Sony Pictures and Nintendo's live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda is building out its cast as production continues in New Zealand. The film, directed by Wes Ball (The Maze Runner, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), is officially set for release on April 30, 2027, according to Polygon, though Eurogamer's report referenced an earlier expected release timeline of 2026 before the date shifted.
Nintendo has officially confirmed two lead roles: 17-year-old Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link, known for The Haunting of Bly Manor, the Pinocchio remake, and House of the Dragon season 3, and 22-year-old Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda, known for Renegade Nell, Sterling Point, and King & Conqueror.
Additional casting has emerged through unofficial channels and reporting from Deadline. Uli Latukefu, an Australian actor recognized for playing a young Dwayne Johnson in Young Rock, has reportedly been cast as the villain Ganondorf. Polygon also lists his credits as including Marco Polo, while Eurogamer instead cites his work in Black Adam, Next Goal Wins, and MaXXXine, showing some disagreement between outlets on his background.
Dichen Lachman, known for Severance and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., has reportedly been cast as Impa, Zelda's bodyguard, a role that was suggested by set photos before being confirmed by Deadline. Lydia Peckham, who previously worked with director Wes Ball on Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is also reported to be joining the film in an unidentified role.
Perhaps the most notable casting report involves the late Sam Neill, best known for Jurassic Park and Event Horizon, who reportedly will play the King of Hyrule, Zelda's father. Neill died on July 13 at age 78, and if the report is accurate, it would be one of his final screen performances. Eurogamer noted that Deadline's report on Neill's casting could not be corroborated with his former representatives or with Sony. Yvonne Strahovski, known for The Handmaid's Tale, is also reportedly cast as the Queen of Hyrule, Zelda's mother.
The film stems from a 2023 announcement of the Sony-Nintendo partnership, with Zelda co-creator Shigeru Miyamoto and producer Avi Arad attached to the project. Ball has said he wants his take on the franchise to feel grounded and real rather than relying heavily on motion-captured computer graphics.