Nintendo has officially started production on the live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, with filming underway in natural outdoor locations. The movie, produced by Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad, stars Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Zelda. It is scheduled for theatrical release on May 7, 2027.
Production Announcement
On November 17, 2025, Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of The Legend of Zelda, shared an update via Nintendo's official X account, confirming that filming has commenced. "This is Miyamoto. We have officially begun filming the live-action movie adaptation of ‘The Legend of Zelda’ in the magnificent great outdoors, together with Bo Bragason, who plays Zelda, and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, who plays Link," the statement read. "The filming is progressing smoothly, so I would appreciate it if you could quietly watch over us. The theatrical release is scheduled for May 7, 2027. Please wait just a little longer."
The project was first announced in November 2023, with Miyamoto noting his long-term collaboration with producer Avi Arad, known for the successful Uncharted film that grossed $407 million worldwide. Nintendo is heavily involved in the production.
Cast Details
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth takes on the role of the iconic hero Link. Ainsworth previously voiced Pinocchio in Disney's 2022 live-action remake and played Miles Wingrave in Netflix's The Haunting of Bly Manor. Bo Bragason portrays Princess Zelda and has appeared in the Disney+ series Renegade Nell.
Background on Nintendo Adaptations
This marks another live-action venture for Nintendo following the success of previous films. Detective Pikachu, released in 2019 and starring Ryan Reynolds, earned $433 million at the box office. The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023, featuring Chris Pratt and Jack Black, surpassed $1 billion and ranks among the top 20 highest-grossing films ever.
The Legend of Zelda movie continues Hollywood's trend of adapting popular video game franchises, building on the momentum from these hits.