Stranger Things may be heavier on role-playing games than video games, but star Gaten Matarazzo still has an idea for a movie version of The Legend of Zelda.
In a recent interview, Matarazzo, who plays Dustin on Netflix’s Stranger Things, explored the idea. “I’m a huge Legend of Zelda fan and I’ve always wanted to see a very visually and musically driven animated film. It might be challenging when most of the characters never speak, but to explore a vocally silent world where a story can be told visually and through score would be really cool.”
Considering how massive and loyal the Legend of Zelda franchise is, it’s surprising that there hasn’t been a major motion picture take on the games. However, there have been other adaptations, like the short-lived animated series in the late ‘80s and a 2009 fan film called The Legend of Zelda: The Hero of Time. Back in 2015, Netflix was developing a live-action adaptation, although this was reportedly canceled due to leaks. More recently, there was talk of Adi Shankar–the showrunner of Netflix’s Castlevania–turning the video game into series.
Although arcade games were given their moment to shine in Stranger Things, home video game consoles haven’t burst into Hawkins yet. However, the Nintendo Entertainment System didn’t have a nationwide release until September 1986, six months after the events of the most recent season. One wonders if video games–perhaps even The Legend of Zelda?–will be tied into the gang’s next quest. It’s certainly a possibility, as the final season will feature a notable time jump.
In addition to The Legend of Zelda, Matarazzo also discussed another popular franchise. “I know I’ll be gifting Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet to friends and I’m ready to start playing it myself.”
What do you think? Would a silent animated movie of The Legend of Zelda work? What would you expect from a movie version? Let us know in the comments below!