The first glimpses of the live-action Legend of Zelda movie cast have surfaced online, featuring young actors Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link. Captured during production in New Zealand, the clips reveal the actors in costume on set. The film, announced earlier this year, is slated for a 2027 release.
Production Underway
Production on the live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda began last week, with filming taking place in Wellington, New Zealand—the same location used for Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. This choice of venue adds a layer of cinematic prestige to the project, leveraging the region's expertise in handling large-scale fantasy productions.
Cast Reveal and Leaked Clips
Earlier this year, Nintendo and Sony Pictures announced that 12-year-old Bo Bragason would portray Princess Zelda, while 13-year-old Benjamin Evan Ainsworth takes on the role of the heroic Link. The leaked footage, shared via social media, includes a video showing Bragason in action as Zelda, though audio is unclear. A separate snippet captures Ainsworth in Link's iconic green outfit, providing fans with their first visual confirmation of the casting in motion.
The clips, posted with excitement on platforms like Twitter (now X), have generated buzz among Zelda enthusiasts. As one user exclaimed, "FIRST FOOTAGE OF THE ZELDA MOVIE BEING FILMED OMG OMG."
Release and Context
Directed by Wes Ball and produced by Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad, the movie aims to bring the beloved Nintendo franchise to the big screen. No official plot details have been released, but the 2027 target date allows ample time for post-production. This leak marks an early milestone, though Nintendo has not commented on the footage's authenticity.
The project follows successful video game adaptations like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, raising expectations for how it will capture the essence of Hyrule's adventure.