Jon Batiste Praises Ocarina of Time Music at Switch 2 Launch, Citing 8 Grammys

Q: Will Jon Batiste's deep love for Zelda music lead to him scoring the upcoming 2027 live-action movie?

Probably not, at least based on what is publicly known. Batiste’s comments show a genuine, long-running connection to Zelda and game music. He has spoken in unusually technical detail about Koji Kondo’s Ocarina of Time score, called “Song of Storms” a favorite, and said game music helped shape his own musical development. Nintendo also chose him as a prominent guest for the Switch 2 Ocarina of Time remake launch, which suggests the company values his enthusiasm and profile. But there is no indication from Nintendo, Sony or the filmmakers that Batiste is attached to score the 2027 live-action film. The available reporting around the movie points elsewhere: multiple entertainment reports and updated film coverage have said composer John Paesano is expected to handle the score, with Wes Ball directing and production already well advanced. The film, titled simply The Legend of Zelda, is scheduled for April 30, 2027. So Batiste’s Zelda fandom may raise speculation, and it could make him a plausible collaborator for a promotional performance, concert appearance or tribute arrangement. Still, deep admiration for the franchise is not evidence of an official scoring role. Until Nintendo or the studio announces otherwise, there is no factual basis to say his love of Zelda music will lead to him scoring the movie.

2 articles · Updated · Game Informer · Nov 6

Nintendo brought Jon Batiste to New York for the Switch 2 launch of the Ocarina of Time remake, where he framed the game’s score as central to its enduring impact.
Batiste said Koji Kondo’s writing alternates major and minor chords in a simple, wistful pattern that mirrors Link’s expanding world and gives the music power even outside the game.
“Song of Storms” was his personal favorite, and he said he has been playing Zelda themes on instruments since about age 11 after long Nintendo sessions.
Batiste traced his Nintendo history from Donkey Kong, Duck Hunt and Super Mario Bros. to Street Fighter II and Ocarina of Time, calling the Zelda game a mind-blowing expansion of his gaming palate.
On Street Fighter II, he said Guile’s Theme works with almost anything because its brass opening, call-and-response bass line and action-movie tempo instantly create momentum.