Production on The Legend of Zelda live-action feature film has officially begun in Wellington, New Zealand, marking a major milestone for one of Nintendo’s most anticipated cinematic ventures. The film, a co-production between Nintendo and Sony Pictures, entered principal photography on November 4, 2025, and is scheduled to continue through April 7, 2026. A worldwide theatrical release is planned for May 7, 2027.
The project brings together an impressive creative team led by director Wes Ball, best known for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and legendary Nintendo producer Shigeru Miyamoto, the original creator of The Legend of Zelda series. According to the official production synopsis, the film will closely follow the franchise’s foundational narrative: “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.”
The adaptation stars Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (The Haunting of Bly Manor) as the heroic Link and Bo Bragason (The Witcher: Blood Origin) as Princess Zelda. The film is determined to establish a tone that effectively combines realism with fantasy. According to early reports, it will successfully balance the grounded aesthetics of high fantasy with the sense of wonder and whimsy that has long defined the Zelda franchise for nearly four decades.
Filming in New Zealand positions the production among some of the most visually stunning landscapes in the world, with Wellington serving as a hub for major fantasy and adventure films thanks to its advanced production infrastructure. The country’s diverse natural backdrops are expected to stand in for Hyrule’s expansive environments, from lush forests and rolling plains to dark, mysterious dungeons.
Nintendo’s decision to collaborate with Sony Pictures marks a notable expansion of its cinematic ambitions following the commercial success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023. While that animated project leaned into colorful humor and family-friendly charm, The Legend of Zelda is reportedly taking a more cinematic and mature direction, though still accessible to a broad audience.
The production represents the first live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, a franchise that debuted in 1986 and has since become one of the most beloved and influential series in gaming history. With more than 140 million copies sold worldwide across multiple generations of consoles, the series’ blend of adventure, exploration, and mythic storytelling continues to captivate players.
