Beloved actor Sam Neill is reportedly set to appear in the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda film, according to reports from Deadline. This casting news comes shortly after Neill's passing on July 13th, and if confirmed, would likely represent his final on-screen role. Neill, widely recognized for his portrayal of Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, had a long and varied career that also included roles in films like Event Horizon.
While Neill's representatives and Sony, the film's producer, have not yet corroborated the casting, the report suggests his involvement. Production for The Legend of Zelda film is currently underway in New Zealand. The film is being directed by Wes Ball, known for his work on the Maze Runner series and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. The cast includes Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Zelda.
Australian actor Uli Latukefu, who previously appeared as a young Dwayne Johnson in Young Rock and had roles in Black Adam and MaXXXine, is slated to play the antagonist Ganondorf.
The Legend of Zelda film is slated for release on April 30th next year, narrowly missing the franchise's 40th anniversary in 2026. In related news, a remake of the Nintendo 64 classic Ocarina of Time is expected to launch this year, potentially as early as November.