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 ideal Tingle is Masi Oka.
Imamura's Dream Casting: Masi Oka as 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. Imamura highlighted Oka's signature "yatta!" exclamation and pose from Heroes, noting its similarity to Tingle's characteristic poses.
Oka's diverse acting experience, ranging from action films like Bullet Train and The Meg to the critically acclaimed Hawaii Five-O, demonstrates a versatility that Imamura believes perfectly suits Tingle's energetic and comedic personality.
Will Director Wes Ball Listen?
Whether director Wes Ball will heed Imamura's suggestion and even include Tingle in the film remains uncertain. However, Ball's description of the film as a "live-action Miyazaki" film offers a glimmer of hope. Tingle's whimsical nature could potentially align with the often fantastical elements found in Studio Ghibli's works.
The Legend of Zelda live-action movie, announced in November 2023, is being directed by Wes Ball and produced by Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad. Ball's ambition to create a "serious movie" that meets fan expectations remains a key focus for the production. The inclusion of Tingle, and the casting of Oka, could be a significant factor in achieving that goal.
