In case you forgot, we’re under a year away from The Legend of Zelda’s 2027 theatrical release. It’s kind of amazing, considering how long people have been whispering that such a feat was shortly on the way. But now it’s absolutely true, with the flesh and blood treatment of Nintendo’s massive franchise currently filming this would-be franchise starter.
While that original date now sits at April 30 – a week earlier than originally intended – production seems to be going well. I can’t blame the folks at Sony for feeling that way, as the latest news on director Wes Ball’s picture has now locked in an inspired choice to play the villainous Ganondorf.
The Legend Of Zelda’s Ganondorf Is Cooking
Coming out of a fresh announcement from Deadline, the Zelda movie will now see Australian actor Uli Latukefu as the powerful nemesis to Link and Zelda. There must be something in the water today, as this news comes on the same day as Jim Carrey’s Jetsons casting, and Kit Connor’s announcement as the MCU’s Cyclops.
Much like those other staffing decisions, Latukefu’s status as the big screen Ganondorf is pretty exciting – and rather appropriate. Considering two of the actor’s previous gigs are Dwayne Johnson adjacent – as Uli Latukefu was seen not only in Black Adam, but also played the young Johnson in NBC’s Young Rock – the Demon King/warlock will absolutely look imposing. And that’s even before any details about his impending training regimen have broken.
What’s more, Mr. Latukefu has reportedly “inked a multi-picture deal” in these negotiations. Whether that applies to The Legend of Zelda’s potential sequels, or Sony projects in general, is up to fate. Though it’s more than likely a preemptive measure for if the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ helmer knocks it out of the park with the cinematic introduction of Zelda. In either case, the selection of this man of action fits nicely with the other fresh faces that are already in play.
Uli Latukefu’s Casting Compliments His Fellow Zelda Actors
As unveiled in The Legend of Zelda’s first look photo, Bo Bragason’s Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth’s Link are already secured in this cinematic Hyrule. Not only do both performers look like fantastic fits for their respective Nintendo icons, they too have pretty impressive pedigrees. Bragason is the relatively fresher face, with her resume boasting credits for the animated film Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, and the Disney+ series Renegade Nell.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ainsworth has racked up credits through TV via House of the Dragon, and movies like the Disney+ remake of Pinocchio. So clearly, both of these performers know how to act in projects of great scope – with performances enhanced by technology as part of the mix. While Uli Latukefu is a pretty big guy, there’s a good chance he’ll need some technical assistance with the whole magic thing. (Unless, of course, he’s been hiding his sorcery abilities from the world.)
Pitting these young actors against Uli Latukefu is going to make for a truly harrowing Legend of Zelda film. Between the man’s stature, and the character’s threatening nature, the trailer for this hotly anticipated fantasy epic is going to be a hot ticket to excitement. Sadly, we don’t have any idea when that might come to pass, as one could have speculated that Spider-Man: Brand New World would have made the perfect showcase.
Let’s hope that footage debuts for the public soon, as The Legend of Zelda will unfold, only in theaters, on April 30, 2027. For all of the latest and greatest in pop culture, don’t forget to keep checking THS Movie News!
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