With The Super Mario Galaxy Movie now in theaters, Nintendo fans are turning their attention to the next big video game adaptation: the live-action Legend of Zelda film. Starring Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda, the project has been shrouded in secrecy—until now. A recently surfaced image from the set offers the clearest look yet at the hero of Hyrule, complete with his legendary Master Sword and shield.
The photo, originally shared by the film's Director of Photography, Gyula Pados, on social media before being deleted, shows a clapperboard featuring a full-body image of Link. The character is depicted in his iconic green tunic, with the Master Sword prominently in hand and a shield strapped to his back. This marks the first time fans have seen such a detailed view of the costume and props, fueling speculation about which game the movie might draw inspiration from.
While early rumors suggested the film could be based on Breath of the Wild due to Zelda's outfit in earlier concept art, this new image has shifted some fans' expectations. Many have noted that Link's appearance here closely resembles his design in Twilight Princess, a darker and more mature entry in the franchise. However, official details about the plot—whether it will be an original story or adapt a specific game—remain under wraps.
Production recently wrapped in New Zealand, and with filming complete, the wait for a first trailer shouldn't be too long. The cast currently includes only Ainsworth and Bragason, leaving questions about who will portray other key characters like the villain Ganon. One of the biggest mysteries is whether Link will speak for the first time in the franchise's history, a departure from the games where the hero is famously silent.
For those eager to see more of Ainsworth's acting chops before The Legend of Zelda arrives, his performance in Disney's 2022 live-action Pinocchio offers a glimpse. Despite the film's mixed reviews, Ainsworth's portrayal of the wooden puppet was widely praised. Meanwhile, fans curious about the history of live-action Nintendo adaptations can check out the 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie, a cult classic that, despite its flaws, paved the way for future projects like this one.
As the entertainment world buzzes with anticipation, other live-action adaptations are also making headlines. For instance, Sydney Sweeney's live-action Gundam movie has enlisted Harry Potter's Jason Isaacs, showing the growing trend of bringing beloved franchises to the big screen. Additionally, Ryan Reynolds has revealed a major shift for Deadpool, indicating that even established characters are evolving in new ways.
The Legend of Zelda live-action movie is scheduled to hit theaters on May 7, 2027. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on this and other exciting projects.
