Legend of Zelda News

Nintendo has spent years keeping the story behind its live-action Legend of Zelda movie under wraps. We know who will carry the Master Sword. We know who will wear Zelda’s crown. We even have a pretty good idea who will be playing Ganondorf.

What we haven’t known is which version of Hyrule the movie intends to bring to theaters.

Now, Nintendo has finally given us an answer — sort of.

During The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct on September 8, Nintendo confirmed that the upcoming film is officially titled simply The Legend of Zelda and described it as an original movie built from the “stories, ideas and concepts” established across four decades of Zelda games. In other words, this doesn’t appear to be Ocarina of Time: The Movie or a live-action retelling of Breath of the Wild. 

For a series with one of the strangest timelines in gaming, that may be the smartest approach Nintendo could have taken.

This Isn’t an Adaptation of One Zelda Game

Until now, fans have had little more than costumes and casting choices to work with when trying to determine which game might inspire the film.

The first official photos of Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Zelda only made things more complicated. Link’s green clothing immediately evoked the classic hero designs seen throughout the series, while Zelda’s blue outfit felt closer to the visual language established in Breath of the Wild. 

It turns out those mixed influences may have been intentional.

Nintendo now says the movie is an original story based on the franchise as a whole. Shigeru Miyamoto also suggested during the anniversary presentation that there is a reason the film carries no subtitle, adding that fans will understand the decision after seeing it. He specifically drew attention to the Triforce and teased that the iconic relic will have a role in the story. 

That opens the door to something much more flexible than a direct game adaptation.

Rather than attempting to compress the sprawling plot of Ocarina of Time or the open-world structure of Breath of the Wild into two hours, director Wes Ball can pull recognizable pieces from multiple eras of Zelda and assemble a version of Hyrule designed specifically for film.

For longtime fans, that also means spotting the influences could become half the fun.

Link and Zelda Are Officially Cast

Nintendo officially announced the movie’s two leads in 2025.

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will play Link, while Bo Bragason will portray Princess Zelda. Production later released the first official images of both actors in costume after filming began in New Zealand.

Ainsworth has appeared in projects including The Haunting of Bly Manor and Disney’s live-action Pinocchio, while Bragason has appeared in productions including Renegade Nell and The Jetty.

The decision to cast relatively young performers also gives Nintendo room to build the movie around the coming-of-age adventure that has defined many of Link’s journeys.

And if the studio has bigger plans for the franchise, those casting choices could matter for years.

Ganondorf Has Reportedly Found His Actor

Nintendo and Sony have still been unusually quiet about much of the supporting cast, but reports over the summer filled in several major pieces.

Deadline reported in August that Australian actor Uli Latukefu will play Ganondorf. Latukefu is best known for portraying a younger Dwayne Johnson in Young Rock, along with appearances in Black Adam and MaXXXine. The report also claimed that he signed a multi-picture deal. 

That last detail is especially interesting.

Nintendo has not announced a Zelda sequel or trilogy, so it would be premature to assume one is already planned. Still, a multi-film contract for Ganondorf would certainly give Sony and Nintendo the option to continue the story if the first movie performs well. 

Considering Ganondorf’s tendency to return throughout Zelda history, it would certainly be appropriate.

Impa, a Mysterious Queen and Sam Neill Are Also Reportedly in the Movie

Additional Deadline reporting revealed several more actors believed to be involved.

Dichen Lachman, known for Severance and Jurassic World Dominion, is reportedly playing Impa, Zelda’s longtime protector and advisor.

Yvonne Strahovski, known for The Handmaid’s Tale, Dexter and Chuck, has also reportedly joined the cast. Her exact character hasn’t been revealed, though Deadline’s sources described her as playing a queen. 

That description immediately raises questions.

Zelda’s mother has been referenced in multiple games but has rarely been explored directly. Strahovski could be portraying the Queen of Hyrule, although Nintendo has not confirmed that theory and she could just as easily be playing an original character or another royal figure.

The late Sam Neill also reportedly filmed an undisclosed role before his death in July 2026. Production on the movie had wrapped several months earlier, meaning the film could become one of Neill’s final screen appearances. 

New Zealand actress Lydia Peckham, who previously worked with Wes Ball on Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, has also reportedly joined the cast in an unrevealed role. 

Nintendo and Sony have not formally announced most of these supporting roles, so it is worth separating the reported casting from the officially confirmed Link and Zelda announcements.

Wes Ball Is Directing Nintendo’s First Live-Action Trip to Hyrule

The movie is being directed by Wes Ball, whose credits include the Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.

Ball has previously described his ideal Zelda film as something combining grand fantasy adventure with the kind of wonder associated with Hayao Miyazaki’s work. He has also stressed that he doesn’t want the project to exist simply because Zelda is a valuable franchise.

That approach could be important.

Zelda has always lived somewhere between Tolkien-style fantasy and fairy tale. Hyrule can be dark, but it is also filled with strange merchants, talking trees, eccentric villagers, magical instruments and creatures that would feel completely at home in a Studio Ghibli film.

Finding the balance between those sides of Zelda may be one of the movie’s biggest challenges.

