Last year, in line with the 35th anniversary ofSuper Mario Bros., Nintendo confirmed it has plans for a Mario animated movie. Set to be co-produced by Universal and Illumination (the team behind the Minions films), this full-length feature is scheduled to be released in 2022, so is just around the corner. Moreover, this confirmation has gotten fans thinking: if Mario got a movie for his 35th birthday, will Link get the same treatment for his? On top of that, will his latest adventure,Breath Of The Wildbe the inspiration?
Indeed, 2021 is the 35th anniversary of the originalLegend of Zeldagame, so many industry insiders have been predicting a big-screen adaptation for a while now. Rumors ofvarious Zelda-related projectshave been circulating online for years (including a Netflix seriesand even a version starring Tom Holland), but many believe that this isfinally the time for Hollywood to visit Hyrule.Furthermore, given the unprecedented critical and commercial response to 2017’sBreath of the Wild, the majority of fans are hoping studios will choose this game as their inspiration. So, assuming that the film will primarily borrow from BOTW and that it will be live-action, here are who fans are hoping will bring the game’s key characters to life.
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Link – Thomas Brodie-Sangster
A firm fan-favorite for a while now, Thomas Brodie-Sangster has been the front-runner for the role of protagonist Link ever since he rose to prominence as Jojen Reed inGame of Thrones. Gifted with the same quasi-Elf-like features as the Hyrulian hero, many feel that Brodie-Sangster looks so similar to Link, it would be an utter waste not to cast him.
Moreover, Brodie-Sangster has the acting chops to back it up. Whether as Reed inGame of Thrones, Benny Watts inThe Queen’s Gambit, or even Ferb inPhineas and Ferb, the actor has had a prodigious career of quiet-yet-endearing characters, perfectly suiting him to wield the Triforce of Courage.
Zelda –Thomasin McKenzie
An up-and-comer in Hollywood, Thomasin has nevertheless made a splash through a series of impressive roles. First gaining steam in 2018’sLeave No Trace, the actress has since appeared in 2019’sJojo Rabbit, and will have a big part in Edgar Wright’s upcomingLast Night in Soho. With these great performances under her belt,many feel she would be fantastic as Zelda.
Indeed, like Brodie-Sangster, she too sports Elf-like features that would seeminglymake her at-home in Hyrule. This uncanny appearance, paired with her phenomenal acting ability, has made the 20-year-old a favorite for the part.
Mipha – Kiersey Clemons
Ostensibly the youngest of the Champions of Hyrule, Mipha is the custodian ofthe Divine Beast Vah Ruta, and the princess of the Zora people. Modest and even a little shy,the actress lending their voice to Miphawould need to be able to convey the character’s youth and timidity.
So, who better than Kiersey Clemons? The young American actress first came to fame through the 2015 filmDope, but has plenty of experience voice-acting through roles like Darling in 2019’sLady and the Tramp, and Dee Dee Skyes in 2020’sScoob!. Given the pedigree of her vocal talents, Clemons would be a top choice for Mipha.
Urbosa – Zoe Saldana
The Gerudo Champion who pilots the Divine Beast Vah Nabouris,Urbosa is a no-nonsense powerhouse; a truly intimidating force. Unafraid to challenge bothCalamity Ganon and the annoying Yiga Clan, the character deserves someone equally fearsome to voice her.
Having played Gamora, Uhura, and Neytiri inGuardians of the Galaxy(2014),Star Trek(2009), andAvatar(2009), respectively, Zoe Saldana is the obvious choice. With a long and impressive history of playing female, no-nonsense characters, Saldaña brings charisma and expertise to the role in a way that few others could.
Daruk – Danny DeVito
As boisterous and loud as he is large, Daruk is the Goron Champion of the Divine Beast Vah Rudania. With a booming voice and cheery outlook, the actor lending his vocal talents to this Goron needs to possess a distinctive style and a witty turn of phrase.
So, obviously, thetop choice should be Danny DeVito. With comedy experience through shows likeIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaand voice acting experience through films likeSpace Jam(1996),Hercules(1997), andThe Lorax(2012), DeVito is a super solid choice for Daruk… plus it would be immensely funny to imagine a character as big as Daruk being voiced by someone as small as DeVito!
