Legend of Zelda movie reveals Ganondorf in rare major update
Nintendo has released a rare update on its long-in-the-works live-action Legend of Zelda film, confirming that Australian actor Uli Latukefu will play the villain Ganondorf. The announcement ends a near information blackout that has lasted since the project was first revealed in 2023, and follows a broader Nintendo strategy of expanding its characters into film after the Super Mario Galaxy movie's billion-dollar box office success.
Latukefu, 42, previously played Dwayne Johnson in NBC's Young Rock and appeared in Netflix's Marco Polo; he has reportedly signed a multi-year deal with Nintendo. The film, a joint production between Nintendo and Sony directed by Wes Ball, also stars Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link, and is due for release in April 2027. Filming took place in New Zealand and wrapped in April 2026, though the production has previously suffered leaks of set images and unannounced cast details.
In short
- Uli Latukefu cast as Ganondorf in the live-action Zelda film.
- Nintendo-Sony film, directed by Wes Ball, out April 2027.
- Part of Nintendo's push to bring characters to film after Mario's success.
Explained simply
The Legend of Zelda is a long-running Nintendo video game series set in the fantasy kingdom of Hyrule. Its stories often centre on Princess Zelda and the hero Link, who face threats to the kingdom.
Ganondorf is a recurring enemy in the games, usually portrayed as a powerful figure seeking control of Hyrule. The film is being made by Nintendo and Sony, with Wes Ball directing, and adapts the game series into live action.
The project is part of Nintendo’s move to bring its game characters to cinema audiences. Its other recent major film adaptation, based on Super Mario, achieved strong box office results.
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