Sam Neill filmed secret Zelda movie role before his death

The late Sam Neill filmed a secret role in Sony and Nintendo's live-action Legend of Zelda movie before his death on July 13, 2026, making it among his final screen performances — and potentially his last.

Deadline first reported on Thursday that Neill completed his work on the film before production wrapped in April. His specific role remains unknown, with neither Sony nor Neill's former representatives available for comment. Neill, the New Zealand-born actor beloved for his portrayal of Dr. Alan Grant across three Jurassic Park films, was 78 at the time of his passing, which his family described as "sudden and unexpected".nordic.ign+1

An Expanding Cast for Hyrule

Neill's posthumous appearance was revealed alongside several other casting additions. Dichen Lachman, known for playing Ms. Casey in Apple TV+'s Severance, has been confirmed as Impa, the bodyguard and advisor to Princess Zelda. Yvonne Strahovski, the Emmy-nominated star of The Handmaid's Tale, plays a queen character, though further details about her role were not shared.deadline

The news arrived on the same day that Australian actor Uli