‘The Legend of Zelda’ Live-Action Series Films Hyrule Scenes in Iconic ‘Lord of the Rings’ Locations
Nintendo’s upcoming live-action film, The Legend of Zelda, is taking fans straight to Hyrule by filming in some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes, according to local news reports. Directed by Wes Ball, the movie is set to hit theaters on May 7, 2027, but production updates are starting to trickle out as the shoot nears its expected wrap in April.
The film is being shot in Otago, a region in New Zealand’s South Island, including the small town of Glenorchy. Fans of The Lord of the Rings will recognize these locations immediately, as Peter Jackson’s Middle-earth was famously brought to life there. According to the New Zealand Department of Conservation, Otago was used for key scenes in the original trilogy, such as Saruman’s Isengard, the Ford of Bruinen, and the Argonath statues.
While The Legend of Zelda is not revealing exactly which parts of Hyrule are represented by these spots, the choice of Otago suggests that Link and Princess Zelda will spend much of the story exploring wilderness areas rather than staying in cities or dungeons.
Filming on real locations, rather than relying entirely on CGI, is a key part of the production’s vision. Ball’s previous film, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, relied heavily on visual effects, but he has made it clear that he wants Zelda to feel more grounded. “I want the film to feel real,” he told Polygon in 2024, emphasizing the importance of authentic environments.
The use of New Zealand landscapes is also a nod to how The Lord of the Rings succeeded. The films balanced CGI with actual locations, giving the story weight and physicality that enhanced both visuals and performances. Even with today’s advanced CGI, sets built in the real world help actors interact naturally with their environment and make fantasy worlds feel believable.
Fans are hopeful that filming in Otago will help The Legend of Zelda achieve the same epic and immersive quality that made Jackson’s films beloved worldwide. Shooting on location, combined with practical sets, could make this adaptation one of the most faithful and visually striking video game-to-film projects yet.
It seems like Nintendo is committed to delivering a fantasy adventure that feels authentic. Grounding Hyrule in real landscapes is a smart move, especially for a story filled with rivers, mountains, and sweeping vistas. What do you think about filming The Legend of Zelda in the same locations as The Lord of the Rings? Share your thoughts in the comments.