Nintendo's Zelda Movie Now Has A Release Date Even If We Still Know Nothing Else About It

Nintendo Unveils Release Date for Live-Action ‘The Legend of Zelda’ Film via News App

Gaming giant Nintendo has announced the release timeframe for its highly anticipated live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. The reveal of the Zelda movie’s launch window was exclusively available through the company’s newly launched news application, Nintendo Today. Fans eager for updates on the project, including details about the storyline and cast, will need to stay tuned to this new platform as the film approaches its debut in 2027.

Exclusive Reveal on Nintendo Today App

Subscribers to the Nintendo Today application, introduced during this week’s Nintendo Direct presentation, were treated to a brief video clip. The visual showcased a Tri-Force symbol accompanied by the iconic Zelda theme music. Text within the announcement confirmed the live-action movie’s official release date as March 26, 2027.

Long Wait Anticipated for Zelda Movie Details

With the Zelda film still roughly two years away from release, it is expected that casting decisions will be finalized later in the current year, with principal photography likely commencing in early 2026. Director Wes Ball, known for his work on the recent Planet of the Apes installment, has indicated a preference for practical effects over extensive CGI motion capture. This suggests a more grounded aesthetic for the Zelda film, potentially differing from the vibrant fantasy visuals seen in recent games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

Grounded Style Inspired by Studio Ghibli

Ball has also expressed his aspiration to capture a tone reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli productions, rather than the epic scope of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. This stylistic direction leaves the precise visual and thematic approach of the forthcoming movie open to speculation.

Potential for New Zelda Game Alongside Movie Release

The 2027 release date for the Zelda cinematic endeavor could also hint at Nintendo’s strategy to align it with fresh content within the game franchise. The company previously coordinated the release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in spring 2023 with the launch of Super Mario Bros. Wonder in the following fall. This pattern suggests the possibility of a new mainline Zelda game arriving around the movie’s debut, or potentially the long-awaited Switch ports of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess.