Just weeks after grainy, unofficial drone footage from New Zealand’s South Island set the internet ablaze with glimpses of Hyrule coming to life, Nintendo has seized the moment and dropped the first official stills from its highly anticipated live-action The Legend of Zelda film.
The trio of images, shared exclusively through the Nintendo Today app, marks a significant milestone for the film, which was first announced in November 2023 by Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto and director Wes Ball, known for his work on the Maze Runner series. The photos capture the essence of Hyrule in breathtaking detail, blending the fantastical with the tangible.The centerpiece is a wide-shot featuring protagonists Link and Princess Zelda standing side by side against a verdant, mist-shrouded hillside dotted with ancient ruins and towering ferns—evoking the lush, explorable wilds that define the series. Link, portrayed by 14-year-old British actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, cuts a heroic figure in his classic green tunic, complete with the signature pointed cap and a leather belt adorned with pouches for elixirs and artifacts. His expression is one of quiet determination, sword sheathed at his side, as he gazes into the distance.
Flanking this establishing shot are two intimate close-ups that delve deeper into the characters’ designs. Zelda, brought to life by 12-year-old Icelandic newcomer Bo Bragason, appears poised and resolute, her golden hair cascading in loose waves beneath a circlet that hints at royal lineage. She’s clad in a flowing blue gown layered with practical armor plating, a far cry from the ethereal dresses of past iterations, and grips a finely crafted bow with an arrow nocked—signaling her active role in the adventure rather than a damsel-in-distress archetype. The images suggest a fresh visual language for the duo: Link’s attire nods to the timeless origins of the series while incorporating subtle modern flourishes, like reinforced boots suited for traversal across varied terrains. Zelda’s ensemble, meanwhile, fuses elegance with utility, underscoring the film’s intent to empower her as an equal partner in the quest.
Production on the untitled The Legend of Zelda film kicked off in earnest this fall in New Zealand, a location chosen for its diverse topography that mirrors the sprawling kingdoms and perilous dungeons of the games. Sony Pictures Entertainment, in collaboration with Nintendo, is overseeing the adaptation, with Avi Arad (*Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse*) producing alongside Miyamoto. While plot specifics remain under wraps, the imagery implies a narrative that weaves together threads from the franchise’s sprawling timeline—perhaps drawing from the epic scope of Ocarina of Time or the open-world freedom of Breath of the Wild, but reimagined as a standalone tale. Notably, Link’s green garb deviates from the blue champion’s tunic seen in recent entries like Tears of the Kingdom, hinting at a story set in an earlier era or a deliberate stylistic choice to honor the character’s roots.
This cinematic venture represents Nintendo’s boldest foray into live-action Hollywood yet, following the critical and commercial triumph of 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide. That animated hit proved the enduring appeal of Nintendo’s properties beyond interactive screens, blending nostalgia with broad accessibility. For The Legend of Zelda, the stakes feel even higher: the series, which debuted in 1986, has sold more than 140 million copies across its iterations, evolving from pixelated quests into multifaceted sagas of courage, wisdom, and the eternal battle against darkness. Miyamoto has long envisioned a film that captures the “fun and adventure” at the heart of these games, and early signs suggest the team is prioritizing practical effects and location shooting to immerse audiences in Link’s world.
As the project gains momentum, it arrives at an opportune moment for the Zelda faithful. The latest installment to grace the Nintendo Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, launched in September 2024 to widespread acclaim. In a refreshing departure, players assume the role of Princess Zelda herself, wielding a magical “echo” ability to duplicate enemies and objects as makeshift tools and allies. The top-down adventure emphasizes puzzle-solving and strategic combat across a vibrant Hyrule, earning praise for its innovative mechanics and empowering narrative—scoring an average of 87 on Metacritic. With its focus on Zelda’s agency, the game subtly foreshadows the film’s own character dynamics, bridging the gap between portable play and silver-screen spectacle.
The live-action The Legend of Zelda remains on track for its previously announced theatrical release on May 7, 2027. With cameras only just rolling, however, the wait for a first teaser trailer will likely stretch well into 2026 or beyond. For now, these inaugural images stand as the most concrete proof yet that one of gaming’s greatest legends is finally awakening on the big screen.
Source: Nintendo Today
