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

Takaya Imamura, the creator of the eccentric Tingle character from the Legend of Zelda series, has revealed his top choice to portray Tingle in the upcoming live-action film adaptation! Find out who he envisions for this unique role.

Imamura's Ideal Tingle: Not Momoa or Black

The highly anticipated Zelda movie has generated countless questions. Who will wield the Master Sword? What will Zelda's attire be? But one question stands out: will the balloon-obsessed Tingle appear, and if so, who should play him? Imamura's answer is clear.

In a recent VGC interview, he 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 memorable portrayal of Hiro Nakamura in Heroes, possesses the comedic timing and infectious energy perfectly suited to Tingle's zany personality. His signature "yatta!" exclamation also bears a striking resemblance to Tingle's mannerisms. His diverse filmography, spanning action films like Bullet Train and The Meg to the critically acclaimed Hawaii Five-O, further showcases his versatility.

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 outlandish 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" that respects the franchise's significance adds intrigue to the possibility of Tingle's inclusion.

For more on the Legend of Zelda live-action film, be sure to check out our related article!