The Legend of Zelda Live-Action Film: Full Cast, Confirmed Release Date & Production Details

Caveat on role confirmation: The exact characters for Yvonne Strahovski (reported as a queen), Sam Neill, and Lydia Peckham have not been officially detailed by Nintendo or Sony. Their involvement is confirmed in the cast, but the specific roles remain unannounced .

Casting Details and Reactions

The lead casting of Link and Zelda was announced by Shigeru Miyamoto himself on July 16, 2025, via Nintendo's official X account. "I am pleased to announce that for the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda, Zelda will be played by Bo Bragason-san, and Link by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth-san. I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen," Miyamoto wrote .

For Ganondorf, Deadline reported on August 6, 2026, that Australian actor Uli Latukefu (Young Rock, Alien: Covenant) has been cast as the franchise's iconic villain. The report also indicated Latukefu signed a multi-picture deal, suggesting Nintendo and Sony plan for sequels . The New York Times' Kyle Buchanan originally broke the news .

Lydia Peckham (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) joined the cast in an undisclosed role, reuniting her with director Wes Ball . Sources told Deadline she has a part in the film, though studio representatives declined to comment .

Release Date: April 30, 2027

The film's release date has shifted twice. Originally set for March 26, 2027, it was first pushed to May 7, 2027 . Then, on May 13, 2026, Shigeru Miyamoto announced the worldwide release date had been moved up one week to April 30, 2027 — aligning with Japan's Golden Week holiday .

"This is Miyamoto. I would like to let you know that the worldwide theatrical release date for the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda has been moved up to April 30, 2027, from May 7. The team is working hard to deliver the film to everyone as soon as possible." — Shigeru Miyamoto, May 13, 2026

Production Details

• Director: Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Maze Runner series)
• Studios: Nintendo and Sony Pictures co-producing
• Principal photography: Began in November 2025 in New Zealand . Filming wrapped around April 2026 after approximately six months of production . The movie was shot entirely in New Zealand, with leaked set videos revealing locations .
• First-look images: First official photos of Link and Zelda were released via the Nintendo Today app in November 2025 .
• Multi-film plans: Latukefu's deal is for multiple films, strongly suggesting planned sequels .

What We Still Don't Know

While the cast is taking shape, several key details remain under wraps. The plot of the film has not been officially revealed. Specific roles for Lydia Peckham, Yvonne Strahovski, and Sam Neill are undisclosed . It is also unclear how closely the film will adapt any specific Zelda game or if it will tell an original story within the franchise's lore.