While the live-action film adaptation of The Legend of Zelda has kicked off production, Nintendo has released the first few photos to showcase what it will look like. The photos, which can be checked out over at IGN, give us our first official look at Zelda – played by Bo Bragason – and Link – played by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth – in full costume.
For the time being, Nintendo hasn’t revealed any other character or actor involved in the live action movie The Legend of Zelda. Rumours, however, have indicated that Dichen Lachman of Severance fame has also been cast in the movie, taking on the role of Zelda’s trusty aide Impa.
Nintendo had confirmed that Bragason and Ainsworth would be playing Zelda and Link respectively through a social media post from back in July. The post, made by The Legend of Zelda creator Shiegru Miyamoto, who also went on to reaffirm the May 7, 2027 theatrical release date for the film.
“This is Miyamoto. 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,” wrote Miyamoto on social media. “I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen. The film is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 7, 2027. Thank you for your patience.”
On the production side of things, directorial duties on The Legend of Zelda are being handled by Wes Bell, with Miyamoto taking on the producer role. Bell has previously worked on a host of successful major films, including the Maze Runner trilogy as well as Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
The movie was first confirmed back in November 2023, where it was revealed that Nintendo was working with Sony Pictures for the adaptation. As part of the deal, Sony Pictures is taking on most of the production work, while Nintendo will be handling the production of video content for the movie itself.
There has been little in the way of details revealed for The Legend of Zelda, but rumours from back in April have indicated that the film is slated to be the first as part of a planned trilogy. A narrative summary of the film was also revealed, which confirmed that it would cover all the major story beats that The Legend of Zelda games are typically known for, like Ganon being the main antagonist, the presence of the Triforce, and Link needing to solve intricate puzzles and explore treacherous dungeons to find sacred artifacts that can help him.
“The Legend of Zelda follows Link, a young warrior destined to protect the magical kingdom of Hyrule from the forces of darkness,” reads the summary. “The land is under threat from Ganon, a ruthless warlord who seeks the Triforce—an ancient relic said to grant limitless power. To stop him, Link must embark on a perilous journey, battling monstrous creatures, exploring treacherous dungeons, and solving intricate puzzles to uncover sacred artifacts that can aid him in his quest.”
