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A leaked set video has reignited excitement and speculation around Nintendo's live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda — and fans are already connecting the dots to a familiar face from television.
Leaked footage circulating on Instagram and picked up by InsiderGaming shows a scene in which a cloaked figure counsels Zelda and hands her a sword. With only Link and Zelda officially announced so far, the unnamed character's presence on set has quickly fueled casting rumors. The behavior and blocking in the clip point toward one of Hyrule's most important supporting figures: Impa, the stalwart guardian of Princess Zelda and a member of the Sheikah tribe.
Impa has appeared in multiple incarnations across Zelda games — sometimes elderly and wise, other times young and battle-ready (see Ocarina of Time and Hyrule Warriors). The leaked footage suggests a younger, more active Impa, which would fit a narrative that draws on the franchise's adventurous, coming-of-age moments.
Who might be playing her? Reddit sleuths and fan communities quickly noted a resemblance between the actor in the clip and Dichen Lachman, the Australian-born performer who earned widespread attention for her role in the series Severance. Lachman also has credits in projects like Jurassic World Dominion and served a small role in Wes Ball's Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes — a connection that makes the possibility of a reunion with Ball plausible.
Nintendo and the film's production team have not confirmed any casting beyond Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Zelda (both names reported or announced in earlier press). Until an official announcement or a verified casting sheet appears, talk remains in the realm of rumor and fan hope.
The Legend of Zelda movie is being directed by Wes Ball, known for high-concept, visually driven blockbusters — including his take on the Maze Runner franchise and his recent ape epic. Ball's style, which favors kinetic action and bold production design, could be an excellent match for Hyrule's mythic scale.
Nintendo's recent box-office strategy also matters. After the enormous success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the studio's announcement of Super Mario Galaxy, Nintendo is clearly intent on expanding its cinematic universe. A live-action Zelda brings different challenges — tonal balancing between fantasy and adventure, aging iconic characters like Impa, and meeting the high expectations of long-time gamers.
If Dichen Lachman is indeed involved, she brings several strengths: dramatic versatility, experience in genre work, and a subtle intensity that could make Impa more than a mere protector — perhaps a mentor with moral complexity. Fans have argued that she would be an inspired choice to show both the physical and emotional facets of the Sheikah protector.
Online communities have reacted with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Reddit threads dissect frame-by-frame moments from the leak, while Twitter threads compare Lachman's previous roles with classic Impa portrayals. As a small bit of trivia: Lachman appeared briefly in Ball's previous film, which is one reason observers find a renewed collaboration credible.
Film critic Anna Kovacs comments: 'If this casting holds, it could signal that Ball wants to ground Zelda's mythology in human relationships rather than relying solely on spectacle. An actor like Lachman would add a textured, lived-in quality to Impa.'
The film is currently slated for release on May 7, 2027. Between now and then, expect more leaks, denials, and eventually formal casting reveals. For now, fans should enjoy the speculation and hope the eventual film honors both the game's lore and the cinematic potential of Hyrule.
Whether or not Dichen Lachman is confirmed, the rumor alone highlights how eagerly audiences are watching Nintendo's next big step into live-action adaptations.
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