Director Wes Ball Aims to Capture Miyazaki Magic in Anticipated Adaptation
In a groundbreaking announcement last month, the entertainment world erupted with excitement as Sony and Nintendo revealed their collaboration to bring the iconic Legend of Zelda franchise to life in a live-action film. As fans eagerly speculated about dream casts and which game storyline would serve as the movie’s foundation, director Wes Ball provided some insights into his vision for this highly anticipated project.
While Ball has yet to confirm which specific Legend of Zelda game will be the source material, he expressed a clear artistic direction for the film. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ball revealed his aspiration to infuse the movie with the magic reminiscent of legendary animation director Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpieces. He envisions a fantasy-adventure that stands apart from the likes of Lord of the Rings, presenting a unique cinematic experience.
Describing Legend of Zelda as an “awesome fantasy-adventure movie,” Ball expressed his admiration for Miyazaki’s ability to bring wonder and whimsy to his creations. He stated, “I’ve always said, I would love to see a live-action Miyazaki. That wonder and whimsy that he brings to things, I would love to see something like that.”
Wes Ball, also serving as a producer on the project, collaborates with Derek Connolly, known for his work on Jurassic World, who is responsible for crafting the screenplay. With 25 games released since the introduction of Princess Zelda and Link, the series has consistently captivated audiences. The latest installment, Tears of the Kingdom, has garnered critical acclaim and stands as a nominee for Game of the Year.
While keeping story details under wraps, Ball assured fans that the forthcoming film would be nothing short of extraordinary. He emphasized the personal significance of the Legend of Zelda franchise, stating, “My whole life has led up to this moment. I grew up on Zelda, and it is the most important property, I think, that’s untapped IP, if you will. So we very much are working hard to do something. We’re not just trying to do it because we can. We want to make something really special.”