'Legend of Zelda' TV series: Cancellation of live-action Netflix adaptation reiterates how much Nintendo despises leaks

In recent years, there have been more video game IPs turned into TV shows with the rise of streaming platforms. "Legend of Zelda" almost joined the list through a Netflix series until someone leaked the project.

Nintendo reportedly canceled 'Legend of Zelda' following leaks

"Legend of Zelda" is arguably one of the most successful IPs owned by Nintendo, so claims about its supposed live-action adaptation five years ago spread quickly. A source of the Wall Street Journal, the first to report the project at the time, said that Netflix was calling the project a family-friendly version of "Game of Thrones."

While the tipster's identity was not mentioned anywhere in the report, it seemed implied that the information came from someone on Netflix's side. It purportedly upset Nintendo that the leak even led to the video game giant completely pulling the plug on the live-action "Legend of Zelda" series.

Comedian and TV host Adam Conover was working on a claymation series for CollegeHumor based on Nintendo's "Star Fox" franchise when the "Legend of Zelda" adaptation was leaked. During an appearance at The Serf Times, he said that even their project was canceled as Nintendo's response to the leak.

"Someone at Netflix leaked 'The Legend of Zelda' thing and they weren't supposed to talk about it," Conover recalled. "Nintendo freaked out because it was the first time they had done any television or other adaptations for years and years."

Nintendo is known for being seriously anti-leaks

Information leaks have been part of the tech and gaming community for a very long time. Companies generally discourage it since they also pour money into PR strategies, and leaks obviously spoil those efforts. But Nintendo is known for taking its anti-leaks measures on a higher level. The company has also been rumored to have dedicated investigators, which fans have since labeled the Nintendo ninjas, looking into high-profile leakers.

In 2019, well-known leaker Sabi claimed to have had access to an upcoming Nintendo Directo even before the E3 press conferences started that year. However, they were not able to fully release the information after reportedly receiving a call and an email from Nintendo's lawyer.

The email read (via Kotaku), "If you continue to disclose such information, or follow through on your plans regarding E3 information, Nintendo will look at all of its legal options, including commencing legal proceedings against you." Sabi also pointed out how "creepy" it was that Nintendo was able to identify and find them fast. The leaker said they were living outside the country of their citizenship at the time, and they received the call through a phone in a house not connected to their real identity.