Your First Unofficial Look at The Legend of Zelda Movie is Here, Thanks to Set Leaks!

Unofficial glimpses from the New Zealand set of The Legend Of Zelda Movie are stirring up Hyrule-sized excitement, giving fans a sneak peek at Link, Zelda, and even a familiar Sheikah protector in action. Get ready, because these leaks hint at some seriously iconic visuals!

TL;DR: The Latest Wisdom from Hyrule's Set

• Leaked set footage from New Zealand reveals live-action Link (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth), Zelda (Bo Bragason), and seemingly Dichen Lachman as Impa.
• Zelda's costume strongly hints at a Breath of the Wild visual style, while Link sports his classic green tunic from older games.
• The highly anticipated film, directed by Wes Ball, is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on May 7, 2027.

A Glimpse into the Heart of Hyrule: The Leaks Unfold

Imagine walking through the lush, rugged landscapes of New Zealand, a place already legendary for bringing fantasy worlds to life. Suddenly, a scene unfolds before your eyes: a character in a familiar blue tunic, poised near a horse adorned with distinctive Hylian symbols. That's precisely what happened recently when eagle-eyed fans, or perhaps "internet sleuths" as some have called them, managed to capture and share snippets from the set of the highly anticipated live-action The Legend of Zelda movie.

These leaked videos, primarily surfacing on Instagram accounts like josh.and.pine and tonyolsenfilm, have been quickly shared across social media, giving millions their first unofficial look at what director Wes Ball and his team are cooking up. While Nintendo and Sony have remained predictably tight-lipped, the footage offers compelling clues about the film's aesthetic and some key character portrayals.

Zelda's Iconic Look Strongly Leans Towards Breath of the Wild

The most striking reveal from the set leaks involves Princess Zelda herself, played by actress Bo Bragason. In the footage, Bragason is seen clad in a distinctive blue adventuring outfit, complete with thick leather boots, fitted pants, and fingerless gloves. Her hair, styled in intertwining double-plaits, makes it abundantly clear: this rendition of Zelda is very much "Breath of the Wild-coded." Source: [GamesRadar, "The Legend of Zelda movie filming clips give us a clearer idea of which game it's adapting," November 15, 2025]. The costume includes off-shoulder elements and practical boots, emphasizing the warrior-scholar vibe fans adored in the critically acclaimed 2017 Switch game.

One particular shot shows Bragason approaching a black horse, whose saddle proudly displays the Triforce and Loftwing emblem, symbols deeply rooted in Zelda lore. This attention to detail, down to the Hylian finery on the horses, underscores a commitment to visual fidelity that should delight fans who've spent countless hours traversing Hyrule in the game. It suggests that even if the film isn't a direct adaptation of the game's plot, its visual language will certainly echo it.

Link's Classic Green Tunic and the Surprising Arrival of a Fan-Favorite Sheikah

But what about our silent hero, Link? Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, who steps into the Hero of Hyrule's boots, is also glimpsed in the leaked footage. He’s seen sporting the classic green tunic, a look familiar to those who grew up with games like Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess. His long blonde hair frames his face, with those signature pointed elf ears just visible. Interestingly, while Zelda's attire screams Breath of the Wild, Link's choice of the traditional green tunic rather than the "Champion's Tunic" seen in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom is a notable design decision. Source: [CinemaBlend, "Zelda's Costume In The Legend Of Zelda Suggests The Movie Is Adapting The Breath Of The Wild's Timeline," November 15, 2025]. It's a smart nod to the series' long history, giving a fresh take that still feels deeply rooted.

Perhaps the most unexpected (and exciting) reveal from the set videos is the appearance of Dichen Lachman, known for her roles in Severance and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. She’s seen in dark warrior robes and a shemagh headwrap, handing what appears to be a weapon to Zelda. Fans quickly deduced her character: Impa, Zelda's beloved Sheikah protector and mentor, a character dating back to the very first Zelda game. Source: [Primetimer, "The Legend of Zelda Movie Leaks hint at a possible visual adaptation of a Nintendo Switch game," November 16, 2025]. Lachman's previous collaboration with director Wes Ball on the Apes film likely played a role in her casting, adding another layer of intriguing talent to the project.

