Nintendo has officially entered the next phase of adapting its storied game franchises for the big screen.
On November 17, 2025, the company announced via the Nintendo Today app that production for The Legend of Zelda Movie has commenced in New Zealand.
Alongside this milestone, Nintendo released the first official screenshots from the much-anticipated film, giving fans their initial glimpse at the visual direction and scope of the adaptation. The announcement marks an important chapter in the ongoing legacy of The Legend of Zelda franchise, which has captivated players since its original debut on the Famicom Disk System in 1986.
With more than 140 million copies sold globally across all mainline entries, The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo’s most acclaimed intellectual properties.
This cinematic adaptation is poised to expand the Zelda universe beyond Nintendo Switch consoles and eShop platforms to the world of blockbuster entertainment. Building on the successful box office run of The Super Mario Bros.
Movie, Nintendo has been vocal about its commitment to translating its most beloved franchises into film.
As stated in a recent update, company representatives highlighted that filming in New Zealand, a location renowned for its epic landscapes and cinematic history, aligns perfectly with the grandeur and fantasy elements that define the Zelda series. “Nintendo is thrilled to share this early look at The Legend of Zelda Movie as filming begins in New Zealand,” read the official statement.
“The production team is dedicated to preserving the heart of the franchise while bringing its iconic world and characters to life for longtime fans and new audiences alike.” The newly-released screenshots showcase sweeping environments and hint at a production inspired in part by the recent visual style of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the acclaimed Nintendo Switch title that set new standards for open-world action-adventure games.
Fans immediately reacted with excitement across social platforms and the Nintendo Today app, praising the authenticity of the costumes and cast as shown in the initial images. Although Nintendo has not yet revealed the full cast or detailed story elements, early indications suggest that the adaptation will pay homage to key elements that made the original games so memorable, including iconic characters and the rich, expansive world of Hyrule. The company confirmed that higher resolution versions of the screenshots will be made available online soon, underlining Nintendo’s commitment to transparency and active engagement with its audience throughout the production process.
As development continues, expectations remain high, with fans eagerly anticipating further updates via official Nintendo channels, including future Nintendo Direct presentations. The Legend of Zelda Movie’s production in New Zealand not only signals Nintendo’s confidence in the enduring appeal of the franchise but also represents a significant milestone in the broader entertainment landscape as video game adaptations rise in mainstream popularity.
Stay tuned for the latest news, behind-the-scenes developments, and forthcoming trailers as Nintendo continues its foray into cinematic storytelling.
On November 17, 2025, the company announced via the Nintendo Today app that production for The Legend of Zelda Movie has commenced in New Zealand.
Alongside this milestone, Nintendo released the first official screenshots from the much-anticipated film, giving fans their initial glimpse at the visual direction and scope of the adaptation. The announcement marks an important chapter in the ongoing legacy of The Legend of Zelda franchise, which has captivated players since its original debut on the Famicom Disk System in 1986.
With more than 140 million copies sold globally across all mainline entries, The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo’s most acclaimed intellectual properties.
This cinematic adaptation is poised to expand the Zelda universe beyond Nintendo Switch consoles and eShop platforms to the world of blockbuster entertainment. Building on the successful box office run of The Super Mario Bros.
Movie, Nintendo has been vocal about its commitment to translating its most beloved franchises into film.
As stated in a recent update, company representatives highlighted that filming in New Zealand, a location renowned for its epic landscapes and cinematic history, aligns perfectly with the grandeur and fantasy elements that define the Zelda series. “Nintendo is thrilled to share this early look at The Legend of Zelda Movie as filming begins in New Zealand,” read the official statement.
“The production team is dedicated to preserving the heart of the franchise while bringing its iconic world and characters to life for longtime fans and new audiences alike.” The newly-released screenshots showcase sweeping environments and hint at a production inspired in part by the recent visual style of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the acclaimed Nintendo Switch title that set new standards for open-world action-adventure games.
Fans immediately reacted with excitement across social platforms and the Nintendo Today app, praising the authenticity of the costumes and cast as shown in the initial images. Although Nintendo has not yet revealed the full cast or detailed story elements, early indications suggest that the adaptation will pay homage to key elements that made the original games so memorable, including iconic characters and the rich, expansive world of Hyrule. The company confirmed that higher resolution versions of the screenshots will be made available online soon, underlining Nintendo’s commitment to transparency and active engagement with its audience throughout the production process.
As development continues, expectations remain high, with fans eagerly anticipating further updates via official Nintendo channels, including future Nintendo Direct presentations. The Legend of Zelda Movie’s production in New Zealand not only signals Nintendo’s confidence in the enduring appeal of the franchise but also represents a significant milestone in the broader entertainment landscape as video game adaptations rise in mainstream popularity.
Stay tuned for the latest news, behind-the-scenes developments, and forthcoming trailers as Nintendo continues its foray into cinematic storytelling.
