Nintendo Plans Live-Action Zelda Movie Trilogy, Filming to Begin in New Zealand
The tri-force tri-logy?
Nintendo’s upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda film, set for release on March 26, 2027, may mark the start of a trilogy, according to recent industry reports. The project, a collaboration between Nintendo and Sony Pictures, will begin principal photography in New Zealand from November 2025 to April 2026, hinting at an ambitious scope for the adaptation of the beloved gaming franchise.
The Zelda series, created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka in 1986, follows the heroic Link as he battles to save the kingdom of Hyrule, often alongside Princess Zelda. With over 140 million copies sold worldwide, the franchise has evolved from its 8-bit origins on the NES to modern open-world masterpieces like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) and Tears of the Kingdom (2023), both critically acclaimed and commercially successful on the Nintendo Switch. This cinematic venture builds on Nintendo’s recent success with The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1.3 billion globally in 2023.
Details from Production List, a service operated by the Film & Television Industry Alliance, indicate filming will take place in New Zealand—a location renowned for its stunning landscapes, previously showcased in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Industry insider Daniel Richtman reports that actors for major roles have signed on for three films, suggesting a six-year plan to bring an expansive Zelda narrative to the screen. Wes Ball, known for directing the Maze Runner series and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, will helm the project, with Miyamoto and veteran producer Avi Arad overseeing production.
While specifics about the plot and cast remain under wraps, this trilogy signals Nintendo’s intent to deepen its presence in Hollywood. Fans can expect a carefully crafted adaptation, given Miyamoto’s hands-on involvement. The choice of New Zealand as a filming location also raises anticipation for a visually striking take on Hyrule’s fantastical world. As development progresses, attention will turn to casting announcements and how the films interpret the franchise’s rich lore.
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