Zelda Movie Delay Sparks Frustration and Shrugs from a Divided Fanbase

Nintendo has pushed its Legend of Zelda live-action movie to 2027—and the internet isn’t sure whether to rage, sigh, or just ignore it entirely.

In an official update posted to Twitter (now X), Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed the shift in release date for the anticipated yet controversial adaptation of the legendary game franchise. Originally due earlier, the film will now hit theaters on May 7, 2027. Miyamoto cited “production reasons,” though the timing raises eyebrows.

A Move That Smells a Bit Strategic

Miyamoto’s message was short and polite. But fans quickly connected dots.

The new release date happens to fall on the same week Avengers: Doomsday was previously scheduled to drop before Marvel bumped it. Coincidence? Some think not.

The movie calendar shuffle isn’t unusual in Hollywood, but when one of gaming’s most treasured IPs is involved, people notice. Especially when they’re already feeling unsure about the film itself.

Many fans weren’t thrilled when Nintendo first announced the project would be live-action. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (animated and surprisingly well-received) set a certain tone. This one? Not so much.

One user on Reddit summed it up bluntly: “I’d love for this to turn out good, but my expectations are very low.”

A Fanbase at Odds

There’s no sugarcoating it—fans are split.

Some are disheartened by the delay. Others seem almost relieved. And a good chunk just never wanted this movie in the first place.

On r/movies, a thread breaking the news turned into a bit of a venting session:

• “The writer of this thing is terrible,” one commenter said flatly.

• “I assumed (hoped) it would be another CGI movie,” another added.

• “This should’ve been animated. Period,” chimed in a third.

The shift to live-action seems to be the sore spot. Link and Zelda, stoic and silent for decades, may not translate well to real-world performances. Especially with a franchise built on exploration, quiet moments, and cryptic lore. How do you cram that into a two-hour blockbuster?

Nintendo’s Film Gamble

Nintendo isn’t just making a movie—they’re gambling on a broader future in film.

After the $1.3 billion success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Nintendo clearly sees potential in big-screen adaptations. But Mario and Zelda are different beasts.

Here’s a quick look at both projects:

Still, Nintendo has shown it’s willing to take risks. The live-action direction might just be their way of testing if the brand can cross generations and genres.

The Cinematic Universe That Might’ve Been

Some fans had hoped for something more cohesive—maybe even the start of a “Nintendo Cinematic Universe.”

After all, an animated Zelda could’ve easily slid into the world built by the Mario film. Shared universe, Easter eggs, crossover potential. The holy grail of modern IP monetization.

Instead, Nintendo appears to be keeping its properties siloed—for now.

It’s a bold choice. Or maybe just a safe one.

There’s still no word on casting, script rewrites, or visual direction. But speculation is wild:

• Will Link speak?

• Who plays Zelda?

• Will Ganondorf be CGI or prosthetics?

No answers yet. Just questions—and delays.

Why This Delay Feels Bigger Than Just a Date Change

Delays happen. But this one stings differently because expectations were already low.

When Marvel moves a movie, fans grumble but stay loyal. When Nintendo delays a project fans didn’t want in the first place? That’s fuel for frustration—or apathy.

One Redditor captured it best: “I’m not even mad. I just don’t care. And that’s worse.”

That attitude isn’t ideal for a film trying to build early hype. Enthusiasm is fragile. And Nintendo will need a big swing to win back skeptics.

It’s possible they’re using this time to rework key parts. Maybe the delay helps the project in the long run. Maybe it bombs. Or maybe it surprises everyone.

For now, fans wait—and wonder whether this was ever a good idea in the first place.