First Look at The Legend of Zelda Movie Filming in New Zealand

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The first behind-the-scenes footage from the upcoming live-action movie adaptation of The Legend of Zelda has surfaced online, bringing excitement to fans of the iconic video game series. Filming began on November 4, 2025, and is set to continue until April 7, 2026, with a theatrical release planned for May 7, 2027.

Short videos shared on social media show actors Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link. The footage captures Bragason walking through the woods in her character’s iconic blue tunic and gives a brief glimpse of Ainsworth in the classic green outfit that fans know well.

In one video, Princess Zelda is seen receiving a weapon from an unknown character, alongside horses including one adorned with the Triforce symbol. Early reports suggest that this film will follow the original storyline of the franchise, featuring Link’s quest to protect the kingdom of Hyrule from the dark forces of Ganon, who seeks the powerful Triforce.

The project is led by director Wes Ball, known for his work on The Maze Runner, alongside Nintendo producer Shigeru Miyamoto, one of the franchise’s original creators. The production aims to balance a realistic tone with the whimsical elements that have characterized The Legend of Zelda for nearly 40 years.

While details about the plot remain scarce, the presence of industry professionals and recognizable actors has stirred anticipation among fans. Moreover, observations of a possible third character, believed to be Dichen Lachman as Impa, have further fueled discussions about the film’s casting.

The Legend of Zelda movie aims to tap into the growing trend of video game adaptations in cinema, building on the success of previous projects like the Super Mario Bros. Movie. As filming progresses, fans are eager to see how this beloved story translates onto the big screen.