Hyrule's Heroes Take Shape: First Leaked Glimpses of The Legend of Zelda Movie!

Spy footage from the New Zealand set of Nintendo's highly anticipated live-action Zelda film has surfaced online, offering fans a peek at Link, Zelda, and a familiar face rumored to be Impa.

TL;DR

• Leaked set videos show actors Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Zelda in character.
• Zelda's costume echoes a modern Breath of the Wild aesthetic, while Link sports his classic green tunic.
• Dichen Lachman is strongly rumored to play Impa, a surprise unannounced cast member from the Severance series.

Imagine strolling through the picturesque forests of New Zealand, perhaps on a quiet hike, when you catch a glimpse of something truly magical: a hero in a green tunic, a princess in blue, and horses adorned with the iconic Triforce symbol. That's essentially what happened recently, as the first unofficial footage from the set of The Legend of Zelda live-action movie began to circulate online, sending Hyrule hopefuls into a frenzy.

After years of speculation and a formal announcement in 2023, the live-action adaptation is finally taking shape. While official details from Nintendo and Sony Pictures have been kept under wraps, some eagle-eyed social media users managed to capture what appears to be authentic behind-the-scenes moments, giving us our very first look at Hyrule's champions in the flesh.

Hylian Heroes Emerge: What the Initial Leaks Revealed to Eager Fans

The leaked videos, primarily shared via Instagram accounts like josh.and.pine and tonyolsenfilm, paint a vivid picture of the production. One clip shows Princess Zelda, played by Bo Bragason, moving through a lush forest, receiving what appears to be a weapon from another character. Her outfit immediately caught attention: a blue tunic, thick leather boots, fitted pants, and fingerless gloves, all strongly reminiscent of her look in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. She even has the intertwining double-plated hair we recognize from those modern games. While a few minor details, like the lack of gold stitching on her blouse, differ, the overall inspiration is clear. Source: [FandomWire, "The Legend Of Zelda Movie Set Leak Reveals Breath of the Wild-Inspired Costumes for Link and Zelda," November 15, 2025]

Another snippet provides a glimpse of Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link. He’s seen sporting the hero’s classic green tunic, paired with long blonde hair and his signature pointy elf ears. This specific green ensemble is more in line with his appearances in titles like Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess, suggesting the film might be blending elements from various eras of the beloved franchise rather than sticking to one game's exact aesthetic. One of the horses on set was even adorned with a saddle featuring the classic Triforce symbol alongside a Loftwing emblem, further cementing the authenticity of the leaked footage.

Early on, some online chatter suggested these videos might be clever AI fakes. However, the presence of genuine crew chatter, natural horse movements, and consistent lighting in the footage quickly debunked those theories. It seems this really is our first look at the live-action Hyrule.

The Cast Takes Shape: Unofficial Reveals and Familiar Faces in Iconic Roles

While Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth were the only officially confirmed cast members for Zelda and Link, respectively, the leaks potentially unveiled another major character. Dichen Lachman, known for her captivating role as Ms. Casey in Severance and her work in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, was spotted in the footage. She appeared to be clad in what looked like battle armor, handing a weapon to Zelda. Fans quickly connected the dots, speculating with high certainty that Lachman is portraying Impa, the wise Sheikah protector and mentor to the princess, a recurring figure throughout the Zelda series. Source: [Forbes, "Leaked ‘Zelda’ Movie Footage Shows Link, Zelda And A ‘Severance’ Actor Impa," November 15, 2025]

This unofficial reveal is a pretty big deal, indicating that the film won't solely rely on newer faces. Lachman’s involvement isn't entirely surprising either, as she previously collaborated with director Wes Ball on Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. While Nintendo and Sony haven't commented on the leaks or Lachman's role, the evidence strongly suggests this beloved character is making her live-action debut.

Bringing Hyrule to the Big Screen: Production Details and the Foundational Narrative

The production for The Legend of Zelda movie is currently in full swing in Wellington, New Zealand. Principal photography officially kicked off on November 4, 2025, and is slated to continue for a solid six months, wrapping up around April 7, 2026. This extensive shooting schedule suggests a large-scale endeavor, fitting for a world as rich and expansive as Hyrule. Source: [TwistedVoxel, "The Legend of Zelda Movie Set Spills First Footage with Link, Zelda, Impa and More," November 15, 2025]

The film is targeting a worldwide theatrical release on May 7, 2027. Director Wes Ball, a self-proclaimed Zelda superfan, is leading the project, bringing his experience from The Maze Runner series and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Legendary Nintendo producer Shigeru Miyamoto, the original creator of The Legend of Zelda, is also heavily involved as a producer, ensuring the adaptation stays true to the spirit of the games. Derek Connolly and T.S. Nowlin are credited with penning the script, drawing upon the vast lore of the franchise without directly adapting a single game.

