TWSJ: Netflix Developing a LiveAction Legend of Zelda Series

“The Legend of Zelda,” one of the most popular videogame series of all time, is in the works as a television show at Netflix.

The video streaming service is in the early stages of developing a live action series based on “Zelda,” about an ordinary boy named Link who must rescue a princess named Zelda and save a fantasy world called Hyrule, said a person familiar with the matter. As it seeks writers to work on the show,Netflix is describing it as “Game of Thrones” for a family audience, this person said.

The “Zelda” games have traditionally included swords and sorcery, like “Game of Thrones” or “Lord of the Rings,” but typically with a more light-hearted, kid-friendly tone.

Netflix is said to be working closely with Nintendo, the Japanese game developer that has made about 20 “The Legend of Zelda” games since the original, which was released in the U.S. in 1987.

Nintendo is very protective of its intellectual property and has allowed few adaptations over the years. An animated “Legend of Zelda” series ran for just one season in 1989. A 1993 movie based on Nintendo’s “Super Mario Bros.” was an infamous bomb.

As it is still seeking a writer to work on the series, Netflix has a long road to travel before a “Legend of Zelda” series actually becomes a reality. It’s also possible that Netflix or Nintendo will kill the project before it gets off the ground.

A Netflix spokeswoman declined to comment. A Nintendo spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Currently a rumor so take it with a grain of salt.

Opinions?

I support this if this magically turns out to be true. If a true fan is working on this I know they won't mess it up.

This could be interesting if done correctly but how would they keep the show going once the princess is saved? And who would be playing Midna?

Very interesting but I still doubt it will happen.

@nini200 It's not really about saving princess Zelda per se, but saving Hyrule (or Termina, Lorule, etc.) and preventing evil from taking over (keeping the balance between good and evil). So they can play with the idea of Ganondorf talking over cities and other minor storylines.

Maybe they would do a season or half a season or whatever based on each game? One season in Hyrule, one on the Great Sea, one in Termina...

I wonder if it going to be good.

If it happens I'm wondering if Link will still be a mute, considering that the last time we heard him speak it wasn't in the most flattering materials.

This has potential to be really bad.

Well excuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuse me, princess!

-Byshop

Worst idea ever Nintendo. Please no!

I see another Super Mario Bros. movie in the making. Quite frankly, Nintendo and movies/shows never really mixed well.

its not going to work.

out of all the IPs nintendo has zelda is probably one of the worst they can use. you cant have a good TV show where the main character is mute. some movies have tried it....they are awful.

i can see why nintendo is doing it. no harm trying to expand to different areas and they have had success (and a long history) in having their IP on the TV.

its just zelda is the wrong choice.

kid icarus... now thats a whole different ball game. they actually do have proven voice actors who do an excellent job (its the only nintendo game i can think of where they actually nailed the voice acting) and they have played around with anime and CGI for that and it works. get the team who made legend of korra involved in its production and i think it could be brilliant.

I don't doubt that this will be a quality program if put together. Netflix has produced great works- such as the acclaimed House of Cards (US).

The 'Game of Thrones' description ruined it for me if the live-action-ness didn't already. But it's still in rumour mode as far as I know.