The Legend of Zelda Anime a Possibility Reveals Nintendo Exec, Needs This One Thing

The Legend of Zelda is a Nintendo IP that’s screaming for an anime adaptation, and we might eventually get one.

Nintendo has been pushing the boat out as of late with projects that use its beloved IPs in different ways. The Super Mario Bros Movie for instance was a commercial success so while a sequel was inevitable, it also opened the door for additional films like upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda.

Real fans would know this isn’t anything new for Nintendo either; it originally got its start as a playing card company, before expanding its product line to toys and eventually video games where it saw the most success. With that varied history it makes sense the company is now pivoting towards film and TV.

In an interview with Kyoto Shimbun, paywalled but shared by VGC, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa outlined plans to create more fans of Nintendo IPs through projects not confined by the game industry.

“While we certainly don’t ignore short-term profits,” said Furukawa, “our main focus is increasing character exposure beyond our games. Films allow us to reach people even in regions where game consoles are not yet widespread. If possible, we’d like to build a structure that allows us to continue making films beyond [Super Mario Galaxy Movie and The Legend of Zelda].”

Sony Pictures

On the topic of Nintendo anime adaptations Furuwaka said it’d be “quite challenging to get to that point” but wasn’t willing to rule it out entirely.

So while nothing is in the pipeline just yet there’s at least some interest from Nintendo. Fortunately it has several IPs that’d fit the anime aesthetic perfectly.

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The Zelda Anime Needs Studio Ghibli Energy

The big one is of course The Legend of Zelda, and while I’m excited for the live-action film I’ll die on the hill that it should have been animated instead.

Not in the same vein as The Super Mario Bros Movie, but animated nonetheless.

Never in a million years would it happen but imagine a Zelda film animated by Studio Ghibli. Films like Princess Mononoke have appeal all across the world so it wouldn’t feel like too much of a risky venture.

If not The Legend of Zelda, the Star Fox or F-Zero series would also fit an anime artstyle.

If we want to get really fun with it, a Paper Mario film would also be good fun for obvious reasons.

It’s early days but there’s also so much potential.

Of course it’ll all come down to the success of the Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the Legend of Zelda live-action movie.