Nintendo’s Live-Action “The Legend of Zelda” Film Begins Shooting in New Zealand, Lead Cast Revealed

The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Nintendo’s “The Legend of Zelda” has officially commenced filming in New Zealand. The production is scheduled to shoot through April of next year, marking a significant step in Nintendo’s accelerated strategy to bring its flagship IPs to the big screen following the monumental success of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”

New Generation Takes on Iconic Roles

The film has unveiled its lead cast, featuring rising stars stepping into these legendary roles. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, the 16-year-old actor known for portraying Miles in “The Haunting of Bly Manor” and voicing the title character in Disney’s live-action “Pinocchio,” will take on the role of the courageous young hero, Link.

Playing Princess Zelda will be Bo Bragason, who has previously appeared in films like “The Radleys” and series such as “The Jetty” and Disney Plus’s “Renegade Nell.” The involvement of these two young actors is set to bring a fresh vitality to this classic adventure.

An Epic Adventure Comes to Life

According to the official synopsis released, the film will follow the core narrative of the beloved games: The story centers on a young warrior, Link, destined to protect the magical kingdom of Hyrule from the forces of darkness. The land faces a grave threat from the ruthless warlord Ganon, who seeks to obtain the ancient relic known as the Triforce, 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 find sacred artifacts that can aid him in his quest.

A-List Filmmaking Team Continues Nintendo’s Cinematic Vision

The film is helmed by director Wes Ball, known for the “Maze Runner” franchise, ensuring a high standard of action-adventure spectacle. Nintendo aims to build upon its cinematic success; galvanized by the global box office and critical triumph of 2023’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” the company is now systematically transforming its treasured game IPs into premium film content.

While further plot and character details remain closely guarded, the confirmation of the start of production and the lead cast serves as a major announcement for eagerly awaiting fans worldwide, signaling that the epic of Hyrule is poised to make a grand entrance onto the silver screen.