It’s a moment fans have been waiting for for a long time: Nintendo has lifted the veil on its film The Legend of Zelda. On its Nintendo Today application, the Japanese company published several images from the filming, showing Benjamin Evan Ainsworth in the role of Link and Bo Bragason in Zelda’s.
The photos, much commented on on social networks, present Link in a dark green tunic, close to that of Twilight Princessand Zelda in a blue dress evoking Breath of the Wild. The lush settings are reminiscent of the vast landscapes of Hyrule, although they were filmed in New Zealandas confirmed by the first leaks shared the previous weekend. Filming is officially underway, and Nintendo has clarified that everything is progressing as planned.
A confirmed cast and a high-level production team
Besides the main duo, speculation is rife regarding the other members of the cast. A silhouette seen on the unofficial videos of the filming makes one think of Dichen Lachman (Succession, Altered Carbon), which fans suspect of embodying ImpaZelda’s faithful protector. But no other names have been confirmed yet.
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Behind the camera, the project brings together major figures. Shigeru Miyamotoiconic creator of the franchise, co-produced the film alongsideAvi Aradformer CEO of Marvel Studios. The implementation is entrusted to Wes Ball (Planet of the Apes: The Kingdom), and the scenario to Derek Connollywho has already worked on Jurassic World.
In a post released by Nintendo, Miyamoto said:
“The filming of the film in real shots of The Legend of Zelda began in a lush natural setting, with Bo Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link. Filming is on schedule for a theatrical release on May 7, 2027.”
A fixed release date and a strong cinema strategy
Nintendo confirmed that the release of the film was scheduled for May 7, 2027. This date, first announced at the end of 2023, was recalled in the official press release, at the same time as Nintendo’s desire to offer regular cinematographic adaptations.
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The movie Zelda is part of a new strategy initiated after the colossal success of the film Super Mariowhich grossed over $1 billion at the worldwide box office. This ambition is also materialized with the project Super Mario Galaxy, the movieplanned for April 3, 2026in which Brie Larson will lend her voice to Rosalina, alongside Bennie Safdie in Bowser Jr. With these productions, Nintendo seeks to make its licenses pillars of family cinema, as they have become Harry Potter Or Marvel.
A colossal adaptation challenge for a cult saga
Adapt The Legend of Zelda in cinema represents a particular challenge. Unlike Mariowhere the humor and colorful universe lend themselves naturally to an animated adaptation, Zelda rests on a more delicate balance: between fantasy epic, dark adventure and the silence of the hero.
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Link, traditionally mute in games, will have to speak here. How can we transcribe the narrative richness of the saga without betraying the spirit of the game? Nintendo seems to be banking on faithful visual respect and a serious approach to its mythical universe.
The first images demonstrate the particular care given to the sets, costumes and artistic direction. Expectations are immense, and if the film succeeds in convincing, it could well redefine the relationship between video games and cinema.