Hold onto your Master Sword, because leaked footage from the set of Nintendo’s live-action The Legend of Zelda movie has just dropped, and it’s already sparking debates among fans. But here’s where it gets controversial: alongside the first glimpses of Link and Zelda, a surprise actor has been spotted—Dichen Lachman, best known for her role in Severance, appears to be playing Impa. And this is the part most people miss: this isn’t just a cameo; it’s a sign that Nintendo might be pulling out all the stops for this adaptation, blending familiar faces with fresh talent.
The footage, which is still circulating online (at least at the time of writing), gives us a sneak peek at Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link, sporting the iconic green tunic and long blonde hair, and Bo Bragson as Zelda, donning a blue tunic reminiscent of her Twilight Princess design. While the film isn’t adapting a specific game—much like the Super Mario Bros. movie—it’s clear that the creative team is cherry-picking elements from across the franchise.
Here’s the kicker: Lachman’s involvement wasn’t officially announced, making her appearance a major reveal. With roles in Jurassic Park, Agents of SHIELD, and Altered Carbon, she brings a level of star power that could elevate the film beyond die-hard fans. But is this a smart move, or does it risk overshadowing the lesser-known leads? That’s a question fans are already debating.
Directed by Maze Runner’s Wes Ball—a self-proclaimed Zelda superfan—the movie is set for a 2027 release. Given Nintendo’s recent success with the Super Mario Bros. movie (which grossed a staggering $1.3 billion), expectations are sky-high. The company has hinted at a “consistent release” of films, with Super Mario Galaxy already slated for April 2026, but Zelda remains one of its most ambitious projects yet.
And this is where it gets even more intriguing: Nintendo is reportedly deeply involved in the production, ensuring the film stays true to the source material. But with a relatively unknown cast and a director more associated with dystopian thrillers, can this adaptation capture the magic of the games? Or will it fall into the trap of other video game-to-film adaptations?
One thing’s for sure: this leak has reignited the conversation about what makes a Zelda adaptation work. Is it the casting? The storytelling? Or the sheer nostalgia of seeing Hyrule come to life? Let’s debate it in the comments—do you think Lachman’s involvement is a game-changer, or should Nintendo have stuck to lesser-known talent? And more importantly, can this film live up to the hype?
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