The Upcoming Live-Action Zelda Film Marks Nintendo's Strategic Expansion

Ismael Jorge, IP Licensing BD Manager at Mijiba

On the heels of a successful Mario movie, and after months of speculation, Nintendo has at last confirmed that a live-action Zelda movie is coming. Of course, it has opened the floodgates for speculation but also raises an interesting conversation about the future of brand staying power and the blurring of lines between games and Hollywood. In my experience helping bring mobile games and big IPs together, it’s clear that translating gaming experiences to the big screen is a move loaded with potential – and pitfalls.

Via Nintendo

Strong Indicators of Success

Let’s dig into the mechanics of this partnership. Nintendo’s choice to bring Shigeru Miyamoto on board is a move that promises authenticity for the franchise. Partnering with a heavyweight like Avi Arad suggests a blend of storytelling that could capture the hearts of fans and newcomers alike. Here are a few key elements that I see working in the project’s favor:

Miyamoto’s Vision: As Zelda’s creator, he knows the characters and the universe inside out. His involvement is like a seal of quality for fans. A good proxy for this might be the hands-on oversight role Eiichiro Oda took on in the development of the live-action Netflix One Piece series, arguably the best live-action anime adaptation of all time – “Goda” be praised.
Arad’s Expertise: With a résumé full of Marvel’s finest, Arad knows how to turn a beloved series into box office gold.
Financial Backing: Sony and Nintendo are splitting the bill, which means they’re both betting big on Zelda’s success. Both have skin in the game, and reputations to protect. That could be a good indication, especially for Nintendo, who has been very cautious with movie projects over the years.

The choice between live-action and animation is a hot topic in fan circles, but it seems the ultimate decision came down to Miyamoto’s vision for the project, saying on Twitter, “I have asked Avi-san to produce this film with me, and we have now officially started the development of the film with Nintendo itself heavily involved in the production.”

I have asked Avi-san to produce this film with me, and we have now officially started the development of the film with Nintendo itself heavily involved in the production. It will take time until its completion, but I hope you look forward to seeing it. [2]https://t.co/2H9lzzS5Pv
— 任天堂株式会社 (@Nintendo) November 7, 2023

Casting decisions and plot direction are under lock and key, but the rumor mill is in full swing; with names like Hunter Schafer already linked to the project. There is speculation about Tom Holland as well, given his previous collaborations with Avi Arad on Uncharted and the Spiderman films.

A Strategic Expansion for Nintendo

Nintendo’s move to adapt one of its most iconic games into a movie speaks to a broader strategy – capturing hearts beyond the console. With the success of other game-to-movie adaptations paving the way, Nintendo is poised to cast its net over the massive ocean of potential fans and I think it’s important to understand the broader strategy behind big bets like this.

Broader Audience Reach: Nintendo is aiming to captivate not just gamers but “Zelda fans” more broadly. It’s one example of a much larger trend happening among major IP holders; it’s all about connecting with the fanbase and staying top-of-mind.
New Market Opportunities: Movie and TV adaptations open up fresh avenues for merchandising and cross-promotion. One need only look to the 1.4x increase in year-on-year sales of Mario game titles to understand the massive economic halo effect an IP-driven movie release can create.
Brand staying power: By expanding its IP to new mediums, Nintendo reinforces its place as a cultural powerhouse. A big part of Nintendo’s success is in its ability to continually renew and reinforce nostalgia among fans through fresh titles that feature iconic characters, be it in a new game, on a new platform, or in films. Nintendo adapts.

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Looking Ahead: The Zelda Movie and Beyond

The Zelda live-action movie is more than a new venture for Nintendo; it’s a signal to all of us in the industry that the lines between games and other media are blurring. Nintendo’s approach shows a keen understanding of the importance of storytelling and character development, something that any successful mobile game developer must appreciate.

Nintendo’s expansion into live-action movies with Zelda is not just an exciting development to watch—it’s a playbook for IP-based games. As we await more details on the Zelda movie, one thing is clear: the potential for mobile games to step beyond the small screen has never been greater.