Nintendo announced on June 9, 2025, that its live-action The Legend of Zelda movie, initially set for March 26, 2027, will now premiere on May 7, 2027, due to production reasons. Shigeru Miyamoto, the franchise’s creator and film producer, shared the news via Nintendo’s X account, stating the extra six weeks will ensure the film meets high expectations.
The delay, while minor, has sparked mixed reactions among fans eagerly awaiting the adaptation of the beloved video game series.
Directed by Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), the film is co-produced by Nintendo and Sony Pictures, with Avi Arad (Spider-Man) and Nintendo financing over 50% of the project. The story follows Link and Princess Zelda as they battle Ganon to save Hyrule, though plot details remain scarce.
Rumors suggest Hunter Schafer may play Zelda, but casting is unconfirmed as principal photography isn’t slated until November 2025. The delay aligns the film with a less crowded May release. This avoids competition from Sonic the Hedgehog 4 and Godzilla x Kong: Supernova in March.
The decision reflects Nintendo’s commitment to quality. Mirroring the meticulous development of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. BOTW took five years to become a landmark game. Following the $1.36 billion success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023, Nintendo aims to replicate that triumph with Zelda’s mythic narrative.
The delay may allow for refined visuals and a script by Derek Connolly (Jurassic World) that balances the franchise’s rich lore with accessibility for newcomers.
Fan reactions on X range from tongue-in-cheek comments about Zelda’s history of delays—“It wouldn’t be Zelda without a pushback”—to cautious optimism that the extra time will yield a film rivaling Lord of the Rings. Some express concern over the live-action format, preferring animation to capture Hyrule’s fantastical essence, while others debate potential casting controversies.
Despite the wait, the move to May’s prime box-office slot, previously held by Avengers: Secret Wars before its shift to December, positions Zelda for maximum impact. As Nintendo expands its cinematic ventures, this delay underscores a focus on delivering a polished Zelda experience.