Navigating Hyrule's Timeline: The Plot's Potential Path

The visual cues from Zelda's costume, particularly the strong Breath of the Wild influence, naturally lead to speculation about the film's storyline. Breath of the Wild, a massive hit that sold 32 million units, redefined open-world adventures with its vast, ruined Hyrule, where Link awakens from a 100-year slumber to find a world ravaged by Calamity Ganon. Princess Zelda, meanwhile, has been using her magic to suppress the evil for a century.

However, while the visuals may draw heavily from this modern classic, the official synopsis paints a slightly broader picture. It states the film "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." Source: [TwistedVoxel, "Here’s A First Look At The Upcoming The Legend Of Zelda Movie," November 15, 2025]. This foundational narrative suggests the movie aims to capture the essence of the franchise's 38-year history rather than being a direct one-for-one adaptation of any single game. Director Wes Ball himself has expressed a desire for the film to balance "the grounded aesthetics of high fantasy with the sense of wonder and whimsy" that defines the series.

What About a Talkative Link? Addressing Fan Concerns

One of the long-standing debates among Zelda fans revolves around Link's characteristic silence. Historically, Link doesn't speak beyond grunts or yells, with much of the narrative often conveyed through Zelda's dialogue or other characters. The idea of a talking Link in a live-action movie has been a point of contention for years. While Wes Ball may choose to give Link dialogue to fit a cinematic format, fans are understandably wary of this fundamental character trait changing. It's a classic example of the tightrope walk adaptations often face: honoring tradition while making choices necessary for a new medium. Luckily, the leaked footage doesn't give us any definitive answers on this front, leaving room for both hope and trepidation.

Dispelling the Shadows: Why These Leaks Aren't AI Fakes

In today's digital age, any leaked footage is often met with skepticism, with many quick to cry "AI fake!" However, the Zelda movie leaks appear to be the real deal. Experts and fans alike quickly analyzed the clips, noting several tell-tale signs that confirm their authenticity. The consistent lighting across frames, the natural movement of the horses, and perhaps most convincingly, the audible chatter of crew members in the background, all point to genuine on-location filming. There are no "weird AI effects" or "scenery inconsistencies" that often plague generated videos, making these glimpses a true gift for an eager fanbase. Source: [Insider Gaming, "The Legend of Zelda Movie Video Leaks Appear Online," November 16, 2025].

The Creative Forces Behind This Hyrulean Epic

The team bringing Hyrule to the big screen is an impressive one. Wes Ball, known for his work on the Maze Runner series and the recent Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is at the helm, directing from a script penned by Derek Connolly and T.S. Nowlin. Crucially, legendary Nintendo producer Shigeru Miyamoto, the original creator of The Legend of Zelda series, is producing alongside Avi Arad, a veteran producer known for numerous Marvel adaptations. This blend of original vision and blockbuster experience bodes well for the film's potential.

Principal photography officially kicked off on November 4, 2025, in Wellington, New Zealand, with filming scheduled to continue through April 7, 2026. Source: [TwistedVoxel, "Here’s A First Look At The Upcoming The Legend Of Zelda Movie," November 15, 2025]. New Zealand's diverse and breathtaking landscapes, famously utilized for The Lord of the Rings, are once again providing the perfect backdrop for a fantasy epic, transforming its rolling fields and forests into the magical realm of Hyrule.

Wes Ball's vision for the film is clear, drawing inspiration from animation masters:

"I want to make the Zelda movie something serious and cool, but fun and whimsical."

— Wes Ball, Director (VGC, Entertainment Weekly)

He also cited Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki as an inspiration for the film's tone.

Why This Movie Matters: Beyond the Pixels

The anticipation for The Legend of Zelda movie isn't just about another video game adaptation; it's about the continued rise of gaming in Hollywood. We've seen a surge in successful adaptations recently, with shows like The Last of Us and Fallout earning rave reviews, and films like the Sonic series and Uncharted finding box office success. Crucially, The Super Mario Bros. Movie truly broke barriers, grossing over a billion dollars worldwide and proving Nintendo's cinematic potential. This sets a high bar, and a Zelda film could further solidify Nintendo's place in Hollywood, potentially even paving the way for a rumored "Nintendo shared universe" or a Super Smash Bros. movie – dreams that once seemed impossible for many long-time fans.

