Wha? Netflix developing ‘Legend of Zelda’ live-action TV show
Oh. Oh. I see.
Netflix is reportedly developing a live-action television series based on Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda franchise, according to the Wall Street Journal. The show is described as “Game of Thrones for a family audience.”
The Zelda series sounds very early in development; Netflix and Nintendo are reportedly working closely together on the live-action show, and are seeking a writer. WSJ cautions that the series could be spiked, should Nintendo and Netflix decide not to go forward with the show.
Netflix has developed a number of original shows for its streaming video service, including House of Cards, Orange is the New Black and Marco Polo. It’s currently developing and filming a series of shows based on Marvel properties Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist.
The Legend of Zelda franchise was the subject of a short-lived cartoon series developed by DIC Entertainment. The 13-episode series aired in 1989.
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said last year that the company planned to “actively expand our character licensing business.” Iwata later said the game maker was exploring “possibilities in licensing character IP in areas Nintendo has never worked before.”
I don’t really know what to make of this. On one-hand: I’m certainly down for a sweet ass fantasy series set in Hyrule. On a second-hand: this has disaster written all over it. In bright red permanent marker.