Zelda Movie Delayed to May 2027 as Nintendo Takes Extra Time for Quality

The live-action Legend of Zelda movie has been officially delayed. Originally slated for a March 26, 2027 release, Nintendo has now moved the date to May 7, 2027. The change was announced by Shigeru Miyamoto himself, who posted a statement saying the delay is to “make the film as good as it can be.” It’s a small push — just six weeks — but one that speaks to the care Nintendo is putting into one of its most beloved franchises.

While the reason wasn’t detailed beyond “production reasons,” the new release window seems strategic. The original date would’ve had Zelda competing with Godzilla x Kong: Supernova and Sonic the Hedgehog 4. Instead, it now takes over the former slot of Avengers: Secret Wars, which has been bumped to December. That May window has traditionally worked well for tentpole blockbusters, and it gives Zelda some breathing room to dominate the early summer box office.

This kind of delay is nothing new in Hollywood, especially when it comes to adaptations of games with such deep legacy. The Legend of Zelda spans nearly four decades, across multiple console generations, with a fanbase that holds the franchise in high regard. Whether it’s the darker edge of Twilight Princess, the emotional beats of Link’s Awakening, or the sprawling freedom of Breath of the Wild, the Zelda series has consistently set the bar for video game storytelling. Expectations for a movie are understandably sky-high.

Nintendo clearly knows what’s at stake. Partnering with Arad Productions and director Wes Ball (of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), they’re aiming to capture more than just nostalgia. This film isn’t just about hitting box office numbers — it’s about earning the trust of a fanbase that’s seen too many adaptations go wrong.

So while the delay might sting a bit, it may be the right move. Fans want the Zelda movie to feel timeless — the way the games have always felt.