The Legend of Zelda could be heading to a TV near you… as Netflix is apparently developing a live-action series based on the popular gaming franchise.
It’s been over twenty-five years since the rather awesome Legend of Zelda animated show first appeared on our screens. But while Link has set off on many adventures since then, he’s yet to return to TV. That is, until now…
According to the Wall Street Journal, it looks as though Netflix is now developing a live-action Zelda TV series… and it’s about time, too.
“The Legend of Zelda, one of the most popular videogame series of all time, is in the works as a television show at Netflix,” they reveal. “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.
But what can we expect from a Legend of Zelda TV series?
“As it seeks writers to work on the show, Netflix is describing it as Game of Thrones for a family audience.”
Game of Thrones for a family audience? If I’m honest, I’m not sure I’d necessarily make that connection. Of course, the two projects are rather more fantastical in nature than your run of the mill TV drama. But the tones couldn’t be more different.
The video games have traditionally including hack and slash gameplay with a touch of sorcery thrown in… and that’s probably where the comparison ends. After all, Zelda has an infinitely more child-friendly approach.
And that’s likely to be the big charm of a Zelda live-action series.
“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.”
Of course, Nintendo is notoriously protective of its intellectual property… and after the truly horrendous Super Mario Bros movie, it’s easy to see why they’d be reluctant to allow others access to their characters.
Still, it looks as though the Legend of Zelda could be on its way. And if you ask me, it’s just the right time to bring it back to our screens.
Do you think this will make a great TV series? Who would you like to see in the leading roles? Let us know what you think in the comments below…
