Zelda's Tingle Creator Wants Masi Oka of Heroes Fame to Play Tingle in Movie

Excitement is building for the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie, and fans are buzzing with questions about who will take on the iconic roles. While speculation swirls around who will wield the Master Sword and how Princess Zelda will be portrayed, one unique query has captured the attention of fans: who should play the quirky, balloon-loving Tingle? Takaya Imamura, the creator of Tingle, has shared his dream casting choice for the character, and it’s not who you might expect.

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In a recent interview with VGC, Imamura revealed his ideal actor for Tingle: "Masi Oka," he stated. "You know the TV series Heroes? The Japanese character who goes 'yatta!', I’d like him to do it." Masi Oka is renowned for his role as Hiro Nakamura in Heroes and its sequel series, Heroes Reborn. Since then, Oka has showcased his versatility in numerous films and television shows, including action-packed movies like Bullet Train and The Meg, as well as the critically acclaimed reboot of Hawaii Five-O. His comedic timing and infectious enthusiasm make him a fitting choice for the energetic Tingle, especially given his signature "yatta!" pose that mirrors Tingle's iconic poses in certain artwork.

While it remains to be seen whether director Wes Ball will heed Imamura's suggestion or even include Tingle in the film, there is hope. Ball has described the Zelda movie as a "live-action Miyazaki" film, suggesting a whimsical tone that could be well-suited to Tingle's eccentric balloon-selling antics. Miyazaki's works are known for their fantastical elements, which might align perfectly with Tingle's unique character.

The Legend of Zelda live-action movie was announced in November 2023 and is set to be directed by Wes Ball, with Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad as producers. In March 2024, Ball expressed his commitment to the project, stating, "I want to fulfill people’s greatest desires. I know it’s important, this [Zelda] franchise, to people and I want it to be a serious movie."

For more insights and updates on the Legend of Zelda live-action film, be sure to check out our detailed article below!