Since the official announcement of the The Legend of Zelda movie in 2023, there’s been a flurry of exciting news!
Quick Facts
- The live-action adaptation was revealed in November 2023.
- Updates regarding the cast and release date have surfaced.
- Wes Ball, known for directing The Maze Runner series, will guide this beloved game to film.
So, here’s the deal: The Legend of Zelda is making its way from the world of Hyrule to the silver screen!
Almost 40 years ago, in February 1986, the first Zelda game launched. Since then, characters like Link and Princess Zelda have become iconic, turning this franchise into one of the best-selling video games ever.
With the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in April 2023, it was only a matter of time before Nintendo decided to adapt The Legend of Zelda. A press release in November confirmed that a live-action movie was in the works, thanks to a partnership between Nintendo and Sony.
After over two years post-announcement, we now have juicy details about the adaptation, especially regarding the film’s release and who’s playing our favorite characters.
Which Game Will be Adapted?
It’s still a mystery whether the movie will draw from a specific game in the franchise or whether it’ll weave together the overarching story of Link’s quest to rescue Princess Zelda and fend off Ganon, the evil sorcerer.
Exciting sneak peeks of the film were released in November 2025, showcasing Bo Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link—both styles harking back to the Breath of the Wild video game.
слухи, Zeldas’s costume seems to echo her look from that game, based on insights from a Collider article.
What’s the Release Date?
Mark your calendars! The Legend of Zelda is set to hit theaters on May 7, 2027.
Initially, it was scheduled for a March 26, 2027 release but got pushed back due to “production reasons.” Co-creator of the franchise, Shigeru Miyamoto, confirmed this in a June 2025 tweet.
Miyamoto shared, “It’ll take a little longer than originally announced. We’re using this extra time to ensure we deliver the best film possible. Thanks for your understanding!”
Meet the Cast
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will be taking on the role of Link, and Bo Bragason will portray Princess Zelda. Their casting was officially known in July 2025.
Ainsworth gained popularity for his role as Miles in The Haunting of Bly Manor and voiced Pinocchio in Disney’s live-action remake. Recently, he’s starred alongside Bryan Cranston in the 2025 film, Everything’s Going to Be Great.
On the other hand, Bragason starred in Disney+’s series Renegade Nell and portrayed a character in The Radleys, all in 2024.
”Having minimal formal acting training, I feel like I’m learning so much from my co-stars just by being present on set,” Bragason shared during her appearance on the Deepest Dream podcast.
Miyamoto expressed his anticipation about Ainsworth and Bragason shining on the big screen in his announcement shared in July 2025 here.
Filming Locations
The movie is currently being filmed in Wellington, New Zealand, as reported by Nerdist.
NZ’s visually stunning landscapes set the stage for other major fantasy films like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Chronicles of Narnia.
Who’s Holding the Director’s Chair?
The reins of The Legend of Zelda are in the hands of Wes Ball, famed for directing the action-packed The Maze Runner series and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes in 2024.
Ball described the opportunity to adapt Zelda as a “dream come true” during interviews with GamesRadar+ and Inside Total Film podcast, stating, “I grew up with these games and the chance to bring it to life is just surreal.”
“My motivation is to create a serious and meaningful film, while also maintaining all the fun and whimsy of the franchise,” he said. “It’s essential that it feels genuine and resonates with fans.”
Where to Watch It?
You’ll be able to catch The Legend of Zelda in theaters once it releases.
Original article available on People.
