"The Answer Was Always No" - Ex-Nintendo Employee On Zelda Movie Pitches

Ex-Nintendo's Tilden says Spielberg couldn't sway Miyamoto for Zelda films.

: Nintendo resisted Zelda film pitches for years, rejecting ideas even from creators like Spielberg, says ex-employee Gail Tilden. In 2023, however, Nintendo announced a Zelda movie partnership with Sony. Shigeru Miyamoto remains involved, with Wes Ball as director. Reasons for this shift might include the success of the Mario movie.

The revelation about Nintendo's hesitance to produce a Zelda movie comes from a discussion on the Video Game History Hour podcast with Gail Tilden, a former Nintendo marketing executive. Tilden emphasized that Shigeru Miyamoto consistently turned down movie proposals, illustrating it with a hypothetical example where even if Steven Spielberg were interested, the answer would still be 'no.' This consistent rejection highlights Nintendo's cautious approach to film adaptations over the years.

However, in 2023, the landscape shifted as Nintendo announced plans to collaborate with Sony Pictures Entertainment on a Legend of Zelda movie. This decision left many fans and industry observers surprised, especially given past rejections. The potential factors influencing this change in direction include the box office success of the Super Mario Bros. Movie and Nintendo's broader strategy to expand its brand presence through theme parks and films.

Shigeru Miyamoto, well-known for his strong creative vision, will be a producer on the project alongside Avi Arad. Wes Ball, who received praise for his work on 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,' is set to direct. Ball's recent success and his connection to established franchises such as the Planet of the Apes series may have contributed to garnishing confidence for this high-profile adaptation.

The inclusion of a figure like Miyamoto in the production role ensures that the film will align closely with Nintendo's vision for the series. Fans of the franchise are optimistic but cautious, considering the narrative complexities and rich lore of the Zelda universe. The involvement of both experienced film industry professionals and key Nintendo figures aims to satisfy both Nintendo loyalists and general audiences alike.

The unexpected green light for the Legend of Zelda movie signals a shift in Nintendo's strategy, possibly reflecting a new understanding of how film adaptations can coexist with their gaming successes. As the project moves forward, industry watchers and fans alike are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds.

Sources: gamehistory.org, gamesradar.com

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