The Legend of Zelda movie has been in the works for some time, and Nintendo has now shared the first look at the film’s lead character

Nintendo has given us a first glimpse of the highly anticipated The Legend of Zelda film, and we finally know how the game’s iconic main characters will look.

Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto shared stills from the movie’s production in New Zealand, where filming continues. In them, we get a first look at the titular princess and the series’ main character, Link.

With a post on X, previously known as Twitter, Miyamoto sent enthusiasts into overdrive. In the announcement, the Nintendo legend shared three images – and fans have all noticed one key detail.

He said: “This is Miyamoto. Filming is underway for the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda in a lush, natural setting, with Bo Bragason-san who will play Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth-san who will play Link.

“Filming is on track for the film’s release on May 7, 2027. It will take a while until the release, so we would be grateful if you would wait patiently and look forward to it.”

Supporters have responded to the news across social media, with a clear theme throughout their reaction, reports All Out Gaming. One X user shared: “Okay, now that I see him in costume. That is INCREDIBLE.”

“Absolutely NAILED the look, and I like how it looks like the BOTW champions tunic details, but with the classic green. Appealing to both eras of fans is awesome!”

Reddit users also spotted the reference to Breath of the Wild, the Nintendo Switch launch title that has become regarded as one of the greatest games ever made. One user commented: “From the video leaks we’ve gotten and these costumes, it looks like a mix of Ocarina of Time and Breath of the Wild. Can’t wait”.

Another wrote: “Zelda looks like BOTW, but, at a guess, this is another hodge-podge of different games.” A third Redditor observed: “Based on their outfits and the location, it looks like they’re taking inspiration from Breath of the Wild.”

Meanwhile, a fourth contributor noted: “Honestly looks like good casting to me. Hope everything else is equally as good.”

Production in New Zealand continues. Wes Ball is helming the film, and leaked footage from the set appears to suggest Severance star Dichen Lachman will portray Impa, a recurring character from the franchise who acts as Zelda’s guardian and aide.

While The Legend of Zelda spans more than 20 games in its series, its history in film is sparse. The main memory fans have of a Zelda adaptation is the 1989 animated series that achieved cult status and birthed the now infamous ‘well excuuuuse me, princess!’ meme.

The 2027 film will be the first official live-action Zelda movie, and marks Nintendo’s return to live action filmmaking nearly 40 years after its most recent attempt at a live action adaptation. The 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie featuring Bob Hoskins and Dennis Hopper was ill-fated and panned by viewers and critics.

Since then, Nintendo’s beloved characters largely graced our screens in animated form. The next movie featuring a Nintendo franchise was the first Pokemon movie that released in 1999.

Two sequels followed in 2000 and 2001, but there wasn’t another until Detective Pikachu, featuring Ryan Reynolds, in 2019. Four years later, another animated film, The Super Mario Bros. Movie become the highest-grossing film based on a video game with a worldwide box office gross of more than $1.36bn (£1.03bn).

A sequel to that, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, is due for release in 2026 and is currently in development. But the 2027 Zelda movie will be a first foray back into a beloved franchise since the 1989 animated series.