Sir Sam Neill's mystery role in yet-to-be-released Zelda movie

Author: NZ Herald,
Publish Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2026, 2:10pm

The late Kiwi actor Sam Neill reportedly completed work on a live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda before his death last month, making it one of his last performances on screen.

According to entertainment outlet Deadline, production on the film finished in April and it is expected to be one of Neill’s last on-screen appearances.

Neill’s role has not been revealed, although fans have speculated he could portray the King of Hyrule, a central figure in the fantasy world, according to the Guardian.

The Herald previously reported that the movie was filmed in secret in the South Island since November last year.

The film stars Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (House of the Dragon) as Link and Bo Bragason (King & Conqueror) as Princess Zelda. It is directed by Wes Ball who is best known for directing the Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.

Nintendo video game The Legend of Zelda is being adapted into a live-action movie, filmed in New Zealand. Photo / Supplied

First released in 1986, The Legend of Zelda has grown into one of Nintendo’s most successful series, according to the Guardian. More than 20 games have been released, with the franchise estimated to have sold between 170 million and 190 million copies worldwide.

Despite its popularity, the upcoming movie will be the first live-action adaptation of the series.

For many filmgoers, The Legend of Zelda will be one of several posthumous releases from Neill.

According to Deadline, Neill had completed work on Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, which is scheduled for release next year, as well as the romantic comedy The Last Resort alongside Daisy Ridley.

Neill died from pneumonia in July aged 78.

He had been public about his battle with stage three blood cancer (angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma) since 2023. At the time of his death his family said he was cancer-free.

His death was described as ”sudden and unexpected", resulting from pneumonia after he had successfully undergone CAR-T therapy for his lymphoma earlier in the year.

Neill’s career spanned more than five decades, during which he became one of New Zealand’s most recognisable international stars through roles in films including Jurassic Park, The Piano and numerous Hollywood productions.

Annabel Langbein with Sam Neill at Two Paddocks

After his death, there has been a surge in money for projects important to Neill’s heart.

The Herald reported an influx of donations to the “Stop Central Otago Gold Mine” campaign, which he championed. And his vineyard, Two Paddocks pinot noir, saw a 1800% surge in sales in the week following his death.