The live-action Legend of Zelda movie has found its main antagonist. Australian actor Uli Latukefu , best known for playing a young Dwayne Johnson in the NBC series Young Rock, will take on the role of Ganondorf, the iconic villain from Nintendo’s beloved video game franchise. The casting news, first reported by Deadline, also reveals that Latukefu has signed a multi-picture deal, pointing toward possible sequels.
Who Is Uli Latukefu?
Uli Latukefu is a 42-year-old Australian actor of Tongan descent. He gained recognition for playing a younger version of Dwayne Johnson in the NBC comedy series Young Rock. His other acting credits include roles in Alien: Covenant, Black Adam, MaXXXine, and the Netflix series Marco Polo. Latukefu also appeared in the Prime Video series Countdown. This casting marks his biggest role yet, placing him in one of the most anticipated video game adaptations in development.
The Multi-Film Deal and What It Means
According to Deadline, Latukefu “inked a multi-picture deal”. This agreement suggests that Nintendo and Sony Pictures are already thinking beyond just one film. While neither company has officially confirmed plans for a franchise, the multi-film contract indicates that Ganondorf could appear in future installments if the first movie performs well.
The video game industry has seen major success with movie adaptations recently. The Super Mario Bros. Movie earned over $1 billion at the box office, making sequels almost certain. Nintendo appears to be following a similar strategy with The Legend of Zelda, building a cinematic universe around one of its most popular franchises.
Who Else Is in the Cast?
Latukefu joins a cast that includes Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda. Nintendo announced these two lead actors in July 2025. Ainsworth is known for his role in The Haunting of Bly Manor and season 3 of House of the Dragon as Daeron Targaryen. Bragason appeared in Disney+’s Renegade Nell.
Recent reports also add Sam Neill, Dichen Lachman, and Yvonne Strahovski to the cast. Neill, famous for the Jurassic Park films, passed away on July 13, 2026, making this his final screen performance. Lachman, known for Severance, will play Impa, the bodyguard and advisor to Princess Zelda. Strahovski, from The Handmaid’s Tale, is set to play a queen character.
Production and Release Details
The Legend of Zelda movie is a joint production between Nintendo and Sony Pictures. Nintendo is funding more than 50% of the production. Wes Ball, who directed the Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is directing the film. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Zelda, is producing alongside Avi Arad, known for producing Spider-Man movies. The screenplay comes from T.S. Nowlin.
Filming took place in New Zealand and wrapped in April 2026. The movie is currently in post-production. The Legend of Zelda is scheduled to release in theaters on April 30, 2027. Some sources also mention a May 7, 2027 release date. The film will be distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing.
Who Is Ganondorf?
For those unfamiliar with the games, Ganondorf is the main villain of The Legend of Zelda series. He is a powerful warlock king from the Gerudo tribe who wants to take over Hyrule, the kingdom that Link and Princess Zelda protect. Ganondorf first appeared in human form in the 1998 game Ocarina of Time, which many consider one of the greatest video games ever made. In some games, he transforms into a beast-like demon king named Ganon. The character has appeared in numerous Zelda titles over the franchise’s 40-year history.
The franchise itself began in 1986 and has sold more than 150 million copies worldwide. It remains one of Nintendo’s most successful and critically acclaimed series.
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Fan Reactions and Expectations
Fans have been waiting for casting news since the movie was first announced in 2023. The choice of Latukefu, a relatively lesser-known actor, follows the pattern set by the casting of Ainsworth and Bragason. Some fans have expressed interest in seeing how Latukefu will portray the iconic villain.
The live-action adaptation has generated significant buzz, especially after the success of other video game movies. Director Wes Ball has said he wants the film to feel “grounded” and “real”. With principal photography complete and post-production underway, more casting announcements and promotional materials are expected in the coming months.
The multi-picture deal for Latukefu also suggests that Nintendo and Sony have confidence in the project’s potential to become a successful film series. Given the massive popularity of the Zelda games and the box office performance of recent Nintendo adaptations, the live-action movie is shaping up to be one of the biggest releases of 2027.
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