Nintendo Is Keeping a Tight Grip on the Production

This is not simply a Zelda license being handed to Hollywood.

Shigeru Miyamoto is producing the film alongside Avi Arad, whose producing credits span numerous Marvel adaptations. Nintendo and Sony Pictures are co-financing the project, with Nintendo providing more than half of the financing. Sony will handle worldwide theatrical distribution. 

Nintendo’s involvement is particularly notable considering how cautiously the company returned to filmmaking after the notorious 1993 Super Mario Bros. adaptation.

The enormous success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie changed that equation. Zelda is now Nintendo’s first major attempt to translate one of its franchises into a modern live-action fantasy film.

The expectations are considerably different.

When Does The Legend of Zelda Movie Release?

Nintendo has confirmed that The Legend of Zelda will arrive in theaters worldwide on April 30, 2027. 

That date is slightly earlier than the May 7 date Nintendo had previously announced. Some older articles and promotional material still reference the May release, but Nintendo’s September 2026 announcement confirms April 30 as the current worldwide date. 

Is There a Zelda Movie Trailer Yet?

Not yet.

Despite considerable anticipation heading into the Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct, Nintendo stopped short of showing a trailer. The presentation revealed the movie’s official logo and new story details, but no finished footage was shown. 

With the movie now less than eight months away, the first trailer shouldn’t be too far off.

Nintendo has previously dedicated entire Direct presentations to its Mario movies, so it would not be surprising to see a similar strategy used for Zelda.

Whenever that trailer finally arrives, it should answer one of the biggest questions still hanging over the production: what does this version of Hyrule actually look like in motion?

An Original Zelda Story Might Be Exactly What the Movie Needs

Trying to choose one Zelda game to adapt was always going to create problems.

Adapt Ocarina of Time, and fans of Breath of the Wild wonder why Nintendo ignored the franchise’s modern era. Adapt Breath of the Wild, and decades of older Zelda mythology get pushed aside. Try to faithfully recreate any one game, and a movie risks becoming a checklist of familiar dungeons and story beats.

An original story avoids most of that.

Nintendo can use Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, Impa, the Triforce and Hyrule without being tied to a specific timeline branch. Familiar locations can appear in new forms. Characters from different games could potentially exist alongside one another. Even the mythology can be reshaped for a film audience while still feeling unmistakably Zelda.

There is certainly room for that approach to go wrong. Fans will notice quickly if the movie borrows Zelda’s names and costumes without capturing the atmosphere that made the games special.

But Nintendo’s latest comments suggest something more deliberate: not a movie version of one Zelda game, but an attempt to distill 40 years of Zelda into a new legend of its own.

For a franchise built around retelling the same eternal struggle in different eras, that feels surprisingly appropriate.

The road to The Legend of Zelda movie is beginning to extend well beyond the film set.

New promotional material for Nintendo and Sony Pictures’ upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie was spotted at LicensingCon LATAM 2026, held August 12–13 at the Transamerica Expo Center in São Paulo, Brazil. The display offers another glimpse at how the movie is being presented ahead of its theatrical debut in 2027.

The material itself is relatively simple, but unmistakably Zelda.

Against an almost entirely black background sits the movie’s metallic gold The Legend of Zelda logo. Thin gold lines form large geometric shapes around it, while a gold Triforce appears beneath the words “IN THEATERS 2027.”

It’s a restrained design, and importantly, it doesn’t reveal any new characters, locations or story details. Instead, Nintendo and Sony are leaning heavily on the iconography of the Zelda series itself.

Why Zelda’s LicensingCon Appearance Matters

LicensingCon isn’t the type of convention where studios are primarily trying to generate excitement by showing fans trailers and exclusive footage. It’s a business-to-business event built around the licensing industry.

The 2026 event brought together rights holders, manufacturers, retailers, agencies and other companies looking for opportunities to turn entertainment properties into consumer products and experiences. Categories represented at the event included toys, fashion, stationery, food and beverages, home décor and other merchandise.

That makes the presence of The Legend of Zelda particularly noteworthy.

Rather than simply advertising the movie to potential theatergoers, the display is appearing in an environment where companies are looking for properties that can support licensed products.

And Zelda certainly fits that description.

Sony Pictures Consumer Products has already included The Legend of Zelda among the major franchises it is presenting to the licensing industry in 2026. In May, Sony showcased its upcoming film and television properties ahead of Licensing Expo, specifically highlighting the Zelda movie as one of its major forthcoming releases.

With the movie arriving next year, appearances like this suggest the commercial campaign surrounding the film is beginning to take shape behind the scenes.

Could a Larger Zelda Merchandise Push Be Coming?

Nothing displayed at LicensingCon confirms any specific new merchandise, so it’s important not to read an announcement into what is essentially promotional material.

Still, the timing is interesting.

Nintendo has already started expanding Zelda’s presence in the toy aisle. Hasbro announced a multi-year licensing agreement with Nintendo earlier this summer to produce a new line of The Legend of Zelda products beginning in 2027.

The movie now gives Nintendo and its partners another major opportunity to expand Zelda merchandise outside of video games.

