Nintendo and Sony Pictures are bringing the long-running fantasy role-playing game franchise, The Legend of Zelda, to the big screen with a live-action adaptation scheduled for April 2027. Following the commercial success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, this new venture aims to translate the magic of Hyrule to a new medium. Director Wes Ball, known for "The Maze Runner" and "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," is helming the project, expressing a desire for a more "grounded" and "real" take that moves away from heavy reliance on computer-generated imagery.
Instead, the film is being shot with flesh-and-blood actors. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, who previously starred in "The Haunting of Bly Manor" and as Daeron Targaryen in "House of the Dragon," has been confirmed to portray the titular hero, Link. His casting was announced by Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto. Ainsworth will be joined by Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda. Bragason, also a British actor, has appeared in the Disney Plus series "Renegade Nell" and Prime Video's "Sterling Point."
The role of the franchise's iconic villain, Ganondorf, is reportedly being filled by Australian actor Uli Latukefu, known for his work in NBC's "Young Rock" and Netflix's "Marco Polo." Dichen Lachman, recognized for her performances in Apple TV's "Severance" and Marvel's "Agents of SHIELD," is set to play Impa, Princess Zelda's bodyguard. Lachman also collaborated with director Wes Ball on "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes."
Further casting rumors suggest Sam Neill, celebrated for his roles in the "Jurassic Park" franchise, may portray the King of Hyrule, with Yvonne Strahovski, known for "The Handmaid's Tale," likely taking on the role of the Queen of Hyrule. Actress Lydia Peckham, who also appeared in "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," is reportedly cast in an as-yet-unidentified role.
Nintendo's film division is partnering with Sony Pictures Entertainment for the project. Shigeru Miyamoto, co-creator of The Legend of Zelda, is producing alongside veteran Hollywood producer Avi Arad. Miyamoto has indicated that development on the film has been ongoing for several years. The Legend of Zelda movie is scheduled to premiere in theaters on April 30, 2027.