Hey! Listen! There is ongoing speculation that video streaming service Netflix is working closely with game developer Nintendo to craft a live-action series for their most popular videogame series. But is it just me, or is anyone else wondering how or if they’re going to make Link say anything other than “Hyaaaah”?
The first game of The Legend of Zelda franchise hit the U.S. markets in 1987 and was followed by fifteen more (with another to be released this year), spanning all of Nintendo’s major consoles. But when it comes to adaptations, there have been very few due to Nintendo’s tight reins on intellectual property. There was an animated “Legend of Zelda” series, however, that ran for a single season in 1989 featuring Link’s annoying “Well excuse me, Princess!” catchphrase.
I think any fan’s biggest fear is that a live-action adaptation will not adequately live up to our expectations or imaginations (e.g., Super Mario Bros., Speed Racer, Dragonball). And in the case of something as iconic as The Legend of Zelda, one can only hope that a live-action series won’t flop as badly as the animated version. However, there is some promise for awesomeness, especially with success stories like the live-action Street Fighter series and Rurouni Kenshin movies.
All things considered though, a story in The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that the project is in need of a writer and still in the early stages of development. Consequently, Netflix has a long road ahead of them to make the “Legend of Zelda” television series a reality. Unfortunately, spokespeople from Netflix and Nintendo declined to comment on the rumors and speculation.
For a taste of what the future may hold, below is CorridorDigital’s live-action short film entitled “Link’s Shadow,” which was produced and uploaded in 2013.