The late New Zealand actor Sam Neill will appear in the upcoming live-action adaptation of the popular video game The Legend of Zelda, a role he completed before his death. The film, which wrapped production in April this year, is scheduled for release in May next year, according to a report in Deadline.
Neill's Final Screen Appearances
Neill, who passed away last month at the age of 78 from pneumonia, will be seen in the Zelda movie as one of his final performances. While the specific character he plays has not been officially announced, fans speculate he could be the King of Hyrule, the fictional realm where most Zelda games are set. This casting would align with fan expectations given Neill's regal screen presence.
In addition to Zelda, Neill had also filmed roles in Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, due in March next year, and The Last Resort, a romantic comedy where he plays the father of Daisy Ridley's character, also slated for a 2026 release.
Zelda Franchise Milestones
Since the original Legend of Zelda game launched on Nintendo in 1986, over 20 main series titles have been released, alongside numerous spin-offs and remakes. The franchise has sold an estimated 170-190 million copies, making it Nintendo's third most popular series after Super Mario and Pokémon. While there have been manga and an animated TV series, this will be the first live-action film adaptation.
The film stars English actors Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda. It is directed by Wes Ball, known for the Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
Neill's Legacy in Fantasy and Horror
Neill's career spanned five decades, with memorable roles in horror and fantasy films such as Possession, Omen III, In the Mouth of Madness, and the three Jurassic Park films. His performance in Zelda is expected to be a fitting tribute to his versatility as an actor.
