Nintendo Casts Its King of Evil: Young Rock Star Set to Play Ganondorf in Zelda Movie

Nintendo and Sony Pictures have officially found the King of Evil for their highly anticipated live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. Australian actor Uli Latukefu, best known for portraying a young Dwayne Johnson in NBC’s Young Rock, will step into the menacing boots of Ganondorf. Standing at an imposing 1.96 meters (6’5″), Latukefu brings the raw physical presence required to adapt Hyrule’s legendary antagonist. Directed by Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) and produced directly by Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto alongside Avi Arad, the blockbuster feature finished principal photography ahead of schedule in New Zealand and is slated for a worldwide theatrical premiere on April 30, 2027.

Key Project Information

• Title: The Legend of Zelda (Live-Action Movie)
• Release Date: April 30, 2027
• Production Entities: Nintendo and Sony Pictures
• Director: Wes Ball
• Screenplay: Derek Connolly and T.S. Nowlin
• Producers: Shigeru Miyamoto, Avi Arad
• Genre: High Fantasy, Action-Adventure
• Filming Locations: New Zealand

Who Is Playing Ganondorf in the Zelda Live-Action Film?

Australian actor Uli Latukefu will play Ganondorf, bringing the Great King of Evil from pixels to live-action cinema for the very first time. The initial report surfaced via New York Times film reporter Kyle Buchanan, with trade publication Deadline confirming that Latukefu has signed a multi-picture contract. This multi-film agreement strongly points toward Nintendo laying the groundwork for an expanded cinematic universe or a core trilogy centered on the Triforce lore.

Latukefu has built a steady Hollywood resume in recent years. Outside of Young Rock, the actor appeared in DC’s Black Adam, Ridley Scott’s Alien: Covenant, Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins, A24’s MaXXXine, and the Prime Video series Countdown. His tall frame aligns with Ganondorf’s established character design since his debut in The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and his pivotal role in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Who Else Is in the Cast of the Live-Action Zelda Movie?

The supporting cast features a mix of seasoned Hollywood talent and rising stars:

• Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link: The Haunting of Bly Manor star takes up the Master Sword as the Hylian hero.
• Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda: The newcomer leads the film as the titular royal sovereign of Hyrule.
• Dichen Lachman as Impa: Known for her work on Severance, Lachman plays Princess Zelda’s fierce guardian and royal advisor.
• Yvonne Strahovski as a Queen: The Handmaid’s Tale star has joined the ensemble, reportedly portraying a royal queen.
• Sam Neill in an Undisclosed Role: The iconic Jurassic Park actor, who passed away in July 2026, completed filming scenes for what will mark a poignant posthumous performance.

When Is the Live-Action Legend of Zelda Movie Release Date?

The live-action The Legend of Zelda movie opens in theaters on April 30, 2027. The release date moved twice during production: initially targeted for March 2027, it was briefly pushed to May 7 before Shigeru Miyamoto officially moved the launch forward to April 30 to align with global theatrical schedules and Japan’s Golden Week holiday frame.

Filming wrapped smoothly in New Zealand between November 2025 and April 2026. With principal photography concluded, the project moves into an extensive post-production phase focused on bringing Hyrule’s fantastical creatures, magic, and landscapes to life.