LicensingCon is exactly where conversations about those sorts of products happen. Manufacturers and retailers attend the event to meet licensors and explore opportunities involving established entertainment brands.

Whether this particular movie presentation results in toys, apparel, collectibles, accessories or other film-specific merchandise remains to be seen. For now, there have been no announcements connecting the LicensingCon display to a particular product line.

But seeing Zelda marketed directly within the licensing industry is another indication that the 2027 film is being positioned as much more than a standalone theatrical release.

The Movie’s Marketing Remains Mysterious

Despite the movie getting closer, Nintendo and Sony have continued to keep much of the production under wraps.

The film is directed by Wes Ball and stars Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda. Production wrapped earlier this year, but fans are still waiting for a proper trailer and a more substantial look at Hyrule on the big screen.

Even this LicensingCon material maintains that secrecy.

There are no photographs of Link or Zelda, no monsters, no version of Hyrule Castle and no imagery that might reveal which games have influenced the film. The design instead relies on three things almost anyone familiar with the franchise will recognize immediately: the Zelda name, the Triforce and gold.

Interestingly, the LicensingCon artwork simply says “In Theaters 2027” rather than displaying the movie’s exact release date.

Nintendo announced earlier this year that the film’s worldwide theatrical release had moved to April 30, 2027, one week earlier than its previously announced May 7 date.

Zelda’s Big-Screen Era Is Getting Closer

For Zelda fans, the LicensingCon display isn’t the kind of reveal that answers questions about Ganondorf, Hyrule or the movie’s story.

What it does provide is another small look at the machinery beginning to form around one of Nintendo’s biggest upcoming projects.

The Zelda movie is no longer only being discussed as a production happening behind closed doors. Its branding is appearing at international industry events, Sony is presenting it to potential licensing partners, and Nintendo is already expanding Zelda into new consumer-product categories ahead of 2027.

The next major milestone fans are waiting for is much more obvious: the first trailer.

Until then, this newly spotted promotional display gives us another glimpse at how Nintendo and Sony intend to introduce The Legend of Zelda to a much larger audience when Link and Zelda finally make the jump to live-action on April 30, 2027.

Bo Bragason is still keeping Nintendo’s secrets, but the actress behind Princess Zelda has shared a little more about what it was like stepping into Hyrule for the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie.

In a new interview with i-D, Bragason reflected on the months she spent in New Zealand filming the highly anticipated adaptation. While she understandably stopped well short of revealing anything about the story, her comments give us another glimpse at just how large-scale the production appears to have been.

For Bragason, one of the things that stood out most wasn’t a costume, a set, or even the pressure of playing one of Nintendo’s most recognizable characters. It was New Zealand itself.

The 22-year-old actress described the country as feeling almost like another world, saying its natural scenery could be difficult to fully process while she was there. Bragason recalled taking lunch breaks on location and looking up to find enormous mountains towering over the production.

At times, she had to remind herself that what she was looking at was actually real.

“I can’t wait for people to see it,” Bragason told i-D.

New Zealand Could Be a Perfect Stand-In for Hyrule

For Zelda fans, those comments are especially interesting.

Nintendo and Sony filmed The Legend of Zelda extensively in New Zealand, a country already famous for providing the sweeping fantasy landscapes of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings films. Principal photography wrapped in April 2026 after several months of production.

Exactly how much of the finished movie will rely on real landscapes rather than constructed environments or visual effects remains to be seen, but Bragason’s comments certainly suggest the production made good use of its surroundings.

That could prove to be an excellent fit for The Legend of Zelda. From the rolling fields of Hyrule to towering mountains, forests, lakes, and ruined kingdoms, exploring a vast natural world has been at the center of the series for decades. That sense of scale became particularly important in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

It is still far too early to say whether the film will visually resemble either of those games, but hearing Bragason talk about being overwhelmed by the scenery is encouraging for anyone hoping to see a believable Hyrule on the big screen.

Bragason Is Getting Used to Dodging Zelda Questions

The actress also acknowledged one of the stranger parts of becoming Princess Zelda: being interviewed about a movie she is largely forbidden from discussing.

Plot details surrounding the adaptation remain closely guarded, leaving Bragason to find increasingly creative ways of talking about the experience without revealing anything Nintendo would rather keep secret.

That secrecy has surrounded the project from the beginning.

Nintendo officially revealed Bragason as Princess Zelda in July 2025, alongside Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link. The first official images of the pair in costume followed in November, giving fans their first proper look at the movie’s versions of the legendary Hylian hero and princess.

Since then, information has arrived slowly, although additional casting details have begun surfacing as the movie moves deeper into post-production.

Who Is Bo Bragason?

By the time audiences see her wearing Zelda’s pointed ears, Bragason will already have built up a surprisingly varied résumé.

Her previous television work includes Disney+ fantasy series Renegade Nell, BBC drama The Jetty, and historical series King & Conqueror. More recently, she appears as Oona in Sterling Point, the Prime Video young-adult series that forms much of the focus of her new i-D interview.

Still, The Legend of Zelda represents a completely different level of visibility.

