Nintendo has unveiled the first official photos for its highly anticipated live-action movie, The Legend of Zelda. The three images, released through the Nintendo Today app, showcase Bo Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link.
Production Details
The live-action adaptation began filming in New Zealand earlier this month. This comes several months after Nintendo and Arad Productions announced the movie’s cast. The film is slated for a release on May 7, 2027.
Direction and Inspiration
Wes Ball, known for directing the Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, will helm this project. Ball has expressed his intention to create a film that is serious yet whimsical, drawing inspiration from the works of Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki.
Franchise Expansion
Reports suggest that The Legend of Zelda might be part of a larger trilogy. Production insiders indicate that the primary cast will be contracted for three films over six years. Nintendo seems committed to a sustained cinematic presence following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Nintendo’s Movie Strategy
Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, highlighted the company’s strategy for regular movie releases. During a recent presentation, he outlined plans for upcoming films, including:
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026)
- The Legend of Zelda (2027)
The presentation also hinted at more films to be announced. Furukawa stated that Nintendo aims to reduce the time gaps between film releases.
Looking Ahead
As anticipation builds for The Legend of Zelda live-action movie, fans eagerly await more updates. With a focus on engaging storytelling and beloved characters, this film promises to extend the reach of Nintendo’s rich gaming universe into cinema.
