10 Reasons Why The Legend Of Zelda Live-Action Movie Should Adapt Ocarina Of Time

The perfect storyline for The Legend of Zelda live-action film would be the plot of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. In November 2023, Nintendo announced the development of a live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, which Wes Ball would direct. Ball has expressed his sentiments about making the live-action The Legend of Zelda movie feel like a Hayao Miyazaki film, focusing on the wonder and whimsy elements that come with his narratives. Still, little is known about whether this movie will feature a new Link and The Legend of Zelda story, or if it will retell the story of a particular game in the franchise.

Ball aims to distinguish The Legend of Zelda live-action adaptation from other fantasy movies, such as The Lord of the Rings. With Ball’s vision for the film, a storyline from The Legend of Zelda video game series emerges as the ideal narrative for the upcoming film. Rather than draw from recent, extremely popular installments like Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, using the plot of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time would bring the film numerous advantages.

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10 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time’s Popularity

The Storyline Is Successful

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time stands out as one of the most beloved entries in the series, making it an ideal candidate for a live-action film adaptation. The expansive The Legend of Zelda franchise encompasses more than 20 video games, with the first in the canon being released in 1986. In November 1998, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time was released on the Nintendo 64, and it continues to be among the most popular titles in the series due to its engaging gameplay, intricate puzzles, compelling storyline, and well-paced narrative.

Given the popularity of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time, it emerges as an optimal choice for a live-action movie adaptation. Its established audience ensures that many will be eager to watch the narrative unfold on the big screen. With its captivating storyline, adapting The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time minimizes the risk of newcomers not enjoying the film, as it has a proven and successful story arc, not to mention the notion that before Breath of the Wild, it was arguably the most critically-acclaimed installment in the franchise.

9 Many Elements Set It Apart From Other Fantasy Stories

Solving The Dungeons And Temples

Director Ball’s key focus for The Legend of Zelda live-action movie is distinguishing it from other fantasy films. He aims to make Legend of Zelda feel like a Miyazaki movie. This would bring to life Hyrule’s vibrant and intricate realm, the formidable foes Link battles, and its story in general. Adapting The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time is the perfect way to achieve this. The expansive world of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time provides ample opportunities to showcase the richness of the universe Link lives in.

The dungeons and temples introduce some of the franchise’s most captivating puzzles, allowing the film to highlight the problem-solving element, which is integral to The Legend of Zelda universe. Beyond the puzzles, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time is a coming-of-age story. Link starts as a young child thrust into a dangerous journey to stop Ganon. These distinctive elements in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time align with Ball’s vision for the adaptation to stand out within the fantasy genre.

8 It Can Be A Stand-Alone Movie Or Start A Franchise

The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Tells A Complete Story

The advantage of developing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time lies in its potential to function as a standalone movie or as the start of a franchise. This versatility means the film can offer a sense of completeness without needing a sequel for the audience to feel a resolution to the storyline. This approach ensures strong storytelling, as there is no obligation for the movie to set up future developments.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time presents an ideal hero’s journey narrative, featuring a protagonist thrust into action, embarking on an epic quest to defeat Ganon, and ultimately returning home. This comprehensive arc serves as an excellent blueprint for the creators of the live-action film. It provides a perfect inaugural installment for the franchise that can stand independently while also serving as a launchpad for potential sequels. Specifically, it could lay the groundwork for a movie version of the Ocarina of Time sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask.

7 Memorable Side Characters

These Characters Add To The Compelling Narrative

The distinctive feature that sets The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time apart within the franchise is the remarkable supporting cast that Link meets along his journey. Among these characters is Saria, Link’s childhood companion and a member of the ageless Kokiri. Saria and Link are separated once he is forced to leave the forest to follow his destiny. Saria later becomes one of the seven sages crucial in defeating Ganondorf.