Playing Zelda places Bragason at the center of Nintendo and Sony’s attempt to bring one of gaming’s most celebrated franchises to live action for the first time. She’ll star opposite Ainsworth’s Link under director Wes Ball, whose recent credits include Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.

When Does The Legend of Zelda Movie Come Out?

The live-action The Legend of Zelda movie is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on April 30, 2027. The date was moved forward one week from its previously announced May 7 release.

With filming finished and post-production underway, Nintendo has plenty of time left to keep Hyrule hidden from us.

Bragason apparently feels the same anticipation as everyone else. She may not be allowed to tell us what she saw while wearing Zelda’s ears in New Zealand, but judging by her reaction to the landscapes alone, there should be quite a bit for fans to look forward to seeing on the big screen.

And considering how carefully Nintendo has guarded this project so far, we’ll be watching closely for the moment the gates to Hyrule finally open.

Another major name may have quietly joined the cast of The Legend of Zelda movie, and this time the rumored role could tell us quite a bit about the story Nintendo and Sony are putting together.

Samara Weaving has reportedly been cast in the upcoming live-action adaptation, with a newer report claiming the Ready or Not star will portray Hylia, the goddess whose history sits at the very heart of Zelda lore.

Neither Nintendo nor Sony Pictures has officially announced Weaving’s involvement, so her casting and character should still be considered unconfirmed.

Samara Weaving Could Be Playing Hylia

Initial reports on August 10 claimed Weaving had joined the movie but stopped short of identifying her character. TechTimes noted that neither Nintendo nor Sony had confirmed her involvement and that no role had been revealed at the time.

That changed with subsequent reports.

Industry insider Daniel Richtman, better known as DanielRPK, is now being cited as the source of a claim that Weaving will specifically portray the Goddess Hylia. Multiple outlets have since picked up the report, although there has still been no official confirmation from Nintendo or Sony.

If accurate, Hylia is a fascinating choice.

Rather than simply adding another recognizable character to the cast, introducing Hylia would bring one of the most important pieces of Zelda mythology directly into the movie.

Who Is Hylia?

Hylia’s importance to the series was greatly expanded in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

In the ancient history presented by that game, Hylia is entrusted with protecting the Triforce and the people of the surface world. Her conflict with the Demon King Demise ultimately sets events in motion that become fundamental to the recurring struggle between Zelda, Link and the forces threatening Hyrule.

Hylia’s influence continued well beyond Skyward Sword. Statues dedicated to the goddess appear throughout Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, where Link can pray to them in exchange for upgrades to his Heart Containers and Stamina Vessels.

Having Hylia physically appear in the movie could therefore be much more significant than a cameo.

It may suggest that director Wes Ball’s adaptation plans to establish some of Hyrule’s mythology from the beginning rather than dropping audiences into a world where Link, Zelda, Ganon and the Triforce simply exist without much explanation.

Exactly how Hylia would fit into the story remains unknown.

Zelda’s Movie Cast Is Getting Much Bigger

Weaving’s reported involvement arrives during a remarkable stretch of casting news surrounding the movie.

Nintendo officially revealed Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda in 2025, but much of the supporting cast remained a mystery even after filming wrapped.

That secrecy has started to break down.

Recent reports have connected Uli Latukefu with Ganondorf, while Dichen Lachman is reportedly playing Impa. Yvonne Strahovski and Lydia Peckham have also been linked to the production, with Strahovski reportedly portraying a queen character.

Then came the surprising news that the late Sam Neill had completed work on the Zelda movie before his death.

Deadline reported that Neill filmed a role in the production prior to his passing, making The Legend of Zelda one of his final screen appearances. His character has not been revealed.

That gives the film a potentially substantial ensemble surrounding its two young leads.

What Could Hylia Tell Us About the Movie?

This is where things get particularly interesting for longtime Zelda fans.

Nintendo has never said that the live-action movie will directly adapt Ocarina of Time, Skyward Sword, Breath of the Wild or any other individual game. Everything we’ve seen so far leaves open the possibility that the filmmakers are building a new version of Hyrule using characters, imagery and ideas pulled from across the franchise.

Hylia would fit that approach extremely well.

Her presence doesn’t necessarily mean the movie is adapting Skyward Sword. The goddess has become part of the wider mythology of modern Zelda games, particularly following her prominence in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

It could also give the filmmakers a relatively straightforward way to explain the larger cycle surrounding Hyrule.

If the movie intends to establish why Link and Zelda are connected to an ancient struggle against evil, Hylia could provide that mythology without requiring the film to reproduce the plot of any one game.

Of course, that’s speculation until we know more about the screenplay.

Weaving Is No Stranger to Genre Movies

Weaving has built an especially strong following among horror and genre fans.

She starred as Grace in 2019’s Ready or Not and returned for Ready or Not 2: Here I Come in 2026. Her credits also include The Babysitter, Scream VI, Guns Akimbo, Azrael, Snake Eyes and Bill & Ted Face the Music.

The Zelda report also comes during a particularly busy period for the actress. Weaving has recently been linked to another enormous franchise through the role of Emma Frost in Marvel’s upcoming X-Men project.

Going from Grace to Emma Frost and potentially the Goddess Hylia makes for quite a run.

