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

Takaya Imamura, the creator of the eccentric Zelda character Tingle, has revealed his top choice to portray the character in the upcoming live-action film adaptation! Discover his surprising pick and why he believes this actor is the perfect fit.

Imamura's Ideal Tingle: Not Momoa, Not Black

The highly anticipated Legend of Zelda movie has sparked countless questions. Who will wield the Master Sword? What will Zelda's attire be? But amidst the speculation 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 interview with VGC, Imamura stated, "Masi Oka. You know the TV series Heroes? The Japanese character who goes ‘yatta!’; I’d like him to do it."

Oka, renowned for his role as Hiro Nakamura in Heroes, possesses the comedic timing and infectious energy perfectly suited to Tingle's unique personality. His signature "yatta!" exclamation and poses bear a striking resemblance to Tingle's own iconic mannerisms, making him an ideal candidate. His diverse filmography, ranging from action films like Bullet Train and The Meg to the critically acclaimed Hawaii Five-O, further demonstrates his versatility.

Whether director Wes Ball will heed Imamura's suggestion and include Tingle remains uncertain. However, Ball's description of the film as a "live-action Miyazaki" film suggests a potential openness to Tingle's whimsical nature, aligning with the often fantastical elements found in Miyazaki's works.

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 delivering a "serious movie" that meets fan expectations adds another layer of intrigue to the casting possibilities.

For further updates on the Legend of Zelda live-action film, be sure to check out our related articles.