Zelda Scene

It's no secret that Nintendo is working to utilise its franchises and IPs in various ways, all to ensure that Nintendo brands remain at the forefront of popular culture. We have amiibo toys that are proving hugely popular, positive sales for Wii U crossover title Hyrule Warriors and more partnerships and ideas no doubt in the pipeline. One of those prospective projects, if reports are accurate, is a live-action TV series of The Legend of Zelda, with Netflix in charge of development.

This is according to the Wall Street Journal, reporting details from a source within Netflix. The TV streaming service is in early development of the project, which is supposedly aiming to adopt the familiar overarching tale of Zelda titles - Link sets off on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda. In terms of tone, it's supposedly aiming to be 'Game of Thrones for a family audience'.

To give an indication of how early this reportedly is in development Netflix is yet to appoint a lead writer, but is said to be working closely with Nintendo. Naturally this could quite easily be ditched at any moment by either side, and won't be more of a sure thing until scripts are completed and contracts start to be drawn up.

The prospect of a live-action TV show based on The Legend of Zelda surely brings mixed emotions. With a big enough budget and skilful scripting it could, despite some of the outlandish character designs of the source material, be rather special. On the other hand it could very easily go wrong and become another Super Mario Bros. movie, largely disowned by Nintendo and generally acknowledged as a creative disaster.

Time will tell whether this project moves forward, but we can't help but want it to happen - it'd be intriguing, in any case.

Would you like to see a live-action Netflix TV show based on The Legend of Zelda, or does the idea leave you with a sense of foreboding? Let us know.

Thanks to all that sent this in.

[source wsj.com]