Nintendo has officially revealed the lead cast and release date for its highly anticipated live-action film adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. The announcement, made on July 17, 2025, by legendary game designer and Nintendo executive Shigeru Miyamoto, confirms that the beloved fantasy video game franchise will hit the big screen on May 7, 2027.
British Talent Takes the Lead as Link and Zelda
The film will star two rising British actors in the iconic roles of Link and Princess Zelda.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, 16, will portray the silent, sword-wielding hero Link. Ainsworth is best known for voicing the titular character in Disney’s Pinocchio (2022) and for his roles in The Haunting of Bly Manor, Son of a Critch, and Flora & Ulysses.
Opposite him, Bo Bragason, 21, will step into the role of Princess Zelda. Bragason has received acclaim for her performances in Disney+’s Renegade Nell, BBC One’s The Jetty and Three Girls, as well as in horror films like Censor and The Radleys.
Miyamoto expressed his excitement in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen.”
A First for the Zelda Franchise on Film
This adaptation marks the first-ever live-action film based on The Legend of Zelda, despite the franchise’s long-standing popularity and a brief animated series in 1989. The original video game launched in 1986 and introduced players to the mystical land of Hyrule, where Princess Zelda and the elf-like hero Link fight to save the kingdom from the demon king Ganon.
Over the years, the franchise has become one of Nintendo’s flagship properties, selling over 150 million copies across multiple consoles. It is known for its rich lore, atmospheric world-building, and silent protagonist, Link—though fans are speculating that he may finally speak in the upcoming film.
The Creative Team Behind the Adventure
The film will be directed by Wes Ball, who previously helmed The Maze Runner trilogy and the 2024 hit Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Ball has shared his passion for the project, telling Total Film, “I want it to be a serious movie… a real movie that can give people an escape. Something serious and cool, but fun and whimsical.”
The script was initially drafted by Jurassic World writer Derek Connolly, but has since been rewritten by T.S. Nowlin, Ball’s frequent collaborator.
Producing the film are Shigeru Miyamoto, the co-creator of the Zelda franchise, and Avi Arad, founder and former CEO of Marvel Studios. Arad’s past producing credits include Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Into the Spider-Verse.
Nintendo and Sony Join Forces
This ambitious adaptation is a collaboration between Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment, with Sony co-financing and distributing the movie globally. The film was first announced in 2023, and although its initial release date was set for March 26, 2027, it was later moved to May 7, 2027.
Interestingly, that release date was originally held by Avengers: Secret Wars, which has since been delayed to December 2027, giving The Legend of Zelda a clear path to dominate the summer box office.
Can Zelda Break the Video Game Curse?
Historically, video game adaptations have struggled to win over both critics and fans. Titles like Resident Evil, Tomb Raider, and Mortal Kombat have seen mixed success. However, recent hits like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Sonic the Hedgehog, Uncharted, A Minecraft Movie, and HBO’s The Last of Us have helped change public perception.
Given Zelda’s loyal fanbase, star power, and experienced creative team, expectations are high. The decision to give Zelda more screen time and potentially make Link a speaking character shows that this adaptation aims to expand the story beyond the traditional game mechanics.
The Legend of Zelda will arrive in theaters May 7, 2027—promising fans a live-action journey into Hyrule that blends epic fantasy, heartfelt storytelling, and cinematic spectacle.
