Masi Oka Eyed for Tingle Role in Zelda Movie

Excitement is building around the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie, and fans are buzzing with questions about the casting. While much of the speculation centers on who will play Link and Princess Zelda, another intriguing question has emerged: Who will portray the quirky, balloon-loving character Tingle? Takaya Imamura, the creator of Tingle, has shared his dream casting choice, and it's not who you might expect.

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."

Masi Oka, best known for his role as Hiro Nakamura in Heroes, has showcased his versatility in numerous projects following the series and its sequel, Heroes Reborn. From action-packed films like Bullet Train and The Meg to the critically acclaimed Hawaii Five-O reboot, Oka's comedic timing and infectious enthusiasm make him an ideal fit for Tingle's boundless energy. His iconic "yatta!" pose from Heroes even mirrors some of Tingle's poses in the game's artwork.

Whether director Wes Ball will take Imamura's suggestion to heart or even include Tingle in the film remains to be seen. However, Ball's vision of the Zelda movie as a "live-action Miyazaki" film suggests that Tingle's whimsical nature could fit well within the often fantastical world of Miyazaki’s works. So, there's still a chance, perhaps.

The Legend of Zelda live-action movie was first announced in November 2023, with Wes Ball set to direct and Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad as producers. "I want to fulfill people’s greatest desires," Ball shared in March 2024. "I know it’s important, this [Zelda] franchise, to people and I want it to be a serious movie."

For more on The Legend of Zelda live-action film, you can check out our article below!