Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka had no idea what they created in 1986 would go on to spawn one of gaming’s most beloved franchises. Nintendo is hardly lacking when it comes to mascots, but these days, it is impossible to imagine the brand without Link. The Legend of Zelda stands as one of the industry’s most enduring series as it seamlessly blends fantasy with RPG action. For 40 years, The Legend of Zelda has thrilled fans with its expansive lore, and soon it will take new life in theaters. Hollywood is just finishing filming Link’s first live-action movie, and fans have some major requests for the film.
After all, there are some things that define The Legend of Zelda, and the movie shouldn’t miss them. Sure, story elements and plot devices from the video games will be expected, but Nintendo’s biggest opportunity to thrill fans comes with its characters. Over the decades, The Legend of Zelda has introduced hundreds of characters, and there are several Hollywood desperately needs to bring to life, even if they give us nightmares.
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Below, you can find ScreenRant’s pick for the ten most iconic Zelda characters that need to appear in Nintendo’s upcoming movie. So if you can spot these guys in the movie when it lands in 2027, don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Saria
The Legend of Zelda has dozens of games to its name, but none are more foundational than Ocarina of Time. When Link makes his move to theaters, Nintendo would be silly to forego Saria given the character’s impact on the hero. In franchise lore, Saria is one of Link’s closest childhood friends, acting as his anchor before the boy’s grand adventure began. As both a dear friend and a member of the Kokiri, Saria is one of Link’s most important mentors of all time. Her bloodline would give the movie an easy bridge to the Great Deku Tree, and Saria’s role in Link’s childhood would humanize the grand hero in a way audiences deserve to see.
Link’s Uncle
Every good hero needs a great origin story, and their call to action can make or break their legacy. The Legend of Zelda will need to establish this tale for Link, and there’s no better way to spark that fire than to bring Link’s Uncle to theaters. The unnamed uncle plays a key role in A Link to the Past, acting as a mentor and father figure to Link before his untimely death. The sacrifice Link’s Uncle makes thrusts the boy on a quest, and his final words to the boy would set up the movie’s introduction of Zelda with a bit of planning.
Malon
Image Source: Draculus/Reddit
The Legend of Zelda movie will put Link center stage with the princess of Hyrule, but she is not the only woman who changed the hero’s life. In Ocarina of Time, Link’s life is turned upside down by Malon, a girl-next-door figure who introduces him to his beloved horse. Malon gives a face to the civilian side of Hyrule, grounding the expansive world Link must explore to fulfill his destiny. Her contrast to Zelda makes Malon a key figure in Link’s history, so you can see why fans are desperate for the NPC to show up in Nintendo’s live-action adaptation.
Epona
If you think Zelda is the most important character in Link’s life, you have not spent enough time with Epona. The fabled horse is a bonafide icon in the video game industry because of their close bond with Link. For decades, Epona has acted as the hero’s closest ally both on the battlefield and in his personal life. Epona’s inclusion in The Legend of Zelda movie is all but guaranteed given her legacy, so here’s to hoping Hollywood captures the horse’s fierce loyalty and undying love of apples.
Beedle
Any good movie knows the importance of comedic relief, and The Legend of Zelda has just the character to spark laughter in live action. Of course, we are talking about Beedle himself. The traveling salesman is the definition of eccentric, and he’s a steadfast figure in Hyrule. Not only is the NPC easily recognizable thanks to his unique design, but Beedle is often a key source of information for Link. Nintendo could use the salesman to push forward its plot all while satisfying the audience’s need to see Beedle’s unhinged look in real life.
Hestu
There are few modern characters in The Legend of Zelda series as beloved as Hestu. Honestly, who can blame fans for loving the Korok leader? From his musical asides to his unique blend of bravery, Hestu would be a killer cameo in The Legend of Zelda movie. Acting as a bridge between Hyrule’s citizens and the Great Deku Tree, Hestu is so beloved by fans given his reign over the Koroks. Fans are already begging for a glimpse of the playful hero, so here’s to hoping Nintendo finds a way to bring Hestu to life on screen.
Tingle
The Legend of Zelda makes no apologies for its epic roots, even when its wild world leans into the absurd. Tingle is proof of this, as the surreal sidekick has a love-hate relationship with fans. Infamous for his silly comedic relief, Tingle does play a key role in Link’s journeys, as he often gives the hero important maps on his quest. Like it or not, The Legend of Zelda could bring Tingle to life in a quick scene when Link inevitably gets lost, and audiences will eat the cameo up.
The Happy Mask Salesman
There are few characters in The Legend of Zelda who are as unnerving as the Happy Mask Salesman. The Legend of Zelda may not lean into the psychological thrills gamers find in Majora’s Mask, but that does not mean we cannot wave at that side of the series. The Happy Mask Salesman represents the most mysterious part of the franchise, given his fickle temper and offbeat behavior. Erratic to the core, Link could easily stumble into the Happy Mask Salesman while at market without diving much deeper into the character’s lore, but diehard fans will know there’s more lurking behind the innocuous cameo.
Navi
Look, there’s no denying that every good hero has a sidekick. If Batman has Robin, well – Link has Navi. Years ago, the chatty fairy became a video game legend as Ocarina of Time turned Navi into an anchor for Link. Not only would Navi bring narrative clarity to The Legend of Zelda as a narrator, but her role as a sidekick is unmatched. Whether emotional or spiritual, Navi plays a major role in Link’s quest to become a hero, and her personal journey is one of the franchise’s most rewarding of all time.
The Golden Goddesses
If Nintendo wants to do The Legend of Zelda justice in live action, then it has no choice but to include the Golden Goddesses in some form. The three deities not only act as the foundation for Hyrule, but their connection to the Triforce must be explored. Hailed as the land’s Old Gods, the Golden Goddesses (known best as Din, Nayru, and Farore) brought the nation to life before departing, leaving behind the Triforce as part of their essence. The Golden Goddesses are a vital part of Hyrule’s history that set up the grand adventure Link and Zelda will go on when their homeland comes under attack. If Link wants to prove himself a hero, he will have to appease these gods, so The Legend of Zelda will have to find some way to bring these all-powerful legends to life.
The Legend of Zelda
- Release Date
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May 7, 2027
- Director
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Wes Ball
- Writers
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Derek Connolly
- Producers
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Shigeru Miyamoto, Avi Arad
-
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth
Link
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Bo Bragason
Princess Zelda