Netflix ‘working up Zelda series, Ten deal’

Netflix is reportedly developing a series based on the popular Legend of Zelda video games, and working on a content and marketing partnership with Australia’s Network Ten.

According to The Wall Street Journal, early stage development has begun on a live-action series based on the Zelda series. This would see a young boy, Link, rescuing the princess Zelda and saving a fantasy world called Hyrule.

The WSJ’s source described the series as a “Game of Thrones for a family audience”.

Games developer Nintendo owns the rights to the Zelda property, and is working closely with Netflix on the show, according to the source.

Netflix declined to comment on the report.

Meanwhile, the US-based streaming giant is said to be working on a content and marketing initiative with for-sale Australian broadcaster Network Ten.

This comes as Netflix prepares to launch in Australia next month.

The Australian newspaper reports Netflix has initiated talks over an agree to jointly fund programming and marketing pushes.

Ten is currently in the midst of a sales process, though this has stalled in recent weeks as key shareholder Bruce Gordon has objected to the business being sold into non-Australian hands.

This means it is likely to welcome the funding boost a deal with Netflix promises.

It also means Netflix is looking for ways to bolster its Australian content offer as it enters an SVOD market that also includes Quickflix, Foxtel and Seven’s Presto and Nine Network-backed Stan.