A short clip from the upcoming live-action Legend of Zelda movie has surfaced online, and it has already set the community buzzing. The footage, filmed outdoors in New Zealand, gives the first real glimpse at the film’s tone, costumes, and characters. Although it is raw on-set material with no soundtrack or special effects, fans are treating it as the biggest hint yet at how Nintendo and director Wes Ball plan to bring Hyrule to life.
What the Footage Shows
The leak focuses on Zelda walking through a dense forest in a blue adventurer’s outfit that closely resembles her look from Breath of the Wild. The costume includes a blue tunic, fitted pants, leather boots, fingerless gloves, and her recognizable double-braided hair. A brief moment shows her receiving a sword from an older white-haired woman who speaks to her in a stern, mentoring tone. Based on the character’s appearance and behavior, fans widely believe this is Impa.
Link appears briefly as well. His actor, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, is shown wearing a classic green tunic that feels closer to Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess than anything seen in the more recent games. In another shot he pulls a travel cloak over his outfit. Fans also believe they spotted Epona in the background, complete with a saddle featuring a Hylian Crest. Small details like pointed Hylian ears and traditional fabrics give the scene a grounded, faithful feel.
The overall tone is earnest and adventurous. Natural lighting, practical costumes, and quiet forest surroundings create a sense of grounded fantasy similar to The Lord of the Rings while still keeping the colorful charm associated with Zelda. Wes Ball has previously said he wants the movie to be serious and cool yet still fun and whimsical. Based on this footage, that seems to be the path he is taking.
Fan Reactions: Excitement and Cautious Optimism
Zelda fans wasted no time breaking down every second of the footage. Many praised the accuracy of Zelda’s outfit and Link’s traditional green tunic. Others were thrilled to see Impa seemingly included in the story, with many calling the suspected casting of Dichen Lachman a perfect fit.
Reaction videos, comment threads, and social posts have been overwhelmingly positive. Longtime fans said seeing Link and Zelda in live action made the project feel real for the first time. Even small touches like Zelda’s pointed ears drew applause from players who worried Hollywood might try to tone down the fantasy elements.
Not everyone is convinced, however. Some viewers remain unsure about the young cast, while others still wish the movie had been animated. A few lore-focused fans are worried about what story the film will attempt to tell, especially with the costumes hinting at Breath of the Wild influences. Still, even the skeptical crowd admits that the costumes and atmosphere feel right for a Zelda adaptation.
Is the Leak Legitimate?
All signs indicate the footage is authentic. The clips were recorded by bystanders near an outdoor filming location and shared on Instagram before spreading to Reddit and YouTube. Reputable gaming outlets have reported on the videos as real set material, and the costumes match both the official cast list and what Nintendo has confirmed about production in New Zealand.
Nintendo has not made any public statement, but several uploads of the clips have already been taken down, which is typical for active productions. Fans are saving copies quickly, expecting more removals. Although the companies behind the film have not confirmed anything officially, the general consensus is that the footage is genuine.
What This Means for Nintendo and the Movie
The leak has unintentionally kicked off the Zelda movie’s hype cycle months before Nintendo likely planned. While unauthorized leaks are never ideal for studios, the reaction from fans has been almost entirely positive. Many who were uncertain about a live-action Zelda are now cautiously excited after seeing how faithful the costumes and characters appear.
Nintendo will likely clamp down on future leaks by tightening security on set, but it would not be surprising if the company decides to release an official still or short teaser sooner than planned. The footage has already shaped expectations, especially with the possibility that the film will draw visual inspiration from Breath of the Wild.
For now, nothing is officially confirmed, and the clips technically remain rumor until Nintendo shows something themselves. Even so, the leaked scene has given fans a rare, early look at Hyrule’s first live-action adventure. Whether the studio chooses to address the leak or stay silent, the conversation is already in full swing. The Legend of Zelda movie is now one of the most talked-about upcoming adaptations, and the world will be watching to see how Nintendo responds.
