After leaked set video, Nintendo unveils first look at Link and Zelda in costume as Legend of Zelda filming begins – and they couldn't look better

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Fans are already getting excited

Link in The Legend of Zelda movie
(Image credit: Nintendo/Sony)

Link and Zelda are heading to the big screen soon, and we just got the first official look with actors Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth in costume – and they couldn't look better. Following a leaked clip from The Legend of Zelda movie set, Nintendo decided to give fans a glimpse at the upcoming movie with three images that have left fans really impressed.

The images were released today on the Nintendo Today app, offering a sneak peek at the film adaptation of the beloved video game, featuring Bragason as magical Princess Zelda and Ainsworth as swordsman Link. They show the characters standing on a green field in full costume, Hylian ears included, and were likely taken on the New Zealand set where The Legend of Zelda is currently filming.

Shortly after being unveiled exclusively in the app, Nintendo shared the first-look images on Twitter, with Legend of Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto offering an update on the production: "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."

With the pictures, a new wave of fan opinions arrived, and this time it was quite approving of how the adaptation is looking so far.

"I've never imagined a live-action of a Nintendo game to look this good. Kudos to the casting dept. They're the spitting images of Link and Zelda," commented one user on Twitter, while another one said "they look so much like how I imagine the characters."

"Okay, now that I see him [Link] 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 era's of fans is awesome!" wrote another.

Someone else expressed some mixed feelings: "Okay, first look and I’m already hyped! Link looks like he could actually swing that Master Sword, and Zelda… iconic vibes. But do you think this live-action version can actually capture the magic of the games without feeling too Hollywood?"

The Legend of Zelda movie is set to open on May 7, 2027. For more, check out our guides on upcoming video game movies and the best Zelda games.

Mireia Mullor
Mireia Mullor
Contributing Writer

Mireia is a UK-based culture journalist and critic. She previously worked as Deputy Movies Editor at Digital Spy, and her work as a freelance writer has appeared in WeLoveCinema and Spanish magazines Fotogramas, Esquire, and Elle. She is also a published author, having written a book about Studio Ghibli's 'Kiki's Delivery Service' in 2023. Talking about anime and musicals is the best way to grab her attention.

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