The Legend of Zelda series has always been about Link, the courageous hero chosen to save Hyrule from the evil Ganon. However, recent comments from the developers of Tears of the Kingdom suggest that Zelda may be poised to take on a more prominent role in future games, possibly even becoming the next big protagonist.
In a recent interview with IGN, Eiji Aonuma, the series producer, acknowledged the growing desire among fans for Zelda to have a more prominent role and even hinted at the possibility of her becoming playable. That small sentiment today may lead to something bigger in the future. When asked if she would be more playable, Aonuma was positive.
“Zelda has always been involved, and they have a relationship and their own rules in each of the games, but it is true that I think there’s always room for thinking about this type of thing and Zelda’s role. And there may be some sort of possibility for something like that in the future.”
Eiji Aonuma
This sentiment aligns with the increasingly complex portrayal of Zelda in recent games. Breath of the Wild saw her break away from the damsel-in-distress trope, demonstrating her own intelligence and resourcefulness. In Tears of the Kingdom, she takes on an even more active role.
While Aonuma remains hesitant to confirm Zelda’s future as a playable character, the seeds have certainly been planted. With each iteration of The Legend of Zelda, Zelda steps further out of Link’s shadow, showcasing her own potential as a hero. The series has always thrived on innovation, and making Zelda the protagonist could be the next bold step forward.
Imagine a game where players control Zelda, utilizing her unique abilities and untapped potential to explore Hyrule and face its challenges. It would be a refreshing change of perspective, offering a deeper understanding of her character and place in the Zelda mythos. Of course, there are challenges to overcome. Zelda’s traditional role as the princess and wielder of magic may require some reimagining to fit the demands of an active protagonist.
Still, I’d say Zelda becoming a central protagonist has been a long time coming and would probably help the series gain more fans.