Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
The live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda may be lining up a popular fan pick for the role of Princess Zelda, with reports suggesting that Euphoria star Hunter Schafer is being considered for the part.
Nintendo first confirmed in 2023 that it would be collaborating with Sony Pictures to bring its long-running fantasy video game franchise to the big screen. The film is currently scheduled for release on 26 March 2027.
Following the announcement, fans widely advocated for Schafer to be cast as Zelda, citing her strong resemblance to the Hylian princess. Schafer, 25, has also expressed interest in taking on the role. In a 2023 interview with Entertainment Tonight, she said: “I played that video game a bunch when I was a kid. That’s such a good game,” adding that appearing in the adaptation would be “so cool”.
- YouTubeYouTube/ Nintendo of America
While no official casting decisions have been confirmed by Nintendo or Sony, entertainment insider Daniel Richtman recently claimed on social media that Schafer is indeed being considered for the role of Zelda. Schafer’s representatives have yet to comment on the reports.
The Legend of Zelda, created by game developers Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, was first released in Japan in 1986 for the Famicom Disk System. Set in the fictional land of Hyrule, the game follows Princess Zelda and a young warrior named Link as they embark on adventures to protect their kingdom.
Since its debut, the franchise has expanded into multiple acclaimed titles, including Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, Breath of the Wild, and Tears of the Kingdom. It is widely considered one of the most influential series in gaming history.
The upcoming film will be directed by Wes Ball, best known for his work on The Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Miyamoto will co-produce the project alongside veteran film producer Avi Arad.
In a statement shared when the film was announced, Miyamoto said, “I have been working on the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda for many years now with Avi Arad-san… We have now officially started the development of the film with Nintendo itself heavily involved in the production.”
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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