Nintendo Delays Live‑Action The Legend of Zelda Movie to May 2027

It looks like Link’s cinematic quest is going to take a little longer. Nintendo has officially delayed the highly anticipated live-action Legend of Zelda movie from March 26, 2027, to May 7, 2027. That’s right, our trip to Hyrule is getting pushed back by about six weeks. But don’t grab your Master Sword in frustration just yet. This delay might actually be a blessing in disguise.

Announced via Shigeru Miyamoto’s X (formerly Twitter) account, the delay was framed as a necessary move to ensure the team delivers the epic fantasy adaptation fans deserve. “We are working hard on the production,” Miyamoto said. “It will take time, but we want to make it something really special.” That sounds like Nintendo-speak for “the world-building is wild and we want to get it just right.”

The movie is being co-produced by Nintendo and Sony Pictures, with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes director Wes Ball at the helm. That’s an intriguing pick. Ball has already proven he knows how to blend action, emotion, and sweeping visual spectacle. And while we don’t know who’s donning the green tunic yet, all eyes are on casting rumors like Hunter Schafer (as Zelda) and even speculation about who could play Link (Mason Thames?), assuming he speaks at all.

Delaying the release actually works out well on multiple fronts. First, it moves the film into a prime summer movie season slot, immediately following Avengers: Secret Wars’ early May launch window. That gives Zelda a shot at being a true summer event film, not just another spring release. It also gives the studio more time to finish effects, lock in the tone, and promote the movie with proper trailers, merchandise, and possibly even a surprise E3-style Direct (if those ever return).

Nintendo has been notoriously careful with its IP. The studio’s first real foray into big-budget live-action territory was always going to be under a microscope. Following the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023, expectations for Zelda are sky-high. Fans want the emotional weight of Ocarina of Time, the epic scope of Breath of the Wild, and visuals that channel the Studio Ghibli inspiration long associated with Hyrule.

And let’s be honest: if this delay helps avoid another Super Mario Bros. (1993) situation, we’ll gladly wait the extra weeks.

So yes, the hero of time is taking a bit more time. But considering the legacy of the franchise, and the studio’s desire to do it justice, that’s a good thing. We’ll mark our maps for May 2027, stock up on rupees, and wait patiently for our first real glimpse at this long-rumored epic.

Hyrule isn’t going anywhere… and neither are we.