There are few video game franchises with the reputation, popularity, and prestige of The Legend of Zelda. In many ways, it's the long-running series selected by many gamers to represent the entire medium. Though the games have much in common, each mainline entry has a distinct tone and presentation. Only one game in the franchise provides the proper aesthetic for a potential animated adaptation.
After the jaw-dropping success of Illumination's Super Mario Bros. Movie, Nintendo has locked in a long-term deal with the studio. It's natural to assume that other game franchises will enjoy similar treatment. Rumors suggested that Zelda would be Illumination's next candidate. The studio denied that claim, leaving the theoretical film's future in doubt. It stands to reason, however, that Hyrule won't have to wait long before someone makes it into a feature.
Wind Waker Is The Best Source Material For An Animated Movie
Every Zelda game is animated, as is the nature of video games. Only one of them feels like a cartoon. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker was a bit of an odd duck when it came out. It followed Majora's Mask, a classic that built upon Ocarina of Time to create a groundbreaking new experience. When the game was announced, it sparked outrage from many fans. As usual, gamers need their hobby to be dark and gritty to convince some unidentified observer that they're meant for grown-ups. Now, more than 20 years after the game's release, it's seen as one of the finest titles in the franchise.
The story of every Zelda game is deceptively simple. There's always a straightforward quest at its center, but there are a thousand smaller stories around that plot. The Link of the hour travels the world, meets people, helps them with their problems, and gathers whatever he needs to defeat the new Ganon. Wind Waker starts like most Zelda games but with some interesting added elements. It's an adventure on the high seas, led by young Link and the pirate Tetra. Link comes of age just in time to see his sister be kidnaped by a mighty bird. That inciting incident leads Link on a sprawling journey. By the time he learns about the ancient prophecy he's destined to fulfill, he's already become the hero of several nations. It's very similar to every other Zelda game, but the simple structure gives way to several immediately lovable characters.
Toon Link Has Personality
Link is not a complicated character. He's a blank cipher on which the player can project their wants and desires. His design is iconic, but he generally lacks any actual character traits. Link can't speak, but he can emote. Twilight Princess gives him a somewhat rich home life before he sets out on the adventure. Breath of the Wild begins with Link waking up after a long slumber, but the backstory explores his life as a hero in the past. Wind Waker depicts Link as a full character. He's not just a bland all-purpose adventurer. He conveys his feelings constantly through facial expressions and unique animations. There is plenty of dialogue in the game, but Toon Link can be an engaging character when no one else is around. That isn't a trait all Links share. Toon Link is already one of the most iconic Nintendo characters in the world, but he could be an even bigger hit if he headlined a feature film.
Wind Waker is packed with personality. It's not just Link. Tetra is one of the most lovable characters in the franchise. She's feisty and funny. She's a perfect foil to Link's quiet indignation, silent rage, and stoic bravery. Tetra is the strong-willed leader of her pirate crew. Her presence introduces a diverse cast of potential allies. Link's other consistent companion is the King of Red Lions, his talking boat. Even Wind Waker's Ganondorf is fun. He's a cackling supervillain, much more personable than that of the Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess iteration. Films with silent protagonists are rare, and most fans are terrified that the studio will give Link a voice. Giving him multiple constant companions subverts that issue. The game provides several lovable characters that will attain new levels of fame from their big-screen debut.
From the art style to the music, from the characters to the action, Wind Waker would make a perfect animated feature film. The impulse of whichever company makes the Zelda movie will likely be to aim for a mishmash of the franchise's most notable traits. Link will look a little like he does in Ocarina of Time, a little like he does in Breath of the Wild, and a little like he did in the animated series. A straightforward Wind Waker movie would be a better fit. The obvious direction for a cartoon film would be the one Link that Nintendo specifically identifies as "Toon Link."