The long-anticipated live-action Legend of Zelda film has officially cast its primary antagonist, Ganondorf. Australian actor Uli Latukefu has reportedly signed a multi-year deal with Nintendo to play the iconic villain, according to Deadline.
Latukefu is recognized for his role as a young Dwayne Johnson in NBC's "Young Rock" and appeared in the Netflix series "Marco Polo." His casting marks a significant update for the film, which was initially announced in 2023. Aside from the casting of Link and Zelda and a reported delay, details about the project have been scarce until now.
The movie is a collaborative effort between Nintendo and Sony, with Wes Ball, director of "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," at the helm. Set for a May 2027 release, the film will feature Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link. Ainsworth, who viewers may recognize as Daeron Targaryen from "House of the Dragon," has demonstrated an ability to convey emotion through subtle reactions, a trait that has generated confidence in the casting choices.
Director Wes Ball expressed in 2024 his ambition to create a "grounded" and "real" adaptation of the beloved RPG. Filming is underway in New Zealand, and leaks from the set have provided glimpses of other, as-yet-unannounced cast members.