At a time when shows like Game of Thrones and movies like The Hobbit have become massive hits, it makes sense on paper that Nintendo, the makers of the popular Legend of Zelda game series, might want to see its own fantasy property brought to the realm of live action.
The Wall Street Journal reports Nintendo is looking at doing just that, by partnering with Netflix to bring a show based on the game series to audiences across the globe. The site's source says Netflix is describing the show as "Game of Thrones for a family audience." The insider also described the basic premise of the show: an ordinary boy named Link must save Princess Zelda and the world of Hyrule. No writers are currently attached to the project, and it's possible the show will never see the light of day.
But if it does become a reality, what can viewers expect to see?
Adapting the games themselves, filled with dungeon crawling and a silent protagonist, will definitely be a challenge, as will choosing what material to include from the more than a dozen Legend of Zelda games. Assuming Link and Zelda will be the stars of the show, what are the other "must haves" of a potential Zelda television show? Here are our thoughts:
The Master Sword
Having a Zelda TV show without the Master Sword is like having King Arthur without Excalibur, Jon Snow without Longclaw or Gimli without his axe -- it just doesn't work. The blade of evil's bane is a staple of the game series and Link's primary means of defeating evil. If there isn't an arc of the show involving Link claiming the Master Sword as his own, fans will have a hard time accepting it.
Sheik
It sounds like Link will once again be saving Princess Zelda from the clutches of evil if the TV show ever gets off the ground. While a simple "save the princess" storyline may have served earlier games in the series well, since then Zelda has gone on to become a formidable character in her own right. Zelda in the TV series needs to be more than a damsel in distress. What better way to do that than to include Sheik, Zelda's ninja-like alter-ego. Mysterious and dangerous, Sheik is a perfect fit for the "Game of Thrones for a family audience" vibe Netflix is supposedly shooting for. It would also serve as a great surprise for watchers of the show who aren't familiar with the video game series.
Epona
The road of Link is a lonely one. For much of his journey in Legend of Zelda games, he has only one constant companion -- Epona, his loyal steed. Acquiring Epona in any Zelda game is a pivotal turning point for the player. It opens up the world of Hyrule like never before, and from that point onward Epona is never more than a song on the ocarina away. No doubt Link will be traveling all across Hyrule in his quest, so for him to have a horse on the show seems like a given. To include Epona would go a long way towards showing fans that the showrunners understand and respect the traditions of the game franchise.
The Tunic and Hat
Link's iconic green tunic and hat are a must. Often times Link will begin a game in ordinary clothing, before eventually donning the garb of the legendary hero. This is the route the show should take. To have a Legend of Zelda TV show without Link's signature outfit is a huge mistake. Might we recommend Link's look from Twilight Princess, complete with chainmail shirt?
The Races of Hyrule
From the mountainous Goron to the aquatic Zora, Link's world of Hyrule is filled with diverse races and cultures. Each region of Hyrule often serves as an important milestone in Link's journey as he meets new cultures and characters. The Zelda TV show would be smart to bring the various races of Hyrule to the forefront, and having important, recurring characters from each race would go a long way towards fleshing out Hyrule as a living, breathing kingdom. Let's just hope Netflix's costume and make-up department is up to the task.
Ganondorf
The big-bad of the Zelda universe, Ganondorf (or Ganon) has managed to bring his signature lust for power to nearly every game in the Legend of Zelda franchise. He's an obvious must-have for the show. In Ocarina of Time he is portrayed as a man hailing from the desert region of Gerudo, where he rules as "The King of Thieves." Though he swears allegiance to the king of Hyrule, Zelda knows Ganondorf isn't sincere, and believes he is plotting to steal the Triforce, an ancient artifact of immense power. With the Triforce in hand, Ganondorf would be able to conquer the entire realm. If Netflix is indeed looking to create a family-oriented Game of Thrones, playing up Ganondorf's political maneuvering and his relationship with the king seems like an obvious choice. Oh, and the fact that he can turn into a giant pig monster. That's also important.
Time Travel/Alternate Reality
Link is often regarded as the "hero of time" for a reason. Jumping forward and backward in time, or to a whole new dimension, has long been a prominent element of Zelda games. The entire plot of Ocarina of Time, widely regarded as the best Zelda game of all time, revolves around Link fast-forwarding in time from a child to a young man. The plot of its sequel, Majora's Mask, sees Link using his magical instrument to speed up and slow down time, reliving the same three days over and over again in an effort to stop the destruction of Termina. A Link To the Past and Twilight Princess both involve Link traveling to alternate realities to defeat evil. You get the point. Though it has the potential to get confusing if not done properly, an epic TV saga that sees Link traveling into a dark future ruled by Ganondorf's evil is too good to pass up.
