Nintendo has revealed the first official photos for the live-action Legend of Zelda movie through the Nintendo Today app. Fans had waited for months, and the new images sparked major discussion across the community. The photos show actors Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Princess Zelda and Link. They appear in a lush green field while wearing costumes that closely resemble their iconic game designs. Zelda holds her signature bow, and both actors sport detailed Hylian ears.
Meet the New Zelda and Link
Bo Bragason plays Princess Zelda. Her previous work includes roles in Three Girls, The Jetty, and Renegade Nell. She also starred in the vampire comedy The Radleys. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth plays Link. He voiced Pinocchio in Robert Zemeckis’ live-action adaptation and appeared in The Haunting of Bly Manor. He also stars in the Canadian comedy series Son of a Critch. Both actors bring youth and strong screen presence to their roles.
Nintendo Confirms Production Has Begun
Nintendo confirmed that production has officially started. The announcement came just days after fans spotted early set footage from a forest location in New Zealand. Leaked videos showed Bragason, Ainsworth, and a third actor during a scene near a horse. These early leaks fueled speculation long before the official reveal. Now the first high-quality photos give a clear view of the actors in costume.
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Zelda’s Style Suggests a Breath of the Wild Influence
Many fans believe the film draws inspiration from Breath of the Wild. Zelda wears a blue tunic similar to her look in the game. Her hairstyle also resembles her design from the same title. Blue outfits played a major role in the Breath of the Wild era, especially among the Champions. This style choice sparked debate about the film’s timeline.
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Possible Clues About Impa
In leaked footage, Zelda speaks with another character beside a horse. Fans guess that the character may be Impa. The figure appears younger than Breath of the Wild’s elderly Impa but looks like a skilled warrior. This pushed some fans to think of Ocarina of Time, where Impa plays a strong and active role. Others believe the look matches Skyward Sword’s version of Impa. Viewers also suspect that the actress might be Dichen Lachman from Severance and Altered Carbon, though this has not been confirmed by Nintendo.
Link’s Look Points Toward Twilight Princess
While Zelda’s outfit hints at Breath of the Wild, Link’s costume moves in another direction. He wears a dark green tunic, which resembles his look in Twilight Princess. This creates an interesting contrast. Link does not carry the Master Sword in any confirmed images. Fans wonder if his quest to obtain it could play a role in the story. The blend of costume styles makes it hard to identify a single timeline.
A Mix of Different Zelda Eras?
Fans are divided about which game timeline the film adapts. The costumes combine influences from Breath of the Wild, Ocarina of Time, Skyward Sword, and Twilight Princess. This raises the possibility that the film may not adapt one game. Instead, it might blend elements from several eras, similar to Sony’s approach with the Uncharted movie. The team may also create an original storyline inspired by the broader Zelda universe.
Release Date and Production Team
The movie will release on May 7, 2027. Wes Ball, known for The Maze Runner and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, directs. The screenplay is written by Derek Connolly, who worked on Jurassic World. Shigeru Miyamoto produces the film with Avi Arad, former Marvel Studios CEO. This strong creative team has raised high expectations for the project.
Nintendo Expands Its Movie Universe
Nintendo continues to grow its film lineup after the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The company will release The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in April 2026. Brie Larson will voice Princess Rosalina. Nintendo also announced plans for a steady stream of movie releases. The Legend of Zelda is set to be one of its biggest projects.
