The Legend of Zelda movie casting update reveals Sam Neill in his final role
The Jurassic Park star passed away in July, but will apparently have a role in the new Nintendo film
A fresh wave of casting announcement reveals have been made for the upcoming, nervously-anticipated The Legend of Zelda movie, and they include some key character roles and big-name stars. Note they’re not yet officially confirmed, but come under good authority from sources speaking to Deadline.
First up, we now seemingly know who will play Zelda’s big bad, series antagonist Ganondorf. Donning the red wig will be Uli Latukefu (Alien: Covenant, MaXXXine, Black Adam), perhaps most famous for playing a young Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in Young Rock. The Australian star certainly has the physique for the imposing baddie — if perhaps a bit too handsome. Stick some prosthetics on the man!
Next, and perhaps just as excitingly, if with a touch of sorrow, comes the news that the late, great Sam Neill has a role in The Legend of Zelda film. While it’s not clear yet what part he will play, it is said to be the Jurassic Park star’s last role before his passing at the age of 78 last month. Plenty of older mentor characters float through the games — it’d be a joy to see Neill voice the Deku Tree, in my opinion.
The heroes of time assemble
Rounding out the casting additions are Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale, Dexter) and Dichen Lachman (Severance, Jurassic Park: Dominion). Again roles have yet to be officially confirmed, but we’ve known about Lachman’s involvement in the film for some time, following set leaks that appeared to reveal her as Princess Zelda’s bodyguard Impa. Lachman has also previously worked with Zelda director Wes Ball on Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
If true, they’ll all be joining the only two confirmed members of the cast so far — Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (Pinocchio, House of the Dragon) as the heroic Link, and Bo Bragason (Renegade Nell, The Radleys) as Princess Zelda. Ainsworth has looked every bit the sword-swirling-yet-pensive hero in House of the Dragon, so we’re tentatively confident in his casting.
Plot details, including which, if any, of the games are to be closely adapted remain under wraps, but we do know that principal filming concluded in April. The film is pencilled in for an April 30th, 2027 release.
If I were to make a guess on what’s being partially adapted? I’d go for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time — it’s got a great fairytale story, awesome locations and colourful characters, and a killer plot twist. Released in 1998, it’s a fan favourite, and is getting a remaster for the Nintendo Switch 2 later this year.
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