Once Saria helps Link, they are forced to part ways again, as she must live in the Sacred Realm. Other notable characters include the lively Goron King Darunia, whom Link becomes sword brothers with, the rancher Ingo, who unites Link with his horse Epona, and the mysterious Sheik, who helps Link along his journey after his seven-year slumber. These engaging side characters would contribute to the storyline and add depth to the live-action The Legend of Zelda movie. The idea that several of these characters, such as Darunia and Impa, inspired new takes on them in later installments speaks volumes about how special they are.

6 Ocarina Of Time Has Unique Dungeons And Temples

These Dungeons And Temples Add To The Unique World

One of the distinctive features of the fantasy world in The Legend of Zelda is the dungeons and temples that Link has to solve to continue his quest. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time introduces some of the most unique dungeons and temples, that take Link inside active volcanoes, haunted houses, and even a giant fish, while never feeling out of place in the world of Hyrule. This problem-solving aspect in The Legend of Zelda universe, combined with the distinctive design of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time’s dungeons and temples, brings a Miyazaki film feel.

5 Zelda Plays A More Active Role In The Game

Zelda Is Disguised As Sheik

An aspect that separates The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time from other games in the franchise is the role of Zelda. In many games, Zelda tends to have a relatively limited presence in the storyline, as Link takes on the primary responsibility of defeating Ganon. However, in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time, Zelda is disguised as Sheik following Ganondorf taking over Hyrule. In this disguise, she actively helps Link awaken the seven sages, playing a crucial role in defeating Ganondorf. Having Zelda as a more proactive role in the film would serve to highlight the strength and significance of her character in The Legend of Zelda universe.

4 The Time Travel Element Adds To The Unique Storyline

Link Goes Into A Seven-Year Slumber

A unique element of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time lies in Link’s journey, where he starts as a child working to prevent Ganondorf from getting the Triforce. After pulling the Master Sword to confront Ganondorf, Link enters a seven-year slumber, during which Ganondorf claims the Triforce. Upon waking, Link, now of age to wield the sword, embarks on a mission to wake seven sages. Following Ganondorf’s defeat, Zelda sends Link back to his childhood, bringing the story full circle. This incorporation of time travel enhances the fantasy narrative’s uniqueness, making it an excellent choice for a thrilling live-action adaptation.

3 There Are Many Emotional Arcs During The Game

These Moments Add To The Depth Of The Narrative

While Link ultimately emerges victorious in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time, the game weaves numerous emotional arcs in the storyline. One includes the fact that while most of Hyrule is restored after Link defeats Ganondorf, the Zoras of Zora’s Domain are unable to return home, as it is still a wasteland. Another comes with the Deku Tree telling Link of his parents’ deaths at the start of the game. Along with this, Link is constantly separated from his childhood friend Saria, and at the end of the game, they part ways forever. These emotional arcs enhance the game’s impact on the players and provide the film with plenty of opportunities for dramatic moments.

2 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Jumps Right Into The Action

Navi Immediately Gets Link To Start His Journey

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time is action-packed from the start, with Link being awakened from a nightmare by a Navi fairy and taken to the Great Deku Tree. Link is told his destiny right from the start, as he must stop a “wicked man of the desert” before he conquers the world. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time’s story never has a dull moment, with everything along the way being meaningful to Link’s journey.

Link consistently navigates dungeons and temples, or actively works to defeat Ganon. Even seemingly mundane activities, like fishing, carry significant rewards, enabling Link to explore deeper waters and collect the heart piece in the lakeside lab. Given the fast pacing and the importance of every moment in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time, it stands out as an excellent candidate for the live-action The Legend of Zelda film.

1 Ocarina of Time’s Final Boss Battle Is The Best Of The Franchise

This Battle Would Translate Perfectly To The Live-Action Film

The climactic final boss battle in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time stands as one of the best among all the games in the franchise. Ganondorf destroys the castle in an attempt to kill Link and Zelda, but they escape. Ganon even knocks the Master Sword from Link’s hands at one point, adding to the tension of the moment. Once Link regains the Master Sword and defeats Ganon, the seven sages seal Ganondorf in the Dark Realm. Translating this epic battle sequence into the live-action The Legend of Zelda film would serve as a spectacular conclusion to the movie, making The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time the best game to adapt.