Summary
Bringing Link and the world ofThe Legend of Zeldato life in a live-action adaptation is a daunting task —one that that Wes Ball, director ofKingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is willing to undertake. There’s a lot for filmmakers to get right, from the right actor to play Link, to the right location to fill the role of Hyrule. Perhaps Ball will follow in Peter Jackson’s footsteps and use New Zealand as the movie’s backdrop. No matter how he goes about it, it’s just as important for the movie to nail the franchise’s villain.
Ganon might not appear in everyZeldagame, but he’s just as much of a mainstay to the franchise as Link, Zelda, and the kingdom of Hyrule. He is the best choice for Link and Zelda’s cinematic debut, as he is the best known villain in the series. Although bringing in Dark Link or Majora would be fun for longtime fans, the cinematic world needs to be established before the movie series travels that path. Ganon is vital to the first live-action movie. One could say he’s just as important as Link. For that reason alone, the right actor needs to fill his shoes.
Ganandorf, Explained
Ganondorf the Gerudo is the megalomaniacruler of a band of thieves. This antagonist has several formas and is known by a few names. The first name players knew him by was Ganon, a boar-like creature who appeared in the originalLegend of Zelda. By the timeOcarina of Timerolled around, fans of the franchise got to know him as Ganondorf, as his backstory was fleshed out. Despite his evil nature, his megalomania might be a little more well-deserved than other villains, since he’s rumored to be the reincarnated form of theeternal entity known as Demise.
For this reason, Ganondorf/Ganon has the same goal in every entry to the series: Obtain the Tri-Force and remake the world in his image. Fans learn inOcarina of Timethat Ganondorf is a cunning and manipulative sorcerer who wields the Triforce of Power with great effect. Eventually, it’s discovered that he wants to dominate Hyrule because life in the desert, where the Gerudo people are from,was like living in a wasteland. With each new game, his character has received more depth and development with a rich backstory.
Who Should Play Ganondorf In Live Action?
There is no shortage of talent in Hollywood who could play the iconic antagonist from theLegend of Zeldafranchise. FromLaurence FishburnetoRon Perlman, the movie could take Ganondorf in a few different directions. Each of the pictured actors could nail it. However, not to say that Ganon is a character that just anybody could play.Dune’sTimothee Chalamet, for example, definitely wouldn’t be the right fit. Ganon requires an actor with presence and gravitas. The role should go to somebody who can not only strike fear into Link, but the audience too.
Ron Perlmanfulfills those requisites alone. His portrayal of the titular character inGuillermo del Toro’sHellboywas nothing less than brilliant. His voice would be recognizable, which is the exact kind of distinct characteristic that Ganon needs from his live-action debut. However, another actor who nails their role every time and is adaptable enough to hit any beat along the emotional spectrum isDave Bautista. Bautista brings that presence with him, and his physicality would be a good choice if Wes Ball wants to use more practical effects to bring the character to life onscreen.
However, Ball may decide to go in another direction with Ganondorf, choosing an iteration of the character that doesn’t have a human form. If the movie goes in this direction, thenAndy Serkisshould be heavily considered. He has done some great work in front of the camera without a motion capture suit, such asBlack PantherandThe Batman, but he used to be the first person Hollywood called when they needed a computer-generated character. His voice also has so much range that he can portray a large, intimidating character like Ganon with relative ease.
The One Actor To Play Ganondorf?
The actor best suited for this role isDave Bautista. He can bring everything this character is to life on the big screen. Many might know him as the loveable and comedic Drax fromGuardians of the Galaxy, but he has played every type of character, including ruthless, unforgiving villains. His characters in Denis Villeneuve’sDuneandApple TV+‘sSeeare both close representations of what his Ganondorf could be.
Bautista’s physical build would tower over any actor who takes on Link’s role, giving their scenes the David versus Goliath feeling that fans have experienced in the games. Bautista doesn’t have the same distinct voice that Ron Perlman has, but the role is right in his wheelhouse. He might look a little funny with red hair at first, since audiences have only ever seen him bald, but he could easily pull it off. If nothing else, he should play the physical form of Demise. Dave Bautista is a truly talented actor, and has a lot to bring toThe Legend of Zelda.
