The Legend of Zelda – Movie Preview

2027 is going to be truly epic: "The Legend of Zelda" is coming to the big screen – one of the most well-known and loved video game series of all time. By then, the franchise will be over 40 years old – and will have thrilled millions of players around the world. Many generations have grown up with the adventures of Link and Princess Zelda, solving puzzles, exploring dungeons, and falling in love with the magical world of Hyrule.

Now, Nintendo is partnering with Sony Pictures to bring the epic saga to the big screen – and expectations couldn't be higher. After all, one question has been on fans' minds for many years: Is it even possible to capture the magic of the games in a movie? We bring you all the known details about the project – the cast, the team behind the scenes, and the filmmakers' grand plans – in this article. Will "The Legend of Zelda" become a timeless masterpiece – or one of the biggest flops in film history? Here is our big movie preview!

A Look Behind the Scenes

The quality of the "Zelda" movie will naturally hinge on the people behind the camera. At the helm is director Wes Ball. He is best known for the "Maze Runner" trilogy. So he already has experience with fantasy adventures featuring young heroes. His most recent movie was "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" – meaning he is also familiar with state-of-the-art CGI productions, epic action, and emotionally deep characters. Excellent conditions for a live-action adaptation of "The Legend of Zelda"!

The screenplay is written by Derek Connolly. He was behind the first two "Jurassic World" movies, wrote the big flop "Monster Trucks", but also the fan favorite "Detective Pikachu". Especially the "Pokémon" film gives hope that at least the story will take the game's source material seriously. Many failed game adaptations in recent years have shown that if you stray too far from the original, you have already lost. And Nintendo, in particular, will attach great importance to preserving the spirit of the "Zelda" games, much like they did with "The Super Mario Bros. Movie".

The producer is Avi Arad, former CEO of Marvel Studios and responsible for numerous superhero films, such as "Spider-Man". Arad therefore brings enormous experience in building franchises.

The Music by Koji Kondo

Intrinsically linked to the "Zelda" games is, of course, the fantastic soundtrack by Koji Kondo, who was also responsible for the music of the "Super Mario" games. So far, no composer has been announced for the "Zelda" film score. However, we strongly believe that Kondo will be involved as a consultant, as he was with "The Super Mario Bros. Movie". And we would bet any money that we will hear one or two iconic tunes in a modern form.

Link and Zelda: The Iconic Roles Are Cast

Perhaps the most important aspect of a film adaptation of "The Legend of Zelda" is the casting of the lead roles. Which actors can authentically portray Link and Princess Zelda?

There was wild speculation for months, with Hunter Schafer being one of the most hotly debated choices to play Zelda. Many fans saw the "Euphoria" actress as the perfect candidate, because her striking facial features and expressive presence closely resemble the game character.

But it turns out that Zelda will actually be played by British actress Bo Bragason. The 21-year-old is still waiting for her big break – and this movie could be it. You might have seen her recently as Roxy Jackson in the Disney show "Renegade Nell".

The role of the hero, Link, will be played by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth. He is also from the UK and just 16 years old. So far, he has mainly gained attention for his role in the Netflix series "The Haunting of Bly Manor". One thing about his portrayal will be especially interesting: in almost all "Zelda" games, the main character is silent. This is meant to help players identify more easily with Link. But while this works as a playful touch in the games, it would certainly feel quite odd in a feature film. And as much as we would find it refreshing for Link to remain a silent character on the big screen as well, it is very likely the movie will deviate from the games in this regard.

"The Legend of Zelda" creator Shigeru Miyamoto has already praised both actors, emphasizing that they will breathe new life into the characters and authentically embody the iconic heroes. It was certainly a smart move to cast newcomers in this case: for many viewers, the actors are still unknown quantities. This makes it easier for them to be perceived as the true versions of the well-known game characters. It is a good sign that those responsible prefer an authentic experience over big stars. But who knows: some established actors might still appear in the numerous supporting roles. And so far, it is not yet known who will play the big "Zelda" villain Ganondorf – provided the filmmakers decide to include this classic antagonist in the film.

The Possible Beginning of an Epic Zelda Saga

The film will be shot in New Zealand. After all, what was good enough for "The Lord of the Rings" surely can't be a bad choice for "The Legend of Zelda". The creators emphasize that, despite the inevitable use of CGI, huge sets and practical effects will also be of great importance. From the idyllic Kokiri Forest to the majestic Hyrule Castle, all the way to the dark depths of the Shadow Temple – the movie aims to depict the world of Hyrule with such attention to detail that fans will instantly feel at home.

Given the success of fantasy series like "The Lord of the Rings" and "Game of Thrones", there is a good chance that "The Legend of Zelda" won't be just a one-off event on the big screen, but rather the beginning of a long-running film series. Industry insider Daniel Richtman has already hinted on his blog that Nintendo is apparently planning an entire trilogy. However, this has not been officially confirmed as of yet.

New Interpretations of Hyrule

One big question has been on our minds since the announcement: What will the story be based on? Will it follow a specific game – for example, "Ocarina of Time", a favorite among many fans? So far, nothing concrete has been revealed about the plot of the film adaptation. However, we believe it will be a fresh, original story. And we have a very specific reason for thinking so.

A defining feature of the "Zelda" series is that it has used the same characters, locations, and symbols for decades – yet continues to reinterpret them in new and creative ways. Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf return in almost every game, but they are never exactly the same. Sometimes Ganondorf is a powerful warlord, as in "Ocarina of Time"; other times, he appears as a demonic entity, like in "Twilight Princess". Familiar locations also change: in "Breath of the Wild", Hyrule Castle stands as a ruined structure, while in "The Wind Waker", it is literally hidden beneath the waves.

It is precisely this variety that makes "The Legend of Zelda" so unique – and it fits perfectly with the medium of film. Because here, too, the goal is not to retell a game world one-to-one, but to create a new interpretation of the same myths. This means the upcoming movie can include familiar elements like the Master Sword, the Kokiri Forest, or Zelda's royal heritage – but present them in its own distinctive, cinematic way. That's exactly what makes the series so magical: recognizing the familiar while still being surprised.

In the end, we think it won't be a matter of whether a costume or an actor looks exactly like in a particular game. What connects the games is a certain feeling, a special atmosphere. The promise of adventure, with both silly situations and touching moments, as well as epic battles. As long as the film can deliver that, it will do justice to the legacy of the source material.

The Theatrical Release of the Zelda Movie

Filming is scheduled to begin in November of this year and continue until April 2026. However, it will still be some time before we finally get to see Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf in live-action form: "The Legend of Zelda" is set to hit theaters on May 7, 2027.

A wait of almost two years may seem long, but for a project of this scale, it is not unusual. The special effects require hundreds of artists, and the sets are expected to be huge. The team is also working closely with Nintendo to ensure that no details are lost. We are definitely excited, and we cannot wait to see the first images from the production! Of course, we will share them with you immediately via the KinoCheck app!