Nintendo Still Isn’t Saying Much

For all of the casting information that has emerged recently, Nintendo continues to keep the movie remarkably close to its chest.

We know Wes Ball is directing, with Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad producing. Filming took place in New Zealand and principal photography wrapped earlier this year.

Yet many of the actors apparently involved in the movie still haven’t been formally introduced by Nintendo.

That distinction is important here. Reports that Weaving is playing Hylia are increasingly widespread, but Nintendo and Sony have not confirmed either her casting or the role. Until they do, Hylia belongs firmly in the rumor column.

Still, the pieces beginning to emerge make this adaptation considerably more intriguing than it was even a week ago.

If Weaving really is Hylia, Nintendo isn’t just filling out the population of Hyrule. It may be reaching much deeper into Zelda’s mythology than we previously realized.

The Legend of Zelda live-action movie is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on April 30, 2027.

Nintendo has spent most of the past year keeping the supporting cast of its live-action The Legend of Zelda movie surprisingly quiet. Now, with filming already complete, some of those secrets are finally starting to come out.

Deadline reports that the late Sam Neill filmed an undisclosed role in the movie before his death, while Severance actress Dichen Lachman and The Handmaid’s Tale star Yvonne Strahovski are also part of the cast. The report arrived the same day Deadline revealed that Uli Latukefu is set to play Ganondorf.

For a movie that officially had little more than Link and Zelda attached to its cast for months, Hyrule suddenly feels quite a bit more populated.

Sam Neill Filmed a Mystery Zelda Role Before His Death

The biggest surprise is undoubtedly Sam Neill.

Deadline reports that Neill completed work on The Legend of Zelda before the production wrapped earlier this year. His character has not been revealed, and at the moment there does not appear to be any reliable information pointing toward who he played.

Neill died on July 13, 2026 at the age of 78. The New Zealand actor leaves behind a career spanning decades, with roles in films including Jurassic Park, The Piano, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and The Hunt for Red October. His appearance in The Legend of Zelda will now be among his final screen performances.

Calling Zelda definitively his “final role” may be a little premature. Neill also completed other projects that have yet to be released, including Godzilla x Kong: Supernova and The Last Resort. Deadline itself describes Zelda as one of his final performances, potentially the last depending on how those projects ultimately reach audiences.

There is also something fitting about Neill appearing in the film considering much of The Legend of Zelda was shot in New Zealand, the country he called home for much of his life.

As for his character, Nintendo is keeping that particular treasure chest locked for now.

Dichen Lachman Is Reportedly Playing Impa

The Dichen Lachman news is less of a surprise, but it does appear to settle one of the biggest mysteries created by last year’s leaked set footage.

According to Deadline, Lachman is playing Impa, Princess Zelda’s longtime protector and advisor.

Back in November 2025, footage recorded near the New Zealand production showed Bo Bragason’s Zelda interacting with another woman on horseback. Fans quickly identified the actress as Lachman and theorized that she was playing Impa.

We covered that footage at Zelda Central at the time, although there was no official confirmation of either Lachman’s involvement or the character she was portraying. Deadline’s new report makes those early guesses look remarkably accurate.

Lachman should also be familiar to viewers of Severance, where she plays Ms. Casey. Her credits include Altered Carbon, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Jurassic World Dominion and, interestingly enough, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. That last film was directed by Zelda director Wes Ball, making this a reunion between the two.

Impa has taken dramatically different forms throughout the Zelda series, from the fierce Sheikah warrior of Ocarina of Time to the elderly village leader seen in Breath of the Wild. Nothing currently indicates that the movie is adapting one specific incarnation.

Yvonne Strahovski Is Playing a Queen, But Which One?

Yvonne Strahovski’s casting may raise even more questions.

Deadline could not identify her exact character, but sources told the outlet that she is playing a queen.

And that wording is going to keep Zelda fans busy for a while.

The obvious possibility is the Queen of Hyrule, potentially Princess Zelda’s mother. Zelda’s mother has been referenced within the games, most notably in Breath of the Wild, but the movie would have considerable freedom to develop the character in a way the games never have.

There are other possibilities. Tears of the Kingdom introduced Queen Sonia, for example, and there is nothing stopping the movie from creating its own royal character or borrowing pieces from several eras of Zelda history.

For now, though, anything beyond “queen” is speculation.

Strahovski is best known for playing Sarah Walker on Chuck and Serena Joy Waterford in The Handmaid’s Tale, along with major roles in Dexter and 24: Live Another Day.

The Zelda Movie Cast Is Finally Taking Shape

The latest reports dramatically expand what we know about the movie’s cast.

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth is playing Link, with Bo Bragason starring opposite him as Princess Zelda. Deadline has now reported Uli Latukefu as Ganondorf, Lachman as Impa, Strahovski as an unidentified queen, and Neill in a still-secret role.

That is quite a jump from where things stood only a short time ago.

Nintendo and Sony still haven’t revealed the movie’s story, and that may be the biggest mystery remaining. The costumes and locations seen during production have pulled from recognizable Zelda imagery without clearly pointing toward a direct adaptation of any single game. That could mean Wes Ball and Nintendo are building a new version of Hyrule using characters, designs and ideas from across the series rather than retelling Ocarina of Time, Breath of the Wild or another existing adventure.

