Zelda Live-Action Film Postponed by Nintendo

Nintendo has officially postponed the release of its highly anticipated live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda.

In a social media announcement this afternoon, Nintendo veteran Shigeru Miyamoto explained that additional development time is needed to refine the film's quality.

Originally slated for March 26, 2027, the movie will now debut on May 7, 2027 - taking over the release slot vacated by the delayed Avengers: Secret Wars.

"This is Miyamoto," the statement begins. "Due to production requirements, we're rescheduling The Legend of Zelda live-action film's premiere to May 7, 2027.

"While this pushes our release several weeks beyond the initial timeline, we're using this extension to perfect every aspect of the film. We appreciate your understanding."

Nintendo didn't provide specific reasons for the delay, but securing Avengers: Secret Wars' former release window allows the company to capitalize on Marvel's planned promotional cycle while avoiding several major competitors scheduled near the original March date.

Top 10 Legend of Zelda Games of All Time

Browse 11 Images

The Zelda film's previous release would have placed it just seven days after Sonic The Hedgehog 4 (March 19, 2027) and directly against Godzilla x Kong: Supernova. Avengers: Secret Wars has since shifted to December 17, 2027.

With production ongoing, details about Nintendo's Zelda adaptation remain scarce. Casting announcements and plot specifics have yet to be revealed.

First announced in November 2023, the project brings together Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto and former Marvel Studios chief Avi Arad as producers. Sony Pictures Entertainment will distribute the film while co-financing with Nintendo. Screenwriter Derek Connolly (Jurassic World) and director Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) complete the creative team.

Following his work on the CGI-driven Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Ball mentioned in May 2024 that a fully motion-captured Zelda film "wouldn't be his preferred approach". Instead, he envisions The Legend of Zelda as possessing a "grounded, realistic" quality.

"I'm committed to meeting fans' highest expectations," Ball remarked in a project interview. "Recognizing how cherished this franchise is, I aim to deliver a substantial cinematic experience—something immersive that blends serious storytelling with playful wonder."