It’s dangerous to go alone… but you won’t have to wait much longer. After years of whispers and anticipation, Nintendo and Sony have finally pulled back the curtain on their live-action Legend of Zelda movie, and the first official images of Link and Zelda are here to prove it. The photos, released on November 17, 2025, give us our first real glimpse into the world of Hyrule, and it’s everything fans have been dreaming of.
The reveal comes as production officially kicks off in New Zealand, a location known for its breathtaking landscapes that have brought other fantasy worlds to life. With a release date set for May 7, 2027, the journey to the big screen is still a long one, but these first images are more than enough to get the hype train rolling. So, grab your ocarina and let’s dive into everything we know about the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie.
A Glimpse into Hyrule: What the First Images Show
The first official images from the Legend of Zelda movie, shared via the Nintendo Today app, showcase our two heroes in a lush, green field that looks like it was pulled straight from the video games. In one shot, we see Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link, our iconic hero, sitting together in a field, with Zelda holding her signature bow. The costumes are a perfect blend of classic and modern, with Link sporting his iconic green tunic, reminiscent of his look in Twilight Princess, and both characters featuring their signature Hylian ears.
Caption: Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link in the first official images from the live-action Legend of Zelda movie. Credit: Nintendo/Sony Pictures Source: Deadline
The images confirm that the production is leaning into the natural beauty of New Zealand to create the magical land of Hyrule. The wide, sweeping landscapes seen in the background of the photos are sure to make for a visually stunning cinematic experience. While we have yet to see any of the more fantastical elements of Hyrule, this first look is a promising sign that the film is in good hands.
Who Are the New Link and Zelda?
Bringing these iconic characters to life are two rising stars. English actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth takes on the role of Link. Ainsworth is no stranger to major productions, having voiced Pinocchio in Disney’s live-action remake and appeared in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor and The Sandman. His experience in both voice acting and live-action roles makes him a perfect fit for a character who is famously a man of few words.
Playing the wise and powerful Princess Zelda is Bo Bragason. The English actress is known for her roles in the BBC series Three Girls and the Disney+ show Renegade Nell. She also starred in the vampire comedy The Radleys. Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary creator of The Legend of Zelda, expressed his excitement about the casting in a statement over the summer, saying, “I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen.”
While not yet officially confirmed, leaked set footage has also sparked rumors that Dichen Lachman, known for her role in Severance, will be playing Impa, Zelda’s loyal aide. If true, this would add another talented actor to an already impressive cast.
The Masterminds Behind the Camera
Bringing a beloved video game franchise like The Legend of Zelda to the big screen is no small task, but the creative team behind the film is more than up to the challenge. At the helm is director Wes Ball, known for his work on The Maze Runner trilogy and, more recently, Kingdom of ahe Planet of the Apes. Ball has a proven track record of directing action-packed, visually stunning films, making him an excellent choice to bring the world of Hyrule to life.
Caption: The live-action Legend of Zelda movie is filming in New Zealand’s lush landscapes. Credit: Nintendo/Sony Pictures via GamesRadar Source: GamesRadar
Producing the film are two industry giants: Shigeru Miyamoto, the creative genius behind Nintendo’s most iconic franchises, and Avi Arad, the former CEO of Marvel Studios who played a key role in launching the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With Miyamoto’s deep understanding of the source material and Arad’s experience in building successful film franchises, the Legend of Zelda movie is in very capable hands. The screenplay is being penned by T.S. Nowlin, who previously worked with Wes Ball on the Maze Runner films, taking over from Jurassic World writer Derek Connolly.
Is a Nintendo Cinematic Universe on the Horizon?
The Legend of Zelda movie is a clear sign that Nintendo is serious about expanding its presence in Hollywood. Following the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, the company is looking to build a “consistent release cadence” of video game movies. With a Super Mario Galaxy movie already announced for 2026, the Legend of Zelda movie is the next major step in Nintendo’s cinematic ambitions.
While it’s too early to say for sure, the possibility of a Nintendo Cinematic Universe is an exciting prospect for fans. With a rich library of characters and worlds to draw from, Nintendo has the potential to create a film franchise that could rival the likes of Marvel and DC. For now, however, the focus is on making the Legend of Zelda movie a success, and based on what we’ve seen so far, they’re on the right track.
What’s Next for the Legend of Zelda Movie?
With production now underway, fans can look forward to more news and reveals in the coming months. The film is currently scheduled to be released on May 7, 2027, a slight delay from its original March 2027 release date. In a statement, Miyamoto asked fans to “wait patiently and look forward to it.”
As filming continues in New Zealand, we can expect to see more glimpses of the cast and crew in action. And with a little bit of luck, we might even get a sneak peek at some of the other iconic characters and locations from the Legend of Zelda universe. For now, the first official images of Link and Zelda are more than enough to keep us excited for what’s to come.
Sources:
- https://deadline.com/2025/11/the-legend-of-zelda-movie-photos-production-live-action-1236620401/
- https://variety.com/2025/film/news/legend-of-zelda-movie-first-look-link-zelda-live-action-1236583595/
- https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-issues-first-official-the-legend-of-zelda-set-photos-showing-link-and-zelda-in-costume
