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

Excitement continues to build around the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie, with fans eagerly speculating on casting choices for key characters like Link and Princess Zelda. However, one character that has sparked particular interest is the quirky and beloved Tingle. Tingle's creator, Takaya Imamura, has recently shared his dream casting for the role, and it's none other than Masi Oka, famous for his role as Hiro Nakamura in the TV series Heroes.

Takaya Imamura's Dream Pick for Tingle in Zelda Movie

In an interview with VGC, Imamura expressed his desire for Masi Oka to bring Tingle to life on the big screen. "Masi Oka," he stated, "You know the TV series Heroes? The Japanese character who goes 'yatta!', I'd like him to do it." Oka's portrayal of the enthusiastic Hiro Nakamura, complete with his iconic "yatta!" pose, mirrors the energetic and whimsical nature of Tingle, making him an intriguing choice for the role.

Masi Oka's career post-Heroes and Heroes Reborn has showcased his versatility, from action-packed films like Bullet Train and The Meg to his role in the Hawaii Five-O reboot. His comedic timing and infectious energy could perfectly capture Tingle's unique personality.

While it remains uncertain whether director Wes Ball will heed Imamura's suggestion, the inclusion of Tingle could fit well with Ball's vision of a "live-action Miyazaki" film. Tingle's eccentric balloon-selling antics align with the whimsical elements often found in Miyazaki's works, suggesting a potential for the character to make an appearance.

The live-action The Legend of Zelda movie was announced in November 2023, with Wes Ball set to direct and Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad as producers. In March 2024, Ball emphasized his commitment to fulfilling fans' expectations, 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 updates and insights on the The Legend of Zelda live-action film, be sure to check out our related article below!