The official synopsis promises a familiar yet compelling narrative: "The Legend of Zelda follows Link, a young warrior destined to protect the magical kingdom of Hyrule from the forces of darkness. 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." The film aims to strike a balance between grounded, high fantasy aesthetics and the sense of wonder and whimsy that has defined the series for nearly four decades.

Navigating the Path Ahead for Hyrule: Balancing Expectations with Live-Action Lore

Nintendo's foray into live-action multimedia has seen immense success recently, notably with The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide. This achievement has paved the way for more adaptations, with Nintendo signaling a "consistent release" of Movies. The Zelda film, therefore, carries significant weight and expectation, particularly given the franchise's prestigious history.

However, bringing a beloved video game to the big screen, especially one with a silent protagonist like Link, isn't without its challenges. One of the biggest questions fans have is whether Link will speak in the movie. Historically, he’s been a stoic hero, communicating primarily through grunts and yells. Director Wes Ball will have to make a definitive choice here, and it’s one that could either delight or divide the fanbase, as a talking Link might deviate too far from established characterization. Source: [Newsweek, "Leaked 'The Legend of Zelda' Movie Footage Reveals Link and Zelda's Costumes," November 15, 2025]

Another counterpoint often raised is the "risk" of live-action for a fantasy world like Hyrule. Some argue that animation might better capture the whimsical elements. However, the choice of New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes, famously used for The Lord of the Rings, suggests a commitment to epic scale and visual fidelity that can only enhance the fantasy. Example: Picture Sarah, a longtime Zelda fan living in Wellington, scrolling through her social media. Suddenly, a friend tags her in a grainy video, excitedly asking if she recognized the local forest. It was a thrill, she later recounted, seeing the Hylian Crest on a horse saddle and realizing the magic was truly happening in her backyard.

Ultimately, the blending of established lore with new interpretations, along with the cast of relatively young actors for Link and Zelda, could prove to be either a stroke of genius or a point of contention. But for now, these early leaks have certainly ignited excitement, proving that the legendary adventure is truly coming to life.

"The Legend of Zelda follows Link, a young warrior destined to protect the magical kingdom of Hyrule from the forces of darkness. The land is under threat from Ganon, a ruthless warlord who seeks the Triforce—an ancient relic said to grant limitless power."

— Official production synopsis (via TwistedVoxel)

Frequently Asked Questions About The Legend of Zelda Movie

When is The Legend of Zelda movie coming out? The film is currently scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on May 7, 2027. Who is directing The Legend of Zelda movie? Wes Ball, known for directing The Maze Runner series and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is at the helm. Will Link talk in the Zelda movie? It's not yet officially confirmed whether Link will have dialogue in the live-action movie. Historically, he's a silent protagonist in the games, and this is a major point of discussion among fans and the production team. Where is The Legend of Zelda movie being filmed? Principal photography for the movie is taking place in Wellington, New Zealand.

Practical Takeaways for Anticipating Fans

• Stay Tuned for Official News: While leaks are fun, keep an eye out for official announcements from Nintendo and Sony Pictures for confirmed cast details and plot specifics.
• Prepare for Visual Spectacle: With filming in New Zealand and Wes Ball's directorial vision, expect a visually stunning film that blends epic fantasy with natural beauty.
• Embrace a Broader Interpretation: The movie appears to draw broadly from the vast Zelda lore rather than being a direct adaptation of a single game, so anticipate familiar elements in new contexts.
• Anticipate Character Debates: Be ready for discussions, especially concerning Link's characterization and whether he will break his traditional silence on the big screen.

Sources

• Insider Gaming: "The Legend of Zelda Movie Video Leaks Appear Online," November 15, 2025.
• Muhammad Ali Bari, TwistedVoxel: "Here’s A First Look At The Upcoming The Legend Of Zelda Movie," November 15, 2025.
• Paul Tassi, Forbes: "Leaked ‘Zelda’ Movie Footage Shows Link, Zelda And A ‘Severance’ Actor Impa," November 15, 2025.
• Kaan Serin, Total Film: "The Legend of Zelda movie's leaked set clips offer clearer idea of which game is being adapted," November 15, 2025.
• Nintendo Life: "Rumoured The Legend Of Zelda Movie Footage Has Emerged Online," November 15, 2025.
• Dark Horizons: "First “Zelda” Movie Set Videos Leak Online," November 15, 2025.
• Bill Smith, TwistedVoxel: "The Legend of Zelda Movie Set Spills First Footage with Link, Zelda, Impa and More," November 15, 2025.
• Aniket Maurya, FandomWire: "The Legend of Zelda Movie Set Leak Reveals Breath of the Wild-Inspired Costumes for Link and Zelda," November 15, 2025.
• James Brizuela, Newsweek: "Leaked 'The Legend of Zelda' Movie Footage Reveals Link and Zelda's Costumes," November 15, 2025.