Tokyo, Japan. (THECOUNT) — November 17, 2025 — Nintendo has unveiled the first official images from the live-action The Legend of Zelda movie, confirming principal photography has started in New Zealand’s lush landscapes doubling as Hyrule.
Shigeru Miyamoto, co-creator of the franchise, posted the photos via Nintendo’s official X account (@Nintendo), showing 21-year-old Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda in a blue gown with Hylian ears and bow, and 16-year-old Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link in a dark green tunic reminiscent of Twilight Princess.
“This is Miyamoto. Filming is underway for the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda in a lush, natural setting, with Bo Bragason-san who will play Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth-san who will play Link,” Miyamoto stated. “The filming is progressing smoothly, so I would appreciate it if you could quietly watch over us. The theatrical release is scheduled for May 7, 2027. Please wait just a little longer.”
The images, debuted on the Nintendo Today! app, capture the duo amid green fields under sunlight, following leaked set videos from New Zealand.
Created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, The Legend of Zelda debuted February 21, 1986, on Japan’s Famicom Disk System, inspired by Miyamoto’s childhood explorations in Sonobe’s countryside—caves, forests, and hidden wonders that shaped Hyrule’s open-world design. The series follows reincarnated hero Link rescuing Princess Zelda from Ganon, the demon king coveting the Triforce.
Over 19 main titles, it has sold more than 150 million units worldwide. Milestones include A Link to the Past (1991, SNES), Ocarina of Time (1998, N64)—hailed as revolutionary for 3D gameplay—and modern hits like Breath of the Wild (2017) and Tears of the Kingdom (2023), emphasizing nonlinear exploration.
Bragason, known for Disney+’s Renegade Nell, BBC’s The Jetty, and films Censor and The Radleys, embodies Zelda. Ainsworth, voice of Pinocchio in Disney’s 2022 remake, starred in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor and CBC’s Son of a Critch, as the silent Link.
Directed by Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Maze Runner trilogy), produced by Miyamoto and Avi Arad, written by T.S. Nowlin (replacing Derek Connolly). Sony co-finances and distributes; filming runs through April 2026.
The post amassed over 53,000 likes rapidly, fans praising costumes and youthful energy. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={“cardIds”:[“c4ca66”]}) Following The Super Mario Bros. Movie ($1.36B in 2023), this live-action venture precedes Super Mario Galaxy (April 2026).
Announced November 2023, the film honors Miyamoto’s vision of whimsical adventure. As Hyrule materializes, fans await May 7, 2027—hey, listen!
(Facts from official Nintendo posts and verified reports as of November 17, 2025.)
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