When it comes to video game properties fans are clamoring to see turned into films, The Legend of Zelda rules them all, according to the results of a recent survey. The iconic Nintendo adventure franchise topped the list of game series players most want adapted for movie theaters.
The National Research Group polled over 1,000 console and PC gamers on which franchises they are most interested in seeing get the big-screen treatment. Released last week, the findings placed The Legend of Zelda at the front of the pack for most-desired game-to-film adaptations.
Other top titles included the blockbuster shooter Call of Duty, Rockstar’s controversial crime epic Grand Theft Auto, the world-building sandbox Minecraft, and the battle royale phenomenon Fortnite. Rounding out the top ten were Red Dead Redemption, The Sims, God of War, Mass Effect, and Final Fantasy.
The survey results arrive at a pivotal time for video game movies amid a surge in popularity for the medium following successes like Sonic the Hedgehog and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. With major studios taking notice, many of the game series highlighted in the polling already have adaptations in active development.
Notably, Nintendo has officially confirmed plans for a The Legend of Zelda movie are underway, surely much to the delight of the fanbase voicing their strong demand. Plot details remain tightly under wraps, but the animated fantasy film aims to bring the beloved gamesWorld of Hyrule and its iconic hero Link to vivid life on cinema screens.
In addition to gauging franchise film interest, the NRG survey also provided insights into audience attitudes around video game adaptations and their impacts. A full 72% of respondents said they would be motivated to play or replay a game’s source material after watching a movie based on it.
Moreover, 77% felt strongly that productions must be helmed by creatives with a genuine passion for the game property to succeed. Nearly 60% went so far as to say they feel “betrayed” when an adaptation seems made by filmmakers who don’t care about the original title’s spirit.
As Hollywood’s embrace of video game IP accelerates, fans are sending a clear message – any potential Legend of Zelda theatrical adventure simply must be forged by a team revering the venerable Nintendo series. With the exciting film confirmed to draw from the game’s accomplished legacy, here’s hoping it ultimately captures that magic from Nintendo’s first sword-swinging steps to its latest action-RPG exploits.