Nintendo originally announced the live-action project in 2023. Wes Ball is directing, with Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad among the producers. Sony Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution.

Production wrapped in New Zealand earlier this year.

The Legend of Zelda is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters worldwide on April 30, 2027, after Nintendo moved the film forward one week from its previous May 7 release date.

And with Ganondorf, Impa, a mystery queen and now Sam Neill entering the picture, there are suddenly a lot more pieces of this particular Triforce falling into place.

Anyone curious about Nintendo’s choice for Link now has another performance to study.

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, who will play Hyrule’s hero in the upcoming live-action Legend of Zelda movie, received his most substantial introduction yet in House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 4. Ainsworth plays Daeron Targaryen, the youngest son of Alicent Hightower and a potential new contender in the increasingly bloody fight for the Iron Throne.

Spoiler warning: The following article discusses events from House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 4, “Tumbleton.”

The Real Daeron Targaryen Finally Steps Forward

House of the Dragon had been deliberately hiding Daeron in plain sight.

Ainsworth briefly appeared alongside Lord Ormund Hightower during the Season 3 premiere, but the series avoided clearly identifying him. The following episodes introduced another boy who had been dressed and presented as Daeron, part of Ormund’s attempt to protect the real prince from capture.

Episode 4 finally drops the deception. Ainsworth’s Daeron is revealed as the quiet young squire who has remained close to Ormund throughout the season. He does not have the silver hair normally associated with the Targaryen family, instead taking more visibly after his mother and the Hightower side of his upbringing.

It is certainly not a preview of Ainsworth in a green tunic. Daeron and Link are completely different characters, and nothing about his appearance in Westeros should be taken as evidence of how Nintendo’s hero will behave on screen.

Still, the episode gives Zelda fans a useful look at the young actor’s screen presence.

A Quiet Performance That Could Suit Link

Ainsworth plays Daeron as someone who is constantly watching the people around him. He chooses his words carefully, notices when Ormund is about to lose control and seems uncomfortable with the political role being prepared for him.

That restraint is interesting in the context of Link.

Nintendo has not revealed how talkative its live-action version of Link will be, but the character has traditionally communicated through expressions, movement and brief responses rather than long speeches. Any actor taking the role will need to make quiet moments feel meaningful without turning Link into an empty presence.

Ainsworth shows some of that ability in “Tumbleton.” His Daeron looks uneasy long before he openly resists an order. He communicates fear, sympathy and hesitation through small changes in posture and expression. The performance never becomes overly theatrical, even while sharing scenes with James Norton’s much louder and more unpredictable Ormund.

The strongest example comes during Daeron’s interaction with Tessarion, his dragon. Away from Ormund, Daeron briefly appears gentler and more comfortable. Ainsworth described Tessarion as the one companion who has remained with Daeron throughout his isolated upbringing, making their connection one of the few relationships in which the prince can lower his guard.

That emotional range may prove valuable when Ainsworth trades Tessarion for Epona and Westeros for Hyrule.

Daeron Is Pushed Toward a Darker Path

The similarities between Daeron and Link end quickly once Ormund puts his larger plan into motion.

Ormund intends to transform the reluctant prince into a ruler he can control. To break Daeron’s resistance, he orders him to kill Leo, an innocent man whom Ormund had publicly pretended to protect. Daeron initially refuses, but the pressure from his guardian eventually becomes too much. He carries out the killing despite clearly understanding that it is wrong.

It is a grim scene, but it gives Ainsworth more to work with than a conventional heroic role might. Daeron is frightened, compassionate and increasingly trapped. He has a dragon and a royal name, yet very little control over his own future.

Link will presumably be a far more courageous and morally certain character. Even so, playing someone who must find strength while surrounded by forces larger than himself is useful preparation for a fantasy adventure built around an inexperienced hero answering an enormous call.

Ainsworth Learned He Was Link After Filming His First Episode

The connection between the two productions is closer than it first appears.

Ainsworth has revealed that he learned he had been cast as Link shortly after completing his first day on the House of the Dragon set. That day involved horses, dust and the military camp scenes seen during the Season 3 premiere. He returned home after filming and received the news that he would lead Nintendo’s first live-action Zelda adaptation.

Before joining either production, Ainsworth was best known for playing Miles Wingrave in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor. He also voiced and performed the title character in Disney’s 2022 adaptation of Pinocchio. His role as Daeron now places him in one of television’s largest fantasy series just before he becomes the face of another major fantasy world.

Nintendo officially selected Ainsworth to play Link opposite Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda. Bragason’s previous work includes Renegade Nell, The Jetty and King & Conqueror.

The Zelda Movie Arrives in April 2027

The live-action Legend of Zelda movie is being directed by Wes Ball, whose credits include the Maze Runner films and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Nintendo and Arad Productions are producing the movie, while Sony Pictures is co-financing the project and handling its worldwide theatrical distribution.

The movie is currently scheduled to open worldwide on April 30, 2027. That date was moved forward one week from the previously announced May 7 release.

