Daily Debate: What Zelda Game Should Not be Adapted Into a Movie?
Posted on December 05 2023 by Josh Wittmershaus
While there may be moving trends throughout the franchise, no Zelda game is built the same. They each have their own prized mechanic, their own adventurous tale, and — more often than not — their own version of Link and Zelda. However, I don’t think it’s too controversial to say that not all Zelda games are built equal, and this is especially true when we consider which ones would translate to a live-action movie like the one recently announced by Nintendo.
Some of these Zelda games are meant to belong to the console they came on, or are special in the sense that it is built as a game, and not a movie. Whether it be due to the storyline leaving more to be desired or the mechanics being unable to convert to the silver screen, here’s my short list of Zelda games that should not be adapted into a movie:
- Phantom Hourglass: Where do I even start? Imagine having to watch Link go back to the Temple of the Ocean King half-dozen times in 90 minutes. Imagine drawn-out montages of Link just floating from island to island. Imagine finding out at the end that it was all… just a dream. I think the only thing I’d want to see from this game in a movie is an actor playing a compelling Linebeck.
- Breath of the Wild: This is what I mean when I talk about games that were meant to be games. Real question: how much screentime would be dedicated to Link searching for Koroks? Unless my math is wrong, if he went for all of them, and a second was dedicated to each one, that would take up fifteen minutes right there. A big complaint with this game was the lack of a linear story, which is kind of important for an adventure movie, just saying.
- Majora’s Mask: Look, it’s my favorite game. Plenty of movies have accomplished the “back-and-forth” time mechanic thing (Run Lola Run comes to mind.) However, I believe the movie would require some serious deviation from the game in order to successfully pull off something dark and foreboding but also adventurous and suitable for children. I just don’t think I want to see that happen.
What do you think? What Zelda game should absolutely not become the plot for a movie, and why not? Let us know in the comments!
Josh Wittmershaus is a writer at Zelda Dungeon. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, he now resides in Northern California. Aside from Zelda, Josh enjoys playing music, seeing live music, music history, and all other things music. He also enjoys skating, hockey, and the occasional political or philosophical thought exercise.
