Nintendo Deepens Entertainment Biz Nintendo Deepens Entertainment Biz Push as It Announces Production of 'Legend of Zelda' Movie with Sony Pictures

Nintendo Co., Ltd., a Japanese video game company, revealed on Wednesday, Nov. 8, that it will make a live-action movie based on its popular video game title, “The Legend of Zelda.” This project is the latest effort in the company’s push into the entertainment business as it looks for another revenue source - beyond its gaming business.

Nintendo’s announcement comes after the huge success of its “Super Mario Bros” animated flick that was released this year. Reuters reported that the success simply accentuated the box-office appeal of video game film adaptations.

“Zelda” Movie Production is In the Works

Nintendo said that “Super Mario” creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, will produce the “Zelda” film alongside Avi Arad, the seasoned producer of blockbuster movie titles like “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse.” The Kyoto-based company said the two producers have been working on the movie adaptation of “The Legend of Zelda” franchise for several years already and finally the actual production is here.

In a press release, Nintendo said, “By producing visual contents of Nintendo IP by itself, Nintendo is creating new opportunities to have people from around the world to access the world of entertainment which Nintendo has built, through different means apart from its dedicated game consoles.”

It added, “By getting deeply involved in the movie production with the aim to put smiles on everyone’s faces through entertainment, Nintendo will continue its efforts to produce unique entertainment and deliver it to as many people as possible.”

Joint Movie Project with Sony Pictures

The upcoming live-action film will be directed by Wes Ball and produced by Arad Productions Inc.. Moreover, it will be jointly financed by Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., with the former shouldering more than 50% of the needed budget. The latter will be in charge of the movie’s theatrical distribution around the world.

Finally, The Hollywood Reporter quoted Shigeru Miyamoto as saying about the new film, “We have now officially started the development of the film with Nintendo itself heavily involved in the production. It will take time until its completion, but I hope you look forward to seeing it.”

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