Takaya Imamura, the creator of the eccentric Tingle character from the Legend of Zelda series, has revealed his top choice to portray Tingle in the upcoming live-action film adaptation. Forget Jason Momoa or Jack Black – Imamura's pick is Masi Oka.
Imamura's Ideal Tingle:
In a recent interview with VGC, Imamura stated his preference for Masi Oka, best known for his role as Hiro Nakamura in the TV series Heroes. He specifically cited Oka's signature "yatta!" exclamation and pose as a strong resemblance to Tingle's own energetic mannerisms.
Oka's diverse acting career, encompassing roles in films like Bullet Train and The Meg, alongside his work in the critically acclaimed Hawaii Five-O reboot, demonstrates a range perfectly suited to Tingle's unique blend of comedic timing and boundless enthusiasm.
Will Tingle Make the Cut?
Whether director Wes Ball will heed Imamura's suggestion and include Tingle remains uncertain. However, Ball's description of the film as a "live-action Miyazaki" movie suggests a potential openness to Tingle's whimsical character, aligning with the often fantastical nature of Studio Ghibli films.
The Legend of Zelda Movie:
Announced in November 2023, the live-action Legend of Zelda movie is directed by Wes Ball and produced by Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad. Ball's commitment to creating a "serious" film while fulfilling fan expectations adds intrigue to the possibility of Tingle's inclusion.
For further details on the upcoming Legend of Zelda live-action movie, please refer to our related article.