The upcoming live-action Legend of Zelda film, a joint production between Nintendo and Sony Pictures, may feature the final performance of the late Sam Neill. The actor, renowned for his role as Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, passed away in July at the age of 78. He had reportedly finished filming an undisclosed role in the adaptation prior to his death.
Neill's involvement was reported by Deadline, which also confirmed the casting of Dichen Lachman and Yvonne Strahovski. Lachman is set to portray Impa, the Sheikah bodyguard to the Hyrule royal family, while Strahovski, known for her work in The Handmaid's Tale, will play a queen character, potentially Zelda's mother. The film wrapped principal photography in spring 2026 and is slated for a May 2027 release.
Princess Zelda will be portrayed by Bo Bragason, and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, who recently garnered praise for his role in Season 3 of House of the Dragon, will play Link. Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo is producing alongside veteran Sony producer Avi Arad. Director Wes Ball has indicated an intention for the film to adopt a more grounded and realistic aesthetic.
Details surrounding Neill's specific character remain unconfirmed, with speculation ranging from the King of Hyrule. Movie set leaks have offered glimpses, including a scene where Impa is seen advising Zelda in an outdoor woodland setting. While not much has been publicly revealed about Ainsworth's portrayal of Link, his performance in House of the Dragon has quelled early fan reservations about his casting.