Masi Oka Eyed for Tingle Role in Zelda Movie

Excitement is building around the upcoming live-action Legend of Zelda movie, and fans are buzzing about every detail, from who will wield the Master Sword to what Princess Zelda will wear. Amidst all the speculation about Link and Zelda, there's another intriguing question: Will the quirky, balloon-loving Tingle make an appearance on the big screen? If so, who would be the perfect fit for this eccentric character? Tingle's creator, Takaya Imamura, has shared his dream casting choice, and it's none other than Masi Oka, known for his role as Hiro Nakamura in the TV series Heroes.

Takaya Imamura Revealed His Dream Pick for Tingle in Zelda Movie

Don’t Worry; It’s Not Jason Momoa Nor Jack Black

Many questions linger regarding the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie. Who will wield the Master Sword? Will Princess Zelda rock a flowing gown or a warrior’s attire? But amidst the speculation for Link and Zelda, another burning question simmers: Will the balloon-loving Tingle grace the silver screen, and if so, who should don his green tights? Well, Takaya Imamura has recently revealed his dream casting choice.

"Masi Oka," he said in a recent interview with VGC. "You know the TV series Heroes? The Japanese character who goes ‘yatta!’, I’d like him to do it."

Oka's portrayal of Hiro Nakamura in Heroes and Heroes Reborn showcased his ability to captivate audiences with his comedic timing and infectious enthusiasm. His versatility is evident in his roles in action films like Bullet Train and The Meg, as well as in the Hawaii Five-O reboot. Oka's signature "yatta!" pose from Heroes even mirrors some of Tingle's poses in the game's artwork, making him an ideal candidate to bring Tingle's boundless energy to life.

While it's uncertain whether director Wes Ball will take Imamura's suggestion to heart or even include Tingle in the film, Ball's vision of a "live-action Miyazaki" movie suggests that Tingle's whimsical nature could fit well within the film's aesthetic. Miyazaki's works are known for their eccentricity, which aligns with Tingle's balloon-selling antics.

The Legend of Zelda live-action movie was first announced in November 2023, with Wes Ball at the helm and 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 updates on the Legend of Zelda live-action film, be sure to check out our article below!