating interactive environments inspired by Nintendo’s rich roster of properties.

The first expansion, due to open in 2024, will introduce Donkey Kong-themed rides and attractions, developed in partnership with Bandai Namco and designed to further integrate beloved Nintendo characters into the theme park landscape.

As Epic Universe in Florida prepares to open its gates, the anticipation for future expansions—including possibilities for series like The Legend of Zelda—remains high among both industry watchers and the Nintendo fan community. For now, Nintendo and Universal have not released any official statements regarding the inclusion of The Legend of Zelda in Super Nintendo World.

Fans and followers of the franchise should continue to monitor official channels for verified updates and announcements.

As ever, the partnership between Nintendo and Universal Studios continues to shape the future of interactive entertainment, bringing classic gaming experiences to real-world audiences. Stay tuned to our site for the latest coverage on Super Nintendo World, The Legend of Zelda, and other key Nintendo initiatives, including exclusive insights from developers like Eiji Aonuma and Shigeru Miyamoto as they advance the company’s ambitious global expansion.

Zelda Nintendo The Legend of Zelda Eiji Aonuma Legend of Zelda Super Nintendo Universal Orlando Super Nintendo World Universal Orlando Epic Universe Universal Studios Shigeru Miyamoto EPD Bandai Namco Tokyo Game Life Famiboards