A 'Legend of Zelda' TV series might be the next project from the producer of Netflix's 'Castlevania'
- On Instagram, producer Adi Shankar confirmed he is working with an "iconic" Japanese gaming company to adapt a video game series, with an official announcement coming on November 16th.
- Shankar is already the executive producer of another video game adaptation, Netflix's "Castlevania," and has been linked to an upcoming adaptation of "Assassin's Creed."
- The Wrap is reporting that Shankar will adapt Nintendo's "Legend of Zelda" franchise.
Nintendo's "The Legend of Zelda" might be the latest video game to be adapted for the screen, based on a series of rumors surrounding "Castlevania" producer Adi Shankar.
Shankar took to Instagram on October 29th to share that he was "working with an iconic Japanese gaming company to adapt one of their iconic video game series," with a promise of an official announcement on November 16th. The next day, The Wrap reported that Shankar will develop a "The Legend of Zelda" series for Nintendo.
Shankar is already the showrunner for another video game adaptation, Netflix's "Castlevania." Based on the vampire-hunting games of the same name, "Castlevania" debuted its second season on October 26th. Fans and critics alike have celebrated the animated series for its balanced tone and respect to the source material. Written by comic book legend Warren Ellis, "Castlevania" turns the thin plot of the early games into a tragic tale focused on Dracula, the series' main antagonist.
"The Legend of Zelda" games are fantasy tales following the adventures of the player/protagonist, Link. The name is rather literal; Link is the player's connection to the game as they take on his quest. In nearly all of the games, the player can give Link whatever name they like, and he never speaks. Instead, the series has used a colorful collection of supporting characters to tell the extended history of the "Zelda" world. Zelda is the princess of Hyrule, typically requesting Link's help to vanquish Ganon, a timeless demonic force posing a constant threat to the kingdom.
The newest game in the series, "Breath of the Wild," showed a big shift in storytelling, preventing players from renaming Link, incorporating voice acting and more meaningful story cutscenes through the course of the game. "Breath of the Wild" was considered the best game of 2017 by many and has sold more than 10 million copies since launching alongside the Nintendo Switch.
There's no word as to whether the new "Legend of Zelda" series will be animated, but it would not be the first cartoon adaptation for the franchise. DIC Animation produced a 13-episode animated "Zelda" series in 1989 alongside two other Nintendo shows, "The Super Mario Bros. Super Show," and "Captain N: Game Master." Unlike the games, Link spoke regularly in the 1989 series, perhaps even too much.
There are still a few weeks before Shankar's official announcement, but if he is at the helm, fans can expect the new series to approach "The Legend of Zelda" with respect for the games and a commitment to storytelling.