Fans of The Legend of Zelda have waited decades to see how Hollywood would handle a live-action adaptation of Nintendo’s most beloved fantasy franchise. This week, that wait finally paid off. Nintendo released the first official images from the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie through the Nintendo Today app, giving fans their first real look at Link and Princess Zelda in live action.
The newly revealed photos show young actors Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link, both fully dressed in costume. The reaction online was immediate. After years of speculation, the world of Hyrule is finally starting to feel real.
A Calm but Promising First Look
The images focus on a quiet, scenic moment rather than an action-heavy reveal. Princess Zelda stands confidently with her iconic bow, while Link appears in his familiar green outfit. Both characters feature carefully designed Hylian ears, a small detail that longtime fans noticed right away.
The natural lighting and open field setting give the scene a grounded fantasy look. It feels closer to the tone of the games than a flashy Hollywood spectacle. In simple terms, it looks like Zelda, not a random fantasy movie wearing a Zelda costume.
That alone is a big win.
Why This Movie Matters So Much
The Legend of Zelda franchise launched in 1986 and has since sold more than 140 million copies worldwide, according to Nintendo’s official sales data. Despite its massive popularity, the series has never received a full-scale live-action film adaptation.
That history explains why expectations are sky-high.
Fans want a movie that respects the games, understands the characters, and does not overcomplicate what makes Zelda special. These first images suggest the filmmakers know that balance matters.
Authenticity Appears to Be a Priority
Everything shown so far points toward a faithful adaptation. The costumes look practical rather than overly stylized. The environment feels natural instead of computer-generated overload. Even the character poses feel intentional and restrained.
This approach aligns with comments previously made by Nintendo, which has emphasized quality control following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Nintendo has been clear that it plans to protect its core franchises when bringing them to film.
The Creative Team Behind the Camera
The live-action Legend of Zelda movie is directed by Wes Ball, best known for The Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Ball has experience building large worlds while keeping character-driven storytelling at the center.
That skill matters here. Zelda is not just about battles and monsters. It is about discovery, courage, and quiet moments between chaos.
The film is scheduled to release in theaters on May 7, 2027, a date confirmed by Nintendo and Sony Pictures. The long timeline allows for careful production, visual effects work, and world-building. For a franchise this detailed, more time is a good thing.
Shigeru Miyamoto’s Direct Involvement
One of the biggest reasons fans feel optimistic is Shigeru Miyamoto’s role as a producer. Miyamoto, the creator of The Legend of Zelda, personally announced the casting of Link and Zelda earlier this year.
Nintendo has confirmed that Miyamoto is actively involved in overseeing the project. His presence signals that the movie will follow the spirit of the games rather than chasing trends. When the original creator is in the room, shortcuts tend to disappear.
Meet the Cast Bringing Hyrule to Life
Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda
Bo Bragason has built a solid reputation in British television and film. Her previous work includes BBC One’s Three Girls, the thriller The Jetty, Disney+ Plus series Renegade Nell, and the film The Radleys.
Princess Zelda requires more than royal elegance. The role demands intelligence, emotional strength, and quiet authority. Bragason’s background in dramatic roles makes her a strong fit for a character who often carries the emotional weight of the story.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth brings a surprising amount of experience for his age. He voiced Pinocchio in Disney’s live-action Pinocchio, starred in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor, appeared in The Sandman, and leads the Canadian comedy Son of a Critch.
Link rarely speaks, which places pressure on performance rather than dialogue. Ainsworth’s experience with expressive roles should help him deliver a convincing version of the hero without saying much at all.
What Happens Next for the Zelda Movie
With the first official images now public, the next major step will likely be a teaser trailer. Fans can also expect announcements about supporting cast members, filming locations, and story details as production progresses.
Nintendo has not revealed plot specifics, and that silence feels intentional. For now, the focus remains on presentation, tone, and trust.
Based on what has been shown so far, the live-action Legend of Zelda movie appears to be taking the careful, respectful approach fans hoped for. No gimmicks. No unnecessary reinvention. Just Hyrule, brought to life.
And for Zelda fans, that is exactly what they wanted.
