Nintendo has officially released the first photos from the upcoming live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, produced by Sony Pictures. The highly anticipated film is set to hit theaters on May 7, 2027. Shared on X (formerly Twitter), these images offer fans their first glimpse of the live-action versions of Link and Princess Zelda, portrayed by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (known for The Haunting of Bly Manor) and Bo Bragason (from Renegade Nell), respectively. Currently, the studio has not announced the full cast or provided a detailed plot summary.
Development on the movie began in November 2023. Directed by Wes Ball, the filmmaker behind The Maze Runner series, the project is being produced by Ball and Joe Hartwick Jr. for Oddball Entertainment. The screenplay is a collaboration between Derek Connolly and T.S. Nowlin. The film is a joint venture, co-financed by Sony Pictures and Nintendo, with legendary game creator Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad serving as producers.
In a statement upon the film’s announcement, Miyamoto expressed his excitement: “This is Miyamoto. I have been working on the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda for many years now with Avi Arad-san, who has produced many mega hit films. I asked Avi-san to produce this film with me, and we have now officially started development, with Nintendo heavily involved. It will take some time to complete, but I hope fans look forward to seeing it.”
The original Legend of Zelda series was co-created by Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka in 1986. The franchise follows the adventures of a young elf named Link and Princess Zelda as they unite to save the kingdom of Hyrule from the evil warlord Ganon. Over the years, the series has expanded to include 20 additional installments and spin-offs, including the upcoming 2024 release, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.
