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Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda Film May Be Sam Neill’s Final Performance
Nintendo and Sony Pictures' live-action Legend of Zelda film may prove to be Sam Neill's last screen role. Neill, best known as Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, died in July aged 78, but had finished filming an as-yet-unrevealed part in Wes Ball's adaptation beforehand. His involvement, alongside further casting news, has added poignancy to what was already a heavily anticipated project.
Deadline also reported that Severance's Dichen Lachman will play Impa, the Sheikah bodyguard to Hyrule's royal family, while Yvonne Strahovski of The Handmaid's Tale will portray an unspecified queen, possibly Zelda's mother. They join previously announced cast members Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link, with Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad producing. Filming wrapped in spring 2026, and the film is due for release on 30 April 2027, with Neill's exact character still unconfirmed.
In short
- Sam Neill filmed a role before his death, possibly his final film
- Dichen Lachman and Yvonne Strahovski join the Zelda movie cast
- The Legend of Zelda film releases in cinemas on 30 April 2027
Explained simply
The Legend of Zelda is a long-running Nintendo video game series set in the fantasy land of Hyrule. Its stories often follow Princess Zelda and Link, a young hero, as they face threats to the kingdom.
Nintendo is making a live-action film with Sony Pictures, directed by Wes Ball. Bo Bragason plays Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth plays Link; Dichen Lachman and Yvonne Strahovski are also in the cast. The film brings a major game series to cinema, introducing its characters to audiences who may not know the games.
Sam Neill, known for playing Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, filmed a part before his death in July aged 78. His character has not been announced, so it is not yet known how large a role he has in the film.
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