Leaked footage from the Legend of Zelda movie set has ignited a firestorm of discussion in the gaming and entertainment world, as fans scramble to parse what the glimpses mean — and what truth might lie under the surface. The leaks, which reportedly originate from shoots in New Zealand, have already led to major speculation over casting, story direction, and the much-discussed possibility of a three-film franchise.
What’s in the Leak?
According to multiple reports, the leaked Legend of Zelda movie footage shows actors on a forested set, dressed in costume, alongside production crew and horses bearing what appears to be the iconic Hylian Crest. In one of the more buzzed-about clips, a character believed to be Princess Zelda, dressed in a blue gown, is seen walking with another figure suspected to be Impa, played by Severance star Dichen Lachman. The visual strongly evokes Zelda’s aesthetic from Breath of the Wild, raising fans’ expectations for a faithful adaptation.
Other portions of the leaked material hint at a young Link, clad in his signature green tunic, preparing for a journey on horseback — the traditional fantasy adventurer vibe many fans have longed to see translated into live action. Epona, his famed horse companion, may even have appeared, though the video is blurry and details remain uncertain.
That Trilogy Talk Again
The leaks come amid long-circulating rumors that Nintendo and Sony plan to expand the Zelda film into a trilogy. According to production-tracking sources, casting contracts may already cover three major films over six years, covering characters like Link, Zelda, Impa, and even Ganon. While Nintendo has not officially confirmed a trilogy, the leaked set footage adds fuel to these discussions — especially as fans theorize about how the movies might map to different eras and storylines from the games.
Production and Release Timing
Filming for the Legend of Zelda movie reportedly began in November 2025 in Wellington, New Zealand, and is expected to run through April 2026. The location choice is notable: it evokes the sweeping landscapes of iconic fantasy blockbusters, directly referencing how tonal and visual scale could play a major role in the film’s ambition.
Originally, Nintendo announced a release date of March 26, 2027, through its Nintendo Today app. However, the date was later pushed back to May 7, 2027, reportedly due to “production reasons,” giving the team extra time to polish the movie. The delay also suggests that the studio may be taking great care to ensure the film meets fan expectations — especially if the trilogy rumors are real.
Casting in the Spotlight
Before the leaks broke, Nintendo had already announced key casting: Benjamin Evan Ainsworth is set to portray Link, while Bo Bragason will take on the role of Zelda. Their youth and relative newcomer status drew both excitement and curiosity. Now, with leaked footage suggesting Dichen Lachman as Impa, fans are watching closely to see how supporting roles will flesh out the movie’s mythology.
The presence of these characters in the leaks supports the idea that the movie will lean into core lore from the Legend of Zelda games, balancing action with the more spiritual and mystical underpinnings that define the franchise.
Fan Reactions: Speculation Runs Wild
Online forums have exploded in response. Enthusiasts are dissecting every second of the leaked footage. Many are praising the production design — noting that Zelda’s costume and Link’s iconic green tunic feel deeply rooted in the games’ heritage. Others are more cautious, warning that leaks don’t guarantee the final film will deliver on promise or scale.
A major thread in fan discussion centers on how closely the movie will adhere to specific Zelda titles. Will it lean into the mythology of Ocarina of Time, Breath of the Wild, or some new, hybrid narrative? And if this truly is the first of a trilogy, which games or eras will the sequels explore?
What This Means for the Franchise
If real, the Legend of Zelda movie leaks could signal a pivotal moment for Nintendo’s approach to cinematic storytelling. For years, fans have debated whether a live-action Zelda film could honor the spirit of the games — balancing fantasy and adventure with emotional depth. The leaked footage suggests that the filmmakers are not shying away from that challenge.
A successful first film could set the stage for an entire Zelda cinematic universe, particularly if a trilogy is confirmed. That could open the door to exploring beloved storylines, legendary villains, and perhaps even multiple versions of Hyrule across time.
Risks and Rewards
Leaking footage so early carries risk. If the imagery shown proves disappointing or inconsistent with game lore, fans may backlash. On the other hand, quality leaks can generate powerful buzz and rally anticipation — exactly what a high-stakes, high-budget adaptation needs.
From a studio perspective, the leaks may force even tighter secrecy going forward, or perhaps encourage an official trailer drop to regain control of the narrative. Either way, the pressure is now on to deliver a film worthy of the Legend of Zelda legacy.
Where It Might Go Next
Looking ahead, fans and analysts are watching for:
- An official trailer or first look, especially in light of the leaks.
- Confirmation of a trilogy, possibly through casting announcements or production notes.
- Updates on release timing, to ensure the May 2027 date holds.
- More casting reveals, particularly for major characters like Ganon, Impa, and other figures from the lore.
Credit: PopScopeNow.com — November 16, 2025