For decades, The Legend of Zelda has captivated players with its blend of intricate puzzles, epic fantasy, and heartfelt narratives. With its worldwide theatrical release planned for May 7, 2027, the stakes are incredibly high. These early, albeit unofficial, glimpses offer a comforting sign that the creative team is taking its responsibility seriously, striving to bring a visually authentic and engaging Hyrule to life on the big screen.

Example: The Fan Reaction

Imagine Leo, a 30-something software engineer who grew up with Ocarina of Time on his Nintendo 64. He's cautiously optimistic about a live-action Zelda movie, having seen too many game adaptations fall flat. Then, scrolling through X, he sees the leaked footage. His eyes widen at Zelda's Breath of the Wild blue tunic, then a grin spreads across his face as he spots Link's classic green. "They're actually doing it," he whispers, a wave of nostalgia and excitement washing over him. The sight of Dichen Lachman as Impa makes him pull out his phone to text his old gaming group, confirming what they'd all hoped for: Hyrule is truly coming to life.

Your Practical Takeaways on the Horizon of Hyrule:

• Mark Your Calendars: The Legend of Zelda movie is set for a worldwide theatrical release on May 7, 2027.
• Expect Visual Familiarity: Zelda's attire heavily suggests a Breath of the Wild-inspired aesthetic, while Link proudly wears his classic green tunic.
• Meet the New Faces of Hyrule: Bo Bragason is Princess Zelda, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth is Link, and Dichen Lachman appears to be playing Impa.
• It's an Original Adventure: While visually influenced by popular games, the plot aims to draw from the broader Zelda lore rather than strictly adapting a single game's story.
• Stay Tuned for Official Reveals: These leaks are exciting, but keep an eye out for official trailers and announcements from Nintendo and Sony Pictures for confirmed details.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About the Zelda Movie Answered When is The Legend of Zelda movie coming out? The movie is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on May 7, 2027. Who is playing Link and Zelda in the movie? Bo Bragason has been cast as Princess Zelda, and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will portray Link. Will the movie follow the plot of Breath of the Wild? While Zelda's costume strongly suggests visual inspiration from Breath of the Wild, the film's official synopsis indicates it will draw from the broad lore of the Zelda franchise without strictly attaching to any single game's plot, aiming for a foundational narrative. Where is The Legend of Zelda movie being filmed? Principal photography for the movie is currently taking place in Wellington, New Zealand. Sources

• Newsweek, "Latest Donald Trump Urges House Republicans To Support Epstein Files Release," November 15, 2025.
• TwistedVoxel, "Here’s A First Look At The Upcoming The Legend Of Zelda Movie," November 15, 2025.
• GamesRadar, "The Legend of Zelda movie filming clips give us a clearer idea of which game it's adapting," November 15, 2025.
• Primetimer, "The Legend of Zelda movie leaks hint at a possible visual adaptation of a Nintendo Switch game," November 16, 2025.
• Insider Gaming, "The Legend of Zelda Movie Video Leaks Appear Online," November 16, 2025.
• Dark Horizons, "First Look: “Zelda” Movie Leaks," November 16, 2025.
• CinemaBlend, "Zelda's Costume In The Legend Of Zelda Suggests The Movie Is Adapting The Breath Of The Wild's Timeline," November 15, 2025.
• VGC, "Footage has appeared online allegedly showing The Legend of Zelda movie being filmed, including possible first glimpses of Link and Zelda’s actors," November 15, 2025.
• FandomWire, "The Legend of Zelda Movie Set Leak Reveals Breath of the Wild-Inspired Costumes for Link and Zelda," November 15, 2025.
• Buddy TV, "‘Legend of Zelda’ Movie Leaks: Set Footage, Botw Clues & an ‘Impa’ Reveal," November 16, 2025.