Legend of Zelda film casts Ganondorf in exciting new update.
Can you believe that a movie based on The Legend of Zelda was announced all the way back in 2023? Since then, aside from the casting news for Link and Zelda and a delay, we haven’t heard much about it. However, in August 2026, the silence was finally broken. Get ready to meet the live-action version of the series’ iconic villain, Ganondorf.
The formidable wielder of the Triforce of Power will be portrayed by Australian actor Uli Latukefu, who has reportedly signed a multi-year film deal with Nintendo. Latukefu, 42, is known for his role as Dwayne Johnson in NBC’s Young Rock and has also appeared in Netflix’s Marco Polo.
This film is a collaboration between Nintendo and Sony, directed by Wes Ball, known for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Set to hit theaters in May 2027, this adaptation of the beloved RPG series will feature Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link. While the cast may not be widely recognized, fans of Season 3 of House of the Dragon have seen Ainsworth’s talent as Daeron Targaryen. Although his role in the gritty fantasy series has limited dialogue, his expressive reactions have sparked confidence in the casting for the Zelda movie, especially with him donning a green costume.
In 2024, director Wes Ball expressed his desire to create a Zelda film that feels “grounded” and “real.” Filming is taking place in New Zealand, but there have already been leaks regarding the set and some unannounced cast members. The filming wrapped up in April 2026.
Following the impressive $1 billion box office success of the Super Mario Galaxy movie, Nintendo’s latest financial results indicate that the live-action Zelda film is part of a larger strategy.
“Moving forward, we will explore various approaches to create connections with Nintendo characters worldwide, aiming to showcase the appeal of Nintendo’s entertainment to an even broader audience,” the company stated.
Now, we just have to wait for Alex Garland’s adaptation of Elden Ring.