Sony’s live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda has taken a major step forward on the casting front, with reports this week naming actors for two of the franchise’s most pivotal roles. The choices suggest the studio is assembling a cast that could anchor multiple films—and point to direct links with recent Zelda games fans know well.
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Industry outlet Deadline reports that Australian actor Uli Latukefu has been cast as Ganondorf, the series’ signature antagonist. Sources say Latukefu has signed a multi-picture deal, signaling that Sony is planning for the possibility of sequels if the first film performs strongly at the box office.
In the same set of reports, actress Dichen Lachman is said to be onboard to play Impa, the long-standing protector of Princess Zelda. Both names join an already-announced core lineup: Bo Bragason was confirmed as Zelda last year, and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth is reported to be playing Link, the franchise’s protagonist.
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- Uli Latukefu — reported to play Ganondorf; has reportedly agreed to multiple films.
- Dichen Lachman — reported to portray Impa, Zelda’s guardian.
- Bo Bragason — previously announced as Zelda.
- Benjamin Evan Ainsworth — reported as Link.
- Yvonne Strahovski and Sam Neill — both reported to appear; character details not confirmed.
Deadline also names Yvonne Strahovski and the late Sam Neill among the cast, though the specific parts they will play have not been publicly disclosed. The report does not identify their characters; studio confirmation is still pending.
Who could Strahovski and Neill portray?
Speculation among fans and observers has focused quickly on roles that would make narrative sense. One plausible possibility for Strahovski is a royal figure: some reports suggest she could play a queen, which naturally leads to conjecture that she might be cast as Queen Sonia, a central figure in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
If the film leans on elements from Tears of the Kingdom or Breath of the Wild—both of which have heavily shaped public expectations—Strahovski’s role might appear in flashback sequences or world-building scenes that link the movie to those game narratives.
As for Neill, early suggestions include a variety of elder statesmen or ruler roles: candidates named by observers online include figures such as King Rauru or King Rhoam, as well as beloved supporting characters like the scientist Dr. Robbie or a notable Goron warrior. With Neill’s reported involvement occurring late in his career, any appearance would likely be a high-profile, memorable part.
Until Sony issues an official casting bulletin, these are educated inferences rather than confirmed facts. Still, the names attached so far point to a production that intends to honor recognizable elements of Nintendo’s worlds while building its own cinematic spine.
The stakes are clear: a successful first film could launch a franchise, justify Latukefu’s multi-picture commitment, and influence how closely future entries draw from specific games. Sony’s adaptation is currently set for release on April 30, 2027, which means more casting announcements, footage, and production updates are likely to surface over the coming months.
What to watch next: look for an official cast list from Sony or Nintendo, a first trailer that clarifies the film’s relationship to Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, and confirmation about Latukefu’s contract and whether it includes planned sequels. Those details will determine how faithful the adaptation aims to be to the games—and how much the film will expand Hyrule for cinema audiences.
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.