Nintendo has not disclosed the movie’s plot or confirmed whether it will adapt one particular game. That leaves major questions surrounding Ganondorf, the Master Sword, the Triforce and the version of Hyrule that Ball intends to bring to the screen.

Ainsworth’s appearance in House of the Dragon does not answer any of them. It does, however, give fans a better idea of why a relatively unfamiliar actor may have appealed to Nintendo.

He can carry quiet scenes, react naturally to effects-heavy fantasy elements and portray vulnerability without making his character seem passive. Those are encouraging qualities for an actor preparing to play Link, even when he is currently dressed in Hightower green instead of the more familiar shade associated with the Hero of Hyrule.

The live-action Legend of Zelda movie is already shaping up to be one of Nintendo’s biggest theatrical swings, and now it looks like fans may be able to experience Hyrule on the biggest screen possible.

IMAX has listed Legend of Zelda as part of its expected 2027 Hollywood slate, placing Nintendo and Sony Pictures’ upcoming film alongside several other major franchise releases planned for next year. The listing appeared in IMAX’s April 2026 investor presentation, where the company highlighted a 2027 lineup that also includes films such as Avengers: Secret Wars, The Batman Part II, Frozen 3, Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Shrek 5, and Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. IMAX notes that the slate reflects studio scheduling as of April 30, 2026, and is not necessarily a complete list of every title that will play across the IMAX network.

For Zelda fans, the news is a pretty natural fit. If there was ever a Nintendo world built for towering landscapes, sweeping fantasy shots, monster encounters, and dramatic castle reveals, it is Hyrule. Whether the film leans closer to the open fields of Breath of the Wild, the classic fairy-tale feel of Ocarina of Time, or something entirely its own, an IMAX release suggests Sony and Nintendo are positioning the movie as a true big-screen event.

The film is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on May 7, 2027. Nintendo originally announced the live-action project in 2023, confirming that the film would be directed by Wes Ball, produced by Nintendo and Arad Productions, co-financed by Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment, and distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures. Nintendo also stated that it would finance more than 50 percent of the movie, giving the company a major creative and financial stake in the adaptation.

The project stars Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda, with Nintendo and Sony having previously revealed the first official look at both characters in costume. Those first images gave fans their first real taste of how the film is translating the world of Zelda into live action, with Link in a familiar green-inspired look and Zelda carrying a more adventure-ready design.

This latest IMAX mention does not mean we suddenly know the film’s plot, trailer timing, rating, or whether it was specifically filmed for IMAX. It does, however, give fans another sign that The Legend of Zelda is being treated as one of 2027’s major theatrical releases rather than a smaller video game adaptation.

That is exactly what many Zelda fans have hoped for since the movie was first announced. The series has always balanced quiet exploration with huge moments of discovery, from stepping onto Hyrule Field for the first time to facing Ganondorf in a crumbling castle. If the movie can capture even a fraction of that scale, seeing it in IMAX could be the closest thing to walking into Hyrule without holding a controller.

For now, the wait continues. The Legend of Zelda live-action movie is set to release in theaters on May 7, 2027, with IMAX now expected to be part of the adventure.

Nintendo’s live-action The Legend of Zelda movie has cleared a major milestone, with Sony confirming at CinemaCon 2026 that production has officially wrapped. The update does not come with a trailer, fresh stills, or any major story details, but it does signal that the project has now shifted into post-production ahead of its theatrical release on May 7, 2027.

For Zelda fans, this is one of the biggest updates the film has received in months. Back in November 2025, reports indicated that the movie had entered production in New Zealand, and that location quickly fueled speculation about the kind of sweeping fantasy look Nintendo and Sony might be aiming for. Now, with principal photography complete, the long road toward the first teaser, official footage, and a better sense of the movie’s tone is finally underway.

Sony’s CinemaCon update was brief, but it did reinforce a few important details. The film is being directed by Wes Ball, with Shigeru Miyamoto producing alongside Avi Arad. Sony also reiterated the current release date of May 7, 2027, which became the official target after Nintendo shifted the movie from its originally announced March 26, 2027 debut for production reasons.

The cast remains one of the most talked-about pieces of the project so far. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth is set to play Link, while Bo Bragason will take on the role of Zelda. That reveal gave fans their first real glimpse of the adaptation taking shape, even if Nintendo and Sony are still being extremely careful about what they are willing to show publicly. At this stage, the biggest question is no longer whether the movie is moving forward. It is what version of Hyrule these filmmakers are building behind the scenes.

That mystery is part of what has made the film so fascinating to follow. Nintendo has kept plot details tightly under wraps, which is hardly surprising given how protective the company has become with its biggest properties. Even so, the completed shoot suggests the marketing cycle may not be too far off. If the current schedule holds, fans will likely spend the next several months watching for first-look footage, costume reveals, and maybe the first strong hints about which era, themes, or visual influences this movie will pull from.

For now, the headline is simple. The Zelda movie is no longer just gearing up. It has finished filming, and the wait for the next real reveal has begun. After years of speculation about whether a live-action adaptation could ever happen, the project is now one step closer to reaching theaters.

