Nintendo and Sony have finally released the first official images from the upcoming live-action Legend of Zelda movie, giving fans their best look yet at how Hyrule is being brought to life on the big screen.
The photos showcase Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (Pinocchio) as Link and Bo Bragason (King and Conqueror) as Princess Zelda, both sporting the iconic pointed Hylian ears and grounded, cinematic versions of their legendary costumes. Filming is well underway in New Zealand, and the natural landscapes immediately evoke the sweeping fantasy aesthetic fans associate with the franchise.
The studios have also confirmed that the film is now set for a May 7, 2027 theatrical release. The slight delay from its original March date is reportedly to give director Wes Ball and the visual effects team more time to enhance the world-building and polish the film’s ambitious scale. Ball, known for The Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, appears to be leaning into an adventurous but realistic tone, and the new images reflect that approach clearly.
What’s striking about this first look is how well it balances authenticity with cinematic texture. Link appears ready for battle in his signature green wardrobe, and Zelda stands poised with a bow in hand, projecting both regality and capability. Rather than leaning into exaggerated fantasy, the film seems to be grounding its world through detailed costuming, natural environments, and a tone that respects the source material while still aiming for broad theatrical appeal.
Fans are already speculating about how deeply the movie will dig into the saga’s lore and whether it will channel classic entries like Ocarina of Time or emulate the scale and visual language of Breath of the Wild. With the production’s emphasis on practical locations and carefully crafted visuals, the adaptation is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious video game movies in recent memory.
If these early images are any indication, The Legend of Zelda may finally be getting the epic, live-action treatment fans have dreamed of for decades.
SOURCE: Variety
