Tingle Movie Casts Masi Oka

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. Forget Jason Momoa or Jack Black – Imamura's pick is Masi Oka.

Imamura's Dream Casting for Tingle

In a recent interview with VGC, Imamura stated his preference for Masi Oka, best known for his role as Hiro Nakamura in the TV series Heroes. He cited Oka's signature "yatta!" exclamation and pose as a strong resemblance to Tingle's own energetic mannerisms.

Oka's versatility as an actor, demonstrated in films like Bullet Train and The Meg, and shows such as Hawaii Five-O, makes him a compelling candidate. His comedic timing and infectious enthusiasm perfectly capture Tingle's unique personality.

Tingle's Inclusion in the Film?

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 character, aligning with the often fantastical nature of Studio Ghibli's works.

The Legend of Zelda live-action movie, announced in November 2023, is directed by Wes Ball and produced by Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad. Ball's commitment to creating a "serious movie" while fulfilling fans' expectations leaves the door open for possibilities. Only time will tell if Tingle, and Masi Oka, will make an appearance.