Live-Action Zelda Movie Starts Filming Ahead of 2027 Release
So if you’ve been wondering whether Nintendo’s live-action Legend of Zelda movie was actually happening or just stuck in development limbo, here’s your answer: it’s officially in production. Cameras are rolling in Wellington, New Zealand, and the kingdom of Hyrule is about to get the full fantasy blockbuster treatment. Think sweeping landscapes, moody dungeons, and hopefully zero blue filters.
When Did Filming Start?
According to updated listings from the Film & Television Industry Alliance, production began on November 4, 2025, and is expected to run through April 7, 2026. That’s a solid five-month shoot, which tracks for a fantasy epic with practical sets, creature effects, and whatever Nintendo’s version of Ganon ends up looking like.
The filming location? Wellington, New Zealand—the same cinematic playground that gave us The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Chronicles of Narnia. If you’re going to build Hyrule, this is the place to do it.
Who’s Involved?
The cast so far includes:
- Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda
- Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link
Behind the camera, we’ve got:
- Wes Ball (Maze Runner, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) directing
- Derek Connolly (Jurassic World, Detective Pikachu) writing the screenplay
- Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad producing
Sony Pictures is co-financing and handling distribution, which means this won’t be a niche release—it’s aiming for global box office dominance.
What’s the Plot?
While Nintendo hasn’t confirmed a specific game adaptation (OG Zelda, Ocarina of Time, etc.), the current synopsis reads like a greatest hits mashup:
“The Legend of Zelda follows Link, a young warrior destined to protect the magical kingdom of Hyrule from the forces of darkness. The land is under threat from Ganon, a ruthless warlord who seeks the Triforce—an ancient relic said to grant limitless power. To stop him, Link must embark on a perilous journey, battling monstrous creatures, exploring treacherous dungeons, and solving intricate puzzles to uncover sacred artifacts that can aid him in his quest.”
So yeah—classic Zelda. No word yet on whether we’ll see specific game references like the Master Sword, Sheikah tech, or the Koroks. But the bones are there.
When Is the Zelda Movie Coming Out?
The current release date is May 7, 2027, which gives the team plenty of time for post-production, marketing, and maybe a teaser drop around the franchise’s 40th anniversary in early 2026. That’s speculation, but it would line up with how Nintendo teased The Super Mario Galaxy Movie during Mario’s anniversary.
Final Word: Zelda’s Big-Screen Journey Begins
This isn’t just a fan wish anymore—it’s happening. With filming underway and a stacked creative team behind it, the Legend of Zelda movie is poised to be Nintendo’s next cinematic tentpole. Whether it leans whimsical, gritty, or somewhere in between, one thing’s clear: Hyrule is going live-action, and the stakes are high.
