Nintendo has officially entered a new era of cinematic world-building as filming begins on the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. Set to hit theaters on May 7th, 2027, the film is already making waves after Nintendo unveiled the first production stills on its Nintendo Today! app and across social media — offering fans their long-awaited first look at Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link. And the costumes? They’re sparking immediate excitement.
Bragason’s Zelda is seen wearing a blue ensemble reminiscent of her modern, adventurous look in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, while Ainsworth’s Link dons a darker, more classic green tunic — a nostalgic nod to the series’ foundational aesthetic. It’s a deliberate marriage of eras, bridging longtime fans’ expectations with the franchise’s contemporary evolution.
While Nintendo is keeping the film’s storyline under lock and key, the secrecy only fuels speculation. With Zelda’s famously intricate timelines and multiple reincarnations of its iconic heroes, any attempt to predict the plot feels like a fool’s errand. And honestly, that’s part of the thrill.
A Tri-Force Of Power Behind The Scenes
First announced in November 2023, the live-action Zelda film is being produced by none other than Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary creator behind the franchise, alongside Hollywood powerhouse Avi Arad, known for major superhero and video game adaptations. At the helm is director Wes Ball, whose work on The Maze Runner series and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes has affirmed his knack for large-scale, visually immersive storytelling.
Originally slated for a March 26th, 2027 release, the film was pushed to May 7th, 2027, giving the production team more time to craft a world that lives up to one of gaming’s most treasured universes. The only officially confirmed cast members so far are Bragason and Ainsworth. But given the scope of Hyrule and its many beloved characters, fans should expect many more announcements in the months ahead.
Nintendo’s Expanding Cinematic Universe
Nintendo’s renewed push into film comes on the heels of the record-breaking success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which dominated the global box office with over $1.3 billion earned worldwide. Now, its sequel — The Super Mario Galaxy Movie — is already stirring hype with its first trailer debut, featuring new cast members Brie Larson as Rosalina and Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr.
With Zelda now in active production, it’s clear that Nintendo is shaping a robust, interconnected future in filmmaking — one rooted in prestige, fan loyalty, and the power of its iconic franchises.
The Journey To Hyrule Begins
As filming unfolds in the coming months, anticipation for The Legend of Zelda will only grow. The first stills have already ignited discussions across fan communities, and the carefully curated blend of nostalgia and fresh adaptation hints at a film aiming for cultural impact, not just box office success.
With a powerhouse creative team, an inspired cast, and the legacy of one of gaming’s most beloved sagas behind it, this upcoming adaptation may very well become Nintendo’s most ambitious cinematic quest yet. Nonetheless, the gates of Hyrule open May 7th, 2027 and fans are more than ready for the adventure.