Legal Niches

Nintendo Kills Link to Zelda Film

By pete_gallagher

An independently produced, live-action film based on the Legend of Zelda has incurred the wrath of Nintendo.

The Hero of Time, a full-length film produced by MBM Finishes and based on the adventures of Link, first debuted in Atlanta in June of 2009 and was also screened in select additional U.S. theatres thereafter. On December 14 of last year the movie was hosted online in its entirety.

At some point during December though, Nintendo got wind of the movie and issued a cease and desist order. In a nod to the holidays however, Nintendo allowed the filmmakers to host the movie online through the end of the year.

Those behind the film empathized with Nintendo's position:

We came to an agreement with Nintendo earlier this month to stop distributing the film.  In the spirit of the holiday season they were good enough to let us keep the movie up for you to watch and enjoy through the end of 2009, but not past 2009.  We understand Nintendo's right to protect its characters and trademarks and understand how in order to keep their property unspoiled by fan's interpretation of the franchise, Nintendo needs to protect itself — even from fan-works with good intentions.

The film was shot over a two-year period, mainly on weekends. An embedded version of the movie is still viewable on this webpage (for now anyway) for those that might not have seen it.

Thanks Andrew!

Full post as published by GamePolitics.com on January 05, 2010 (boomark / email).