John Boyega Attends E3 as Link From Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — The Electronic Entertainment Expo, commonly referred to as E3, had its first genuine “megaton” moment this morning as John Boyega paid Nintendo’s booth a surprise visit. Not exactly headline stuff in and of itself, but the Star Wars actor and huge videogame fan came dressed for the part! Finn traded in Poe’s jacket and Luke’s lightsaber for a green tunic and Master Sword in a bit of amazing cosplay that had Nintendo’s booth jam packed with media and fans alike.
Boyega posed for photos with legendary videogame pioneer and creator of Zelda, Shigeru Miyamoto, and series producer Eiji Aonuma, before going hands-on with the latest chapter in The Legend of Zelda for Wii U and the mysterious Nintendo NX.
It was difficult to see past the throng of press trying to capture the Star Wars x Zelda moment, but Boyega gave the crowd a big thumb’s up. Later, we spotted him attempting two of the interactive adventures set up for aspiring Links and Linkles: a rock wall climb and a wild Epona ride akin to a mechanical bull albeit with a prettier gloss of paint.
We can gladly report Boyega’s Episode VIII training has turned him into a very capable Hero of Time. He managed to climb the wall effortlessly and held his own on Epona for a good 5 minutes before being tossed into the surrounding cushions. Truly one of the most surreal moments of E3 when you consider the crowd was chanting “Finn! Finn! Finn!” as Boyega-Link conquered the activities.
It wasn’t all fun and games however. We’re told Boyega is scheduled to meet with Nintendo executives later today to discuss a possible film collaboration. Might his newly formed production company, Upperroom Entertainment Limited, be looking to follow-up Pacific Rim 2 with The Legend of Zelda? Only time will tell, but Boyega certainly nailed his audition at E3.
Would you like to see Boyega star as Link in a live action adaptation? Or would you prefer to see the other half of Peanut — Ms. Daisy Ridley star as Linkle instead? Let us know in our comments section or visit our messageboards.
-William “Willybobo” Bobo
