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First Footage Leaks from Live-Action Legend of Zelda Movie: Link and Zelda Spotted Filming in New Zealand

First Footage Leaks from Live-Action Legend of Zelda Movie: Link and Zelda Spotted Filming in New Zealand

November 16, 2025 Off By Ibraheem Adeola

The Legend of Zelda’s long-awaited leap to live-action just hit a milestone fans have craved: the very first behind-the-scenes footage is finally out in the wild. Leaked videos and on-set photos snapped in New Zealand give us our first look at the main cast in full costume, square in the middle of filming.

If you’ve ever wondered what Link and Zelda would look like in the real world, wonder no more. Fan excitement exploded as clips made the rounds online, showing Benjamin Evan Ainsworth channelling Link in his unmistakable green tunic. Alongside him, Bo Bragason makes her debut as Princess Zelda, giving us a hint at the movie’s approach to two of gaming’s most iconic figures.

New Zealand Becomes Hyrule: A Production Worth Watching

Legend of Zelda Shooting Leak

Filming is happening in Wellington, New Zealand, an obvious nod to the massive success of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings series, which placed the country’s landscapes on the fantasy map. Nintendo and the production team want Hyrule to feel as real as Middle-earth, and they’re banking on those dramatic, sweeping vistas to do the job.

The timing is right for something big. The movie only officially kicked off production last week, with the leaked footage and photos following almost immediately. The clips don’t feature any dialogue you can make out, but the images say plenty: Link in battle stance, Zelda in regal attire, and the entire cast moving through sets that channel classic Zelda adventure vibes.

You can see the reaction for yourself online as fans share, dissect, and debate every visible frame. Here’s how one viral post put it: “FIRST FOOTAGE OF THE ZELDA MOVIE BEING FILMED OMG OMG”. The hype is real, and judging by the looks of things, this adaptation is pulling out all the stops.

Meet Your New Link and Zelda

First Footage Leaks from Live-Action Legend of Zelda Movie
Image credit: Nintendo

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Bo Bragason landed the roles of Link and Zelda earlier this year, instantly fueling speculation about their chemistry and the direction the story will take. Both actors step into shoes worn by video game legends, and fans are already scrutinising every detail, from tunic fabric to hairstyle.

The movie is set for release in 2027. There’s still a long road ahead, but every new detail only amps up the anticipation. Leaks like these give us just enough to debate: Are the costumes faithful? Does Wellington’s wild terrain really sell Hyrule? Are the cast choices spot on?

One thing’s clear: this is no small-budget attempt to cash in on nostalgia. The production values already look worthy of Zelda’s legacy, and the decision to film in New Zealand is a statement of intent. With Nintendo closely involved, the stakes are as high as the fandom’s expectations.

Meanwhile, the Zelda universe keeps expanding. Nintendo and Lego just teased a new buildable set inspired by Ocarina of Time, offering a treat for fans who can’t wait for the movie’s premiere. It’s the kind of synergy you expect when one of gaming’s biggest franchises finally tackles the big screen. For now, all eyes are on New Zealand — and everyone’s waiting to see what magic the team behind the cameras will conjure next.