The Legend of Zelda Movie Can Succeed By Adapting One Specific Game

Key Takeaways

• Majora’s Mask’s dark tone & complex themes would make for a bold and mature film adaptation.
• Termina’s eerie & cyclical setting, along with unique villains, offer a visually stunning and emotionally engaging story.
• Adapting Majora’s Mask over Ocarina of Time sets the film apart, providing a fresh perspective and resonating narrative.

Nintendo recently confirmed that a Legend of Zelda live-action movie is officially in development, which has filled fans with excitement—and a little apprehension. But here’s an idea: if the film truly wants to deliver a cinematic experience that’s unique and memorable, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask should be the game of choice for the adaptation. A movie based on Majora’s Mask would bring a bold, mature twist to the franchise, making it something truly special.

Majora’s Mask was released on the Nintendo 64 back in 2000, and it was an instant hit. The video game was a direct sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, but it was much darker in tone than the previous game, which shocked fans slightly. Fans of the franchise had never seen anything like it before. That’s one of the main reasons why it would be such a bold move for Nintendo and the studio making this live-action adaptation of the iconic video game franchise. Starting off the character’s journey on the big screen with Majora’s Mask would be wholly unexpected and would result in a terrific and very dark film.

What’s The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask All About?

As mentioned above, unlike many of the other Zelda games, Majora’s Mask has a dark, introspective tone that explores complex themes of grief, mortality, and resilience—perfect for a cinematic adaptation. The game follows Link (the hero from all the Legend of Zelda video games except The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, which features Zelda as the playable character) as he travels to Termina, a mysterious land distinct from Hyrule, where he’s thrust into a three-day time loop. A menacing moon looms overhead, threatening to crash down and destroy Termina unless Link can prevent it.

This cycle repeats, with Link reliving the same days, piecing together clues, and using mystical masks that grant him unique abilities to navigate challenges. The story isn’t just about saving the world but also about connecting with Termina’s residents, who each struggle with their own impending fate, although they don’t fully understand what’s happening. By adapting Majora’s Mask, the movie could capture a powerful, character-driven narrative that’s as much about human emotions as it is about adventure. It could even resemble a Christopher Nolan movie with its creative use of time and the three-day time loop. It certainly sounds like something The Dark Knight filmmaker would love to work with.

Why Would Majora’s Mask Make for the Perfect Live-Action Zelda Movie?

The darker tone of Majora’s Mask would bring a fresh perspective to fantasy movies, offering audiences a story rich in themes like mortality and redemption. Adapting this game, rather than just starting with the more obvious Ocarina of Time, could create a film that feels distinct and resonates with both die-hard fans and casual viewers who crave emotional, character-driven narratives with something a bit different.

The eerie, cyclical time structure of the game could also make for a tense cinematic experience, much like Nolan’s movies such as Dunkirk, Inception, and Memento, with each cycle offering new revelations and building suspense as Link gets closer to his goal. There’s also a hint of Groundhog Day in Majora’s Mask’s plot and time-loop structure, which would lend itself perfectly to a big-screen adaptation.

Termina Would Be the Perfect Setting for a Live-Action Zelda Movie

Termina, with its surreal landscapes and strange imagery, would be a visually stunning setting. A skilled director could make full use of the game’s haunting aesthetic, from the eerie, ever-descending moon to the twisted and creepy Skull Kid, controlled by the malevolent Majora’s Mask. These details would bring a sense of mystery, danger, and intensity to the story, crafting an unforgettable world that feels both magical and unsettling.

Each of Termina’s inhabitants carries a unique story, providing an opportunity to explore human emotions and connections in a way that few video game adaptations attempt. Link’s encounters with these characters would add layers to the film, giving depth to his journey and reinforcing the movie’s emotional stakes. From grieving lovers to regretful heroes, the supporting characters could provide a heartwarming and poignant counterpoint to the action and suspense.

Skull Kid and Majora’s Mask Itself Would Be Fascinating Villains

The choice of Majora’s Mask as the antagonist also sets this story apart. The mask itself is a powerful, enigmatic force that manipulates Skull Kid, driving him to wreak havoc across Termina. Unlike a traditional villain, Majora’s Mask brings a psychological edge to the conflict, raising questions about innocence, control, and destruction. This unique antagonist would give the film an unconventional, thought-provoking dynamic rarely seen in fantasy.

The very best villains in cinema tend to be the ones you can actually relate to or empathize with. Skull Kid is a much more empathetic villain than Ganondorf (also known as Ganon), who’s really more of a brutish and formulaic antagonist from the Zelda video games. It would be a missed opportunity if they opted for Ganondorf—the obvious choice—over someone more nuanced and complex, such as Skull Kid. He’s a tough villain for Link to face, as Skull Kid is unaware of his actions and is ultimately controlled by Majora’s Mask, the real force behind the chaos.

There’s also the creepy Happy Mask Salesman, who tasks Link with retrieving Majora’s Mask. Skull Kid and his two fairy companions steal the mask from him at the beginning of the game, and the salesman enlists Link to get it back. Though not strictly a villain, he’s incredibly eerie and would be a fantastic live-action role for an actor to really sink their teeth into. Seeing him brought to live-action would be brilliant, as he has a much more prominent role in Majora’s Mask than in other games.

Which Other Zelda Games Could This Live-Action Movie Adapt?

While Majora’s Mask stands out as an ideal choice, other Zelda games also have strong cinematic potential. Ocarina of Time could deliver an epic fantasy tale of Link’s growth from child to hero, with memorable characters like Princess Zelda, Ganondorf, and the Seven Sages. Breath of the Wild would offer a post-apocalyptic Hyrule ripe for exploration, with breathtaking visuals and a survivalist twist. And Twilight Princess could provide a dark, action-packed adventure with a somber tone and a unique sidekick in the mysterious Midna.

Reports suggest the Legend of Zelda movie might be released around 2029, giving the creators plenty of time to craft a story worthy of this legendary franchise. With advances in visual effects and the growing popularity of game adaptations, the timing could be perfect for an unforgettable cinematic experience.

A Majora’s Mask adaptation could set the bar high, with its profound themes, intriguing characters, and immersive world. A bold choice like this would bring a fresh take to fantasy cinema and deliver an emotional journey that stays with audiences long after the credits roll.