Daily Debate: Should Link Speak in the Zelda Netflix Series?
Posted on February 10 2015 by Rod Lloyd
Last week, we reported that video streaming juggernaut Netflix was in talks to produce a live action Legend of Zelda series. As shown in the various discussions taken place over the weekend, we all have our own distinct perspectives on the news. The aspect of the series that many fans feel needs to be treated correctly is the presentation of the Zelda characters we all know and love. Undeniably, the most important character to consider is series protagonist Link, as his treatment in the Netflix series has the ability to completely make or break the series for fans.
When we think of The Legend of Zelda, one of the first images to come to mind is that of our green hooded hero. Serving as a way for fans to see and explore the Zelda universe, Link plays an essential role in series and would seemingly serve the same function in a live action adaptation. But one question that arises with Link being portrayed in a live-action series is how exactly he will communicate. Save for a few noteworthy instances, Link does not speak in any way other than a few “hyuts” and “hyeahs”. So given Link’s hesitancy to speak actual words of dialogue, what would be the best way to handle his portrayal in the Netflix series?
One choice for Netflix to consider is to have Link remain mute and thus serve a more limited role in the series. The report mentioned that Netflix was looking to make the series a family friendly version of Game of Thrones, a series that deals heavily with politics and inter-family relations. Therefore, if Link was to stay quiet, he would most likely remain in the background while more chatty characters discuss the conflicts and politics of Hyrule. The problem that arises from this choice is that Link, the main protagonist and driving-force in the game series, would have a smaller and more diminished role in the show’s action.
Another avenue that Netflix can take is to give Link dialogue, and thus a more active role in the series. By its very nature, The Legend of Zelda deals with the independence and isolation of our hero, as he explores mysterious places by himself. A series that follows a completely silent hero for long stretches of time may prove too difficult for show-runners to handle correctly. So, giving Link a voice would allow the audience to better relate with the character on screen and to more explicitly know his thoughts throughout the show. However, Zelda fans have always been invited to use their imaginations in regards to Link’s voice and thoughts. If the series was to give Link a voice that sounds contrary to how long-standing Zelda fans have always imagined it, these fans may feel alienated with their established perceptions of the Zelda series discredited.
The issue of Link’s voice will remain a worrying topic until the Netflix series is eventually released. So until then, I ask you to offer your opinions on the matter. Should Link remain silent in this live action series, as he has in the games? Or should the show-runners give Link a voice, so that viewers can better know his thoughts about the world around him? Join the Daily Debate!
Rod Lloyd is the Editor-In-Chief at Zelda Dungeon, overseeing the news and feature content for the site. Rod is considered the veteran of the writing team, having started writing for Zelda Informer in 2014 as a Junior Editor. After ZD and ZI officially merged in 2017, he stepped into the Managing Editor role and has helped steer the ship ever since. He stepped up to lead the writing team as Editor-In-Chief in 2023.
You can reach Rod at: rod.lloyd@zeldadungeon.net
