Nintendo has announced that its live-action movie adaptation of The Legend of Zelda is moving up from its originally planned theatrical release on May 7th, 2027, to April 30th, 2027. In a statement on social media, Shigeru Miyamoto noted that the team behind the movie is working hard to ensure that the new earlier deadline is met, and thanked fans for waiting for the film.
“This is Miyamoto. I would like to let you know that the worldwide theatrical release date for the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda has been moved up to April 30, 2027, from May 7,” he wrote. “The team is working hard to deliver the film to everyone as soon as possible. There’s less than a year to go until release, so thank you for waiting.”
The Legend of Zelda movie stars Bo Bragason in the role of Zelda, and Evan Ainsworth as Link. The project is directed by Wes Bell, who is known for movies like The Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Miyamoto is working on it as a producer.
Miyamoto had confirmed last month that filming for the project had been finished. As such, the production teams, which include Nintendo and Sony Pictures, are likely hard at work on their post-production.
“This is Miyamoto. I am pleased to announce that for the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda, Zelda will be played by Bo Bragason-san, and Link by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth-san,” wrote Miyamoto on social media. “I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen. The film is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 7, 2027. Thank you for your patience.”
While details about the movie have been scarce, Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida said back in 2024 that it would focus on the sense of adventure that The Legend of Zelda as a franchise is known for. Bell, on the other hand, has said that he wants the movie to feel like a “live-action Miyazaki”, referring to Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki.
He said, “This awesome fantasy-adventure movie isn’t like Lord of the Rings, it’s its own thing. I’ve always said I would love to see a live-action Miyazaki. That wonder and whimsy that he brings to things, I would love to see something like that.”
A report from April 2025 has also indicated that Nintendo might have larger plans for the film, like making it a trilogy. A narrative summary was discovered that indicated that it will also feature Ganon as the main antagonist and that the Triforce will also be present.
“The Legend of Zelda follows Link, a young warrior destined to protect the magical kingdom of Hyrule from the forces of darkness,” reads the summary. “The land is under threat from Ganon, a ruthless warlord who seeks the Triforce—an ancient relic said to grant limitless power. To stop him, Link must embark on a perilous journey, battling monstrous creatures, exploring treacherous dungeons, and solving intricate puzzles to uncover sacred artifacts that can aid him in his quest.”
