‘The Legend of Zelda’ Movie Casts Uli Latukefu as Ganondorf
Nintendo’s live-action ‘Legend of Zelda‘ adaptation has kept its cast mostly under wraps for months, leaving fans eager for any solid updates on this long-anticipated project. With the film set to release in just a few months and still lacking key casting announcements, a recent report may have finally revealed one of its most significant roles.
In development for over a decade, Nintendo officially confirmed the film in 2023, with franchise creator Shigeru Miyamoto personally overseeing the adaptation. Since then, the studio has been cautious with its casting announcements, having only confirmed Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda, despite the film having already completed production.
According to New York Times reporter Kyle Buchanan, the live-action ‘Legend of Zelda’ movie has reportedly cast Australian actor Uli Latukefu as the iconic villain Ganondorf. Buchanan shared the news on social media, stating, “The LEGEND OF ZELDA movie is months away and they’ve still haven’t announced any actors besides the two leads! So here’s a freebie: I’ve been hearing the iconic series villain Ganondorf is played by Australian actor Uli Latukefu, best known for the show ‘Young Rock.’”
Latukefu is recognized for portraying a young Dwayne Johnson in the NBC series ‘Young Rock’, which also linked him to Johnson’s DC Extended Universe film ‘Black Adam’, where he played Hurut, known as The Champion. His extensive filmography includes roles in Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien: Covenant’, Taika Waititi’s ‘Next Goal Wins’, Ti West’s ‘MaXXXine’, and the Netflix series ‘Marco Polo’, along with credits on ‘Doctor Doctor’, ‘Laid’, and most recently, ‘Countdown’ alongside Jensen Ackles.
If confirmed, Latukefu would be the third actor officially attached to the film, joining Ainsworth’s Link and Bragason’s Princess Zelda. As of now, neither Sony Pictures nor Nintendo has commented on Buchanan’s report, leaving the casting technically unconfirmed despite the source’s credibility.
Ganondorf is a pivotal character in ‘Legend of Zelda’ lore, representing the human form of the series’ recurring antagonist Ganon. He was first introduced in 1991’s ‘A Link to the Past’ and became iconic in 1998’s ‘Ocarina of Time’. Throughout the franchise, Ganondorf has persistently sought control of the Triforce in his quest to conquer Hyrule, making him one of gaming’s most recognizable villains.
The film began production in November 2025 and wrapped in April 2026, with its theatrical release currently scheduled for April 30, 2027. This release date positions the movie as an unofficial start to the summer blockbuster season, with the first trailer expected to debut around the holiday season, likely screening before Sony Pictures’ ‘Jumanji: Open World’.
With production complete and the release date confirmed, this report about Ganondorf’s casting, even if unverified, offers fans their first real insight into who may be bringing one of gaming’s most legendary villains to life on screen.
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