Netflix Locks Down The Legend of Zelda Movie Streaming Rights After Theatrical Run

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Netflix will be the only place to stream The Legend of Zelda movie after it finishes playing in theaters and becomes available for purchase. This deal highlights Netflix’s increasing importance in the world of major movie franchises, ensuring the film will eventually be available worldwide only on their platform.

Nintendo’s highly anticipated live-action fantasy movie is set to release in theaters on May 7, 2027, and will later be available on Netflix through a deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment. Although specific details about the movie are still secret, the streaming agreement highlights how valuable Nintendo’s characters and stories have become, especially after the success of the Mario movie.

What We Know About The Legend of Zelda Movie So Far

I remember when this project was first announced back in November 2023 – it instantly got fans talking, and honestly, a lot of them were pretty doubtful. The casting is interesting, with Benjamin Evan Ainsworth taking on the role of Link and Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda. We’ve gotten a few early glimpses of what Nintendo is aiming for with a live-action version of Hyrule, and it’s definitely sparked a lot of curiosity.

The film is directed by Wes Ball, who previously worked on Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and written by Derek Connolly, known for his work on Jurassic World. Notably, Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto is producing alongside Avi Arad, a former CEO of Marvel Studios with a track record of both successful and unsuccessful films.

This pairing has sparked a variety of responses. Having Miyamoto involved implies Nintendo is closely guiding the film’s creative direction, but Arad’s participation makes some wonder if the movie will focus more on setting up future installments than on telling a strong, unified story.

The Sony–Netflix Deal That Made This Possible

Netflix will soon be the exclusive streaming home for Sony’s new movies, starting with the upcoming Zelda adaptation. This deal, described by Sony as groundbreaking, means that once a movie finishes its run in theaters, it will only be available to stream on Netflix. This is the first global agreement of its kind between the two companies.

Sony says the release will happen slowly as current deals expire, with Netflix expected to have full access worldwide by the beginning of 2029. Besides new movies and shows, Netflix will also be able to stream a variety of titles from Sony’s existing collection of films and TV programs.

The agreement involves major projects like Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse and the four Beatles biopics directed by Sam Mendes, positioning The Legend of Zelda as one of the most eagerly awaited movies from the studio over the next ten years.

Why Zelda on Netflix Matters Strategically

For Netflix, acquiring the rights to The Legend of Zelda is a strategic decision. Adapting video games into movies and series has proven to be a consistently successful area for growth in entertainment, as viewers are increasingly eager for adaptations that stay true to—or at least offer a visually impressive take on—their favorite games.

As a fan, it feels like Nintendo is approaching this new venture just like they did with the Super Mario Bros. Movie. They’re not rushing into everything at once, which is smart. Instead, they seem to be carefully choosing partners who can reach a lot of people, but they’re also making sure everything still feels like Nintendo – they’re really holding onto control of how things look and are presented, and I appreciate that.

The timing of Netflix’s deal is a bit surprising. While the movie will be in theaters in 2027, it won’t stream until 2029. This long wait shows the film industry’s continued desire to keep movies exclusive to theaters – something Netflix used to challenge, but now appears willing to accept for popular franchises.

Physical Media Isn’t Going Away—Yet

Good news for fans who collect movies: the new Zelda film will be available on physical disc after playing in theaters. This means those who like the best possible picture quality and owning their movies won’t have to depend on streaming.

As a collector, it’s really comforting to hear that someone still cares about physical copies of movies and shows. It feels more and more important because studios seem to be moving away from releasing discs, preferring to keep everything on their own streaming services instead.

Which Zelda Game Will Inspire the Movie?

It’s still unclear what direction the story will take. While early looks at costumes and visuals hint at inspiration from Twilight Princess, especially in its overall feel and style, Nintendo also needs to consider the huge popularity of Breath of the Wild. This is particularly true when it comes to how the game’s world is designed and how the villain, Ganon, is portrayed.

How the movie handles different eras from the franchise – whether it tries to combine them all or focus on just one version – will likely decide if dedicated fans love it or feel disappointed.

A High-Stakes Bet for Everyone Involved

As a huge fan of Zelda, I’m really excited it’s coming to Netflix! It feels like a win for everyone involved. Netflix gets a massive, well-known series, Sony’s strategy of getting movies out there after theaters is looking stronger, and Nintendo is still carefully but boldly moving into the world of Hollywood. It’s a great moment for all of us who love the game!

The big question is whether this live-action adaptation will do justice to the game’s long history—or if it will be another example of a popular game that doesn’t translate well to the big screen.

Either way, once The Legend of Zelda leaves theaters, Netflix will be the only place to watch it.

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2026-01-19 17:58