The Legend of Zelda movie just filled its most important remaining role — and delivered a bittersweet reveal in the same breath. Deadline reports that Uli Latukefu will play the villain Ganondorf in Nintendo and Sony’s live-action adaptation, while the same wave of casting news confirmed that the late Sam Neill filmed one of his final performances for the film.
It’s a lot of news at once for one of the most anticipated video game movies in years. Here’s the full breakdown.
Uli Latukefu is Ganondorf
Latukefu — best known for playing a young Dwayne Johnson on NBC’s Young Rock, with credits in Black Adam, MaXXXine and Next Goal Wins — takes on the King of the Gerudo and the series’ iconic big bad.
The detail worth underlining: according to Deadline’s sources, Latukefu signed a multi-picture deal. That’s a meaningful signal. Studios don’t lock a villain into multiple films unless they’re planning for more than one — so Ganondorf’s casting quietly doubles as a hint that Nintendo and Sony are thinking franchise, not one-and-done.
Sam Neill’s final film role
The film will also feature one of the final performances from Sam Neill, the beloved Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders actor, who died on July 13, 2026 at age 78. Neill filmed his role before his passing; production wrapped in April 2026.
His character hasn’t been revealed, though it’s widely speculated to be a figure of authority such as the King of Hyrule. However he appears, it’s a poignant note for the project — and a reminder of the range Neill brought to everything from blockbusters to prestige TV across a five-decade career.
Dichen Lachman and Yvonne Strahovski join too
Rounding out the additions: Dichen Lachman (Severance, Altered Carbon) and Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale, Chuck) are both aboard. Their roles haven’t been announced yet, but both bring serious genre pedigree to Hyrule.
Where the cast stands now
With these additions, the core is taking shape: Bo Bragason as Zelda, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link, and now Latukefu’s Ganondorf anchoring the villainy. Maze Runner and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes director Wes Ball is helming, with Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto and producer Avi Arad producing.
When does it come out?
The Legend of Zelda movie is currently dated for 2027 (confirm the exact date — recent reporting points to April 30, 2027). With Ganondorf now cast and a multi-picture deal on the table, the live-action leap into Hyrule is coming into focus — and it may be just the beginning.
Photo: Nintendo / Sony Pictures
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