Takaya Imamura, the creator of the iconic Zelda character Tingle, has revealed his top choice to portray the eccentric balloon enthusiast in the upcoming live-action Zelda movie. Let's delve into his surprising pick.

Imamura's Ideal Tingle: Not Momoa, Not Black

The anticipation for the Legend of Zelda movie is palpable. Speculation runs rampant: who will wield the Master Sword? What will Zelda's attire be? But amidst the buzz surrounding Link and Zelda, one question remains: will Tingle appear, and if so, who should play him? Imamura's answer is clear.

In a recent VGC interview, Imamura stated his ideal casting choice is Masi Oka. He explained, referencing Oka's role in Heroes: "You know the TV series Heroes? The Japanese character who goes ‘yatta!’, I’d like him to do it."

Oka's performance as Hiro Nakamura in Heroes is widely celebrated. His comedic timing and energetic presence perfectly capture Tingle's unique personality. Furthermore, Hiro's signature "yatta!" pose bears a striking resemblance to Tingle's poses in various artwork. Since Heroes, Oka has demonstrated a diverse acting range across various genres, from action films like Bullet Train and The Meg to the acclaimed Hawaii Five-O reboot.

Whether director Wes Ball will heed Imamura's suggestion remains uncertain. However, Ball's description of the film as a "live-action Miyazaki" film suggests a whimsical tone that could accommodate Tingle's eccentric character.

Announced in November 2023, the Legend of Zelda live-action movie is directed by Wes Ball and produced by Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad. Ball's commitment to creating a "serious movie" while fulfilling fan expectations adds further intrigue to the possibility of Tingle's inclusion. Stay tuned for updates!