Nintendo has finally set the wheels in motion for its long-awaited live-action film based on ‘The Legend of Zelda’. After years of fan hopes and online speculation, the studio has officially begun production and the first character photos are already out. The film is locked in for a worldwide theatrical release on May 7, 2027.
The announcement came directly from Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary Japanese creator behind the original game. Using Nintendo’s official account on X, Miyamoto surprised fans by sharing a pair of stills that show Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link. Both are standing in a rich green landscape that looks like it could easily be a corner of Hyrule.
In a translated message, Miyamoto wrote that filming has officially started “in the magnificent great outdoors” and added that the crew is off to a smooth start. He also asked fans to “quietly watch over us” while they continue work on the project.
The movie is being directed by Wes Ball, whose earlier work includes ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’. Miyamoto himself is producing the film along with Avi Arad, the veteran producer known for his work on major superhero titles.
宮本です。素晴らしい大自然で、ゼルダ役のBo Bragasonさん、リンク役のBenjamin Evan Ainsworthさんとともに「ゼルダの伝説」実写映画の撮影を本格的に開始しました。撮影は順調に進んでいますので静かに見守っていただけると幸いです。劇場公開は2027年5月7日予定です。もうしばらくお待ちください。 pic.x.com/DbSAWWcCpC
— 任天堂株式会社 (@Nintendo) November 17, 2025
Bo Bragason, the actress stepping into the shoes of Princess Zelda, may be new to many fans, but her resume is already impressive. She has appeared in ‘Censor’, a Sundance-screened horror film by Prano Bailey-Bond, and ‘The Radleys’ from Euros Lyn. She has also been part of the series ‘Renegade Nell’.
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According to reports, Bragason will soon appear in Megan Park’s upcoming young-adult drama series ‘Sterling Point’.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, who plays Link, has built a solid career at a young age. Audiences may recognise him from Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Pinocchio’, the Netflix series ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’, and the film ‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’. His casting as the brave, silent hero has sparked excitement among fans who have grown up with the character.
The movie is based on the iconic video-game franchise created by Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka in 1986. For nearly four decades, ‘The Legend of Zelda’ has remained one of the most beloved series by Nintendo.
The story follows Link who is an elf-like warrior protecting the kingdom of Hyrule. It also has Princess Zelda who holds ancient wisdom and magical strength. Together they battle the evil demon king Ganon. He is a once-mortal warlord seeking to plunge their world into darkness.
The franchise has sold more than 150 million units across multiple consoles and generations. One of its biggest hits ‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’, released in 1998 is still among the greatest video games.