
The Legend of Zelda movie has added several major names to its cast. Uli Latukefu will play Ganondorf, while Dichen Lachman is set to appear as Impa. Yvonne Strahovski has joined as a mystery queen, and Sam Neill filmed an undisclosed role before his death.
The movie, directed by Wes Ball, has already finished filming and is now moving closer to its planned 2027 theatrical release date for worldwide audiences.
What Does the Latest Legend of Zelda Movie Cast Update Reveal?
The latest cast news gives fans the clearest picture yet of The Legend of Zelda movie. Nintendo and Sony have revealed major additions, including Ganondorf, Impa, and Sam Neill. The Legend of Zelda movie has completed filming, and its expanding cast is defining the live-action adaptation.
Directed by Wes Ball, the upcoming film based on Nintendo’s franchise is moving closer to its 2027 release. The news also lets regular people know more about the movie’s heroes, villains, creative team, production status, and plans for release in theaters, without having to rely on online fan theories or unconfirmed story rumors.
Who Is Playing Ganondorf in the Legend of Zelda Movie?

Image © 2024 Men’s Health Australia / ulilatukefu (Instagram)
According to Deadline, Uli Latukefu will play Ganondorf, the game’s main bad guy. Latukefu is famous for movies like MaXXXine, Young Rock, and Black Adam. Ganondorf is the king of the warlocks and a very strong enemy of Hyrule.
- Ganondorf casting: Uli Latukefu is playing Ganondorf, according to Deadline.
- Multi-picture deal: Deadline reports that Latukefu signed a multi-picture agreement, which could allow the character to return in future films, although no sequel has been confirmed.
- Director’s vision: Wes Ball told Polygon that he wants the Legend of Zelda live-action movie to feel “grounded” and “real.” He has also described his goal as making a serious movie that could fulfill people’s greatest desires for a faithful big-screen adaptation.
Ball is famous for directing the Maze Runner trilogy, the Maze Runner series, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. From what he said, it sounds like the live-action film will try to make the fantasy seem real.
Who Is Playing Ganondorf in the Legend of Zelda Movie?

Image © 2023 Jasin Boland / PEACOCK
The newest casting wave goes beyond Ganondorf. Deadline confirmed that Sam Neill filmed a role before his death in July 2026; his character remains secret. Dichen Lachman is reported to be playing Impa, while Yvonne Strahovski will appear as an unidentified queen.
- Sam Neill’s role: Sam Neill completed his work on the film before his death, but Nintendo and Sony have not revealed who he is playing.
- Impa casting: Dichen Lachman is reportedly playing Impa, Princess Zelda’s trusted adviser and protector.
- Main heroes: Benjamin Evan Ainsworth plays Link, while Bo Bragason plays Princess Zelda. Earlier leaked footage from New Zealand had already fueled fan discussion.
The latest wave of casting goes beyond Ganondorf. Sam Neill filmed a part before he died in July 2026, according to Deadline. The name of the role he played is still a secret. Dichen Lachman will reportedly play Impa, and Yvonne Strahovski will play a queen who hasn’t been named.
What Has Been Confirmed About Filming and the Movie’s Release?
Sony and Nintendo are co-financing the movie, with Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad producing. Wes Ball directed the film, while T.S. Nowlin wrote the latest screenplay draft. Principal photography began in November 2025 in New Zealand and wrapped in April 2026.
- Production status: The film began principal photography in November 2025 and completed filming in April.
- Creative team: Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad produced the movie, while Wes Ball directed it.
- Release plans: Deadline lists the release date as May 7, 2027, while several secondary sources still cite April 30, 2027, which was originally scheduled in some reports.
There is neither an official trailer nor a full set of images available yet. After the box office success of Super Mario Bros. and the Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Nintendo announced the project and is now planning more movies.
Fans must wait for more information about the story, the characters, and how this legend will be brought to the big screen. The movie is set to come out in theaters less than a year from now.
Final Thoughts
The Legend of Zelda movie is shaping up to be one of Nintendo’s biggest video game adaptations. The growing cast, experienced creative team, and completed production have given fans plenty of reasons to hope after a long freakin time.
While many story details remain secret, The Legend of Zelda film continues to build excitement ahead of its release. Nintendo didn’t give out much information, but the real movie is finally coming out in theaters after being announced many years ago.
FAQs
Yes. Nintendo originally announced the live-action The Legend of Zelda film, and Nintendo released updates confirming that production is complete ahead of its planned release.
No. The idea of Hunter Schafer playing Princess Zelda came from fan discussions, but Nintendo cast Bo Bragason when the movie was originally announced.
The confirmed cast includes Bo Bragason, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Uli Latukefu, Dichen Lachman, Yvonne Strahovski, and Sam Neill, making it one of Nintendo’s biggest video game adaptations.
Dichen Lachman, who is also known for The Haunting of Bly Manor, is reportedly playing Impa, giving fans hope that the character will have an important role.
The movie is expected to hit theaters in 2027 after many years of development and a long freakin time of waiting, although Nintendo has not yet shared every remaining detail.