The long-awaited live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda is officially headed to Netflix following its cinema and home media release. This means that after hitting theaters worldwide and later being available on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital platforms, the film will stream exclusively on Netflix as part of a new global content agreement.

The move represents a significant moment for both Nintendo and fans of the franchise, as The Legend of Zelda has rarely appeared outside of its video game origins in major film or TV formats. While streaming announcements have circulated online for years, this marks the first time the live-action movie’s distribution strategy has been confirmed in detail.

What the Netflix Deal Means

Netflix’s exclusive streaming rights come as part of a broad licensing deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment that covers a slate of major theatrical films. Under this arrangement, Netflix will become the primary streaming home for the Zelda movie after the film’s theatrical and physical media windows close.

This “Pay-1” licensing model means that audiences can expect the movie to debut in theaters first, followed by traditional retail and digital purchase options, and only then will it be available through Netflix’s subscriber library. The global rollout of the streaming exclusivity is expected to expand over time as regional licensing rights are finalized, with completion projected by early 2029.

The strategy allows the film to reach audiences across multiple formats while still giving Netflix a headline streaming property that aligns with its focus on expanding high-profile licensed content.

Release Timeline and Accessibility

The live-action Zelda movie is scheduled for a global theatrical release on May 7, 2027. This release date places the film squarely in the spring movie season, making it one of the first major pieces of Nintendo-related content to be adapted for live-action on the big screen in decades.

Following its time in theaters, fans will be able to purchase or rent the movie in standard and high-quality formats before it transitions to Netflix’s streaming catalog. This hybrid release plan gives collectors and home viewers flexibility in how they experience the adaptation.

What Fans Can Expect

Nintendo and Sony have been tight-lipped about the full details of the movie’s story and creative direction, but production progress and casting news have gradually filled in the picture. Principal photography began in late 2025 in New Zealand, where much of the film was shot before wrapping in early 2026.

The adaptation is understood to blend fantasy and cinematic spectacle with familiar characters from the beloved video game series, though official plot details remain under wraps. Fans are hopeful that the film will honor the spirit and tone of the original games while providing a fresh experience that can stand on its own.

A New Era for Zelda Storytelling

For many in the Zelda community, the prospect of seeing Link, Zelda, and other elements of Hyrule brought to life in a live-action format is thrilling and nerve-racking in equal measure. The decision to partner with Netflix for exclusive streaming after the theatrical window suggests confidence that the film will find a wide audience.

This distribution plan reflects broader changes in how major Hollywood properties are shared with fans. Rather than debuting only in theaters or premiere streaming drops, The Legend of Zelda movie’s staged release allows traditional cinema viewing first, followed by home ownership, and finally streaming accessibility for Netflix subscribers worldwide.

As anticipation builds toward 2027, Zelda enthusiasts will be watching closely for further updates on trailers, cast details, and story insights leading up to the film’s premiere and eventual streaming debut on Netflix.

The Legend of Zelda is officially heading to the big screen, and Nintendo has now given fans their first real look at the live-action versions of Link and Princess Zelda. Production on the film has begun, and the first set photos released through the Nintendo Today app have already sent the community into a frenzy.

First Look at Link and Zelda

Nintendo shared two images that show the film’s leads in outfits that strongly resemble their designs from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Link appears in a blue adventurer’s tunic with his bow drawn, while Zelda is seen in a layered outfit similar to her traveling gear from the 2017 game. These costumes line up closely with early reports that the movie would lean into the modern visual style of the series while still keeping iconic elements recognizable to fans.

Although Nintendo has not released a story synopsis yet, the outfits hint that the film may draw inspiration from the tone and world of Breath of the Wild. It remains unclear whether the plot will adapt the game directly or tell an original story within that era of Hyrule.

Leaks Surfaced Before the Official Reveal

The official photos follow a leaked video that circulated on social media over the weekend. The video appeared to show actor Ainsworth in a green tunic and wig while filming on location. The quality of the leaked shot was low, but it stirred up widespread discussion and excitement among fans who have been waiting for a hint of what the movie will look like.

Nintendo’s newly released images offer the clearest and most polished look so far, confirming the film’s grounded, high-fantasy direction.

What We Know About the Movie So Far

The project is being produced in partnership between Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Shigeru Miyamoto is serving as a producer alongside Avi Arad, who is known for his work on major comic and game adaptations. The film is directed by Wes Ball, the filmmaker behind Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Ball has previously expressed his admiration for Zelda and his desire to create a faithful cinematic world.

The movie is scheduled for release in 2027, which means there is still a long road ahead. Based on Nintendo’s approach with the Super Mario Bros. Movie, fans can likely expect a steady rollout of updates, trailers, and behind-the-scenes material over the coming years.

A New Era for The Legend of Zelda

This marks the first time Link and Zelda have appeared in a live-action adaptation produced directly by Nintendo. With filming now underway and the first official images available, the excitement surrounding this project continues to grow. Whether the film adapts a specific game or blends elements from across the series, it is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated video game movies in recent memory.

Zelda Central will continue to follow every update from production, including casting news, location details, and any additional footage or images as they become available.