Nintendo has finally broken its silence, offering the world a thrilling first glimpse of the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. The legendary game creator Shigeru Miyamoto personally unveiled the first official looks at the film's lead characters, sending the global fanbase into a frenzy.
A First Glimpse in New Zealand
In a post on the social media platform X, Shigeru Miyamoto shared three pivotal images directly from the film's set in New Zealand, where production is currently underway. The stills provide the first look at the actors embodying the iconic roles of Princess Zelda and the heroic Link.
Miyamoto announced, "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." He also confirmed that the project is on track for its scheduled release on May 7, 2027, asking fans for their patience.
Fan Reaction and Costume Design
The reveal instantly ignited passionate discussions across social media platforms. Fans were quick to praise the costume design, with many noting a clever fusion of different game eras. One keen observer on X commented on Link's appearance, stating it "NAILED the look" and appreciating how it blends the classic green tunic with design details reminiscent of the Breath of the Wild Champion's tunic.
This sentiment was echoed on Reddit, where users dissected the visuals. One fan noted, "From the video leaks we've gotten and these costumes, it looks like a mix of Ocarina of Time and Breath of the Wild." Another added, "Based on their outfits and the location, it looks like they're taking inspiration from Breath of the Wild," suggesting the film will draw from one of the franchise's most beloved titles.
Nintendo's Cinematic Return
This live-action project marks a significant return for Nintendo. The film will be the company's first official live-action Zelda movie and its first major foray back into live-action filmmaking in nearly 40 years. Its last attempt, the 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie, was a critical and commercial failure.
Since then, Nintendo's characters have found success in animation. The 2023 The Super Mario Bros. Movie became a monumental hit, grossing over $1.36 billion worldwide. Its sequel is already in development for a 2026 release, paving the way for the Zelda film in 2027.
While the franchise's history in film is sparse—the main reference point for many being a cult 1989 animated series—the new movie is being helmed by director Wes Ball. Furthermore, set leaks hint that Severance star Dichen Lachman may be portraying the key role of Impa, Zelda's guardian.
With filming progressing in New Zealand's stunning landscapes, the first look has successfully built immense anticipation for what promises to be a landmark video game adaptation.
