Summary
2023 was a great year for fans ofThe Legend of Zelda, thanks to the release of the highly-anticipatedBreath of the Wildsequel,Tears of the Kingdom, which re-introduces Ganondorf to the franchise’s new canon. However, the end of the year also surprisedZeldafans when Nintendo confirmed they were partnering with Sony Pictures for a live-actionLegend of Zeldamovie.
Following the success ofThe Super Mario Bros. Movie, there are lots of high expectations for aZeldamovie tohonor its source material. Fortunately, there are plenty of ideas regarding Hollywood A-listers who could join the film’s cast to play the role of Ganondorf, with these eight being some of the more frequent names thrown around by fans.
It’s Not James Bond, But It Might Be Better
Notable Roles:
Idris Elba is probably the fan-favorite casting choice to play the intimidating role of Ganondorf. The English actor has received critical acclaim for roles inThe WireandMandela: Walk to Freedomwhile also joining sci-fi and fantasy franchises like the MCU, the DC Universe, andevenPacific Rim. All that is to say, Elba especially has the look that fans expect from a live-action Ganondorf.
Nevertheless, the actor already has commitments to another live-action video game universe. In 2022, he appeared as Knuckles inSonic the Hedgehog 2, a role he’s reprising in a 2024 miniseries on Paramount+. It’s unknown if Elba would want to sign on to another video game adaptation, but considering how different the role of Ganondorf is, noZeldafans would be complaining.
Not Who Is Ganondorf, But Why Is Ganondorf?
Most casual film fans probably recognize Dave Bautista from his role as Drax intheGuardians of the Galaxymovies, as well his as prominent appearances inDune,Blade Runner 2047, andGlass Onion. Before that, Bautista gained success and mainstream attention as a WWE wrestler, but by all accounts, his acting ability promises a long career ahead of him as the star of film franchises.
The Legend of Zeldacould be the next step in Bautista’s conquest of fandoms. The actor is certainly used to having his skin painted for a role, and he certainly has the physical strength and presence to embody an imposing figure like Ganondorf in live-action. Plus,his deep and gritty voicewould be perfect for the character, even if it was just a voice-over.
The Role Requires His Gravitas
Djimon Hounsou has appeared inthe Marvel Cinematic Universeand the DC Extended Universe, as well as films likeGladiator,Furious 7, andBlood Diamond. Based on his impressive resume, Hounsou could be the perfect choice for the Gerudo king.
Especially considering Hounsou’s tendency to appear in film adaptations spanning comic books, science fiction, and fantasy,The Legend of Zeldawouldn’t be out of place in the actor’s filmography. Plus, given the actor’s frequency of playing supporting roles, the part of Ganondorf would be a great, central villain that the actor has long deserved to play.
The Triforce Could Be His New Precious
Andy Serkis is another staple of the fandom film world, but unlike Hounsou, his real-life face is hardly seen. The actor has become notable for giving motion capture performances, including Gollum in Peter Jackson’sLord of the Ringstrilogy, Caesar in thePlanet of the Apesreboots, and Snoke intheStar Warssequel trilogy. The actor has also appeared in-person inAndorandBlack Panther.
What would be a great use of Andy Serkis is if Nintendo decides to keep Ganondorf in a beastly form throughout the film. Serkis would definitely do a great job of playing the monstrous, pig-like Ganon, considering he might be too short in real life to play the character’s human form. Nevertheless, it’d be an interesting thing to see adapted to live action.
From Jabari To Gerudo
Speaking ofBlack Panther, the 2018 phenomenon was also the film debut for Winston Duke, who played the barbaric M’Baku. Since then, Duke notably showcased a different side of his acting in Jordan Peele’sUs, but a good way to stand out from M’Baku would be as Ganondorf in the live-actionZelda. This role would require Duke to flex his Yale drama skills to play a more regal role.
Although Ganondorf frequently appears as a well-mannered king throughout his portrayals in theZeldagames, Duke can also bring a ferociousness that the character usually displays in boss fights. Plus, the actor has showcased comedic timing that could fit in the Nintendo cinematic universe very well, even ifZeldamight be one of their most serious projects.
Slumdog Heads To Hyrule
Dev Patel has had a history of critically acclaimed roles, from his film debut inSlumdog Millionaireto his more artsy appearances in films likeThe Green Knight. Still, the British actor could be a good fit for the role of Ganondorf, offering something different to the role than previous incarnations of the character. However, Patel may have one major gripe with signing onto theZeldafilm.
Up to now, the only franchise role Patel has taken was in M. Night Shyamalan’s infamously-pannedThe Last Airbenderlive-action film, also in the villain role of Prince Zuko. With that in mind, Patel could be hesitant to play another live-action adaptation villain, though some could also seeThe Legend of Zeldaas Patel’s next great opportunity.
A Different Kind Of Hell Boy
When it comes to legendary actors perfect for the role of Ganondorf, Ron Perlman would be a huge get for Nintendo. The actor is best known as the face behindGuillermo del Toro’s 2004Hellboyand has appeared inDrive,Alien Resurrection, andNightmare Alley. He’s also done a fair share of voice acting work in children’s animation, as well as theTransformersand DC universes.
It’s very easy to imagine Perlman donning the makeup and costume to embody the role of Ganondorf, andZeldaseems like the perfect universe for an actor with his resume.
An Intimidating Yet Subtle Presence When Necessary
Laurence Fishburne is another legend who needs no introduction. From playing Morpheus inThe Matrixto films likeApocalypse Nowand theJohn Wickfranchise, Fishburne is recognizable in both looks and his deep, moving voice. The actor also hasplenty of experience with Shakespeare, including playing the titular Moor opposite Kenneth Branagh in the 1995Othelloadaptation.
That being said, Fishburne could be the actor with both the experience and name recognition to get cast as Ganondorf in the live-actionLegend of Zeldamovie. Considering he took a small role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the actor could possibly be enticed for a role as juicy and evil as Ganondorf, especially if Nintendo does right by the franchise and delivers a great script.
