Legend of Zelda Voted as the Most Anticipated Video Game Adaptation for TV and Film
As Hollywood continues to explore video game intellectual property for potential TV and film adaptations, a recent survey reveals that gamers are most excited about seeing “The Legend of Zelda” on the big or small screen. Other top choices include “Call of Duty” and “Grand Theft Auto,” according to the National Research Group’s survey of 1,001 PC and console gamers.
The survey, conducted using NRG’s Franchise IQ, which tracks equity for entertainment franchises, also listed “Fortnite,” “Red Dead Redemption,” “The Sims,” “Minecraft,” “God of War,” Mass Effect,” and “Final Fantasy” among the top 10 most desired adaptations.
Nintendo’s announcement of a live-action “Legend of Zelda” movie, co-produced with Sony Pictures Entertainment, has sparked further anticipation among fans. Sony is also working on a TV series based on “God of War” for Prime Video.
Several other gaming franchises are also in the pipeline for screen adaptations, including “Minecraft” at Warner Bros. and “The Sims” at Netflix, produced by Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap entertainment company.
Fergus Navaratnam-Blair, research director at NRG, noted that gaming IP has gained traction in Hollywood as studios seek new content beyond superhero franchises. The survey found that a majority of gamers are inspired to replay games after watching adaptations and enjoy sharing their favorite franchises with others. However, there is a strong sentiment among gamers that adaptations should be handled by individuals who have a genuine passion for the original games.
Recent successful adaptations like “The Last of Us,” “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” “Fallout,” and “Twisted Metal” have seen increased awareness of their source material. The top five fastest-growing gaming franchises in 2023, according to Franchise IQ, include “The Last of Us,” “Donkey Kong,” “Mario,” “Twisted Metal,” and “Gran Turismo.”
Exciting developments include upcoming seasons of “The Last of Us,” “Fallout,” and “Twisted Metal” on HBO, Prime Video, and Peacock, respectively, set to premiere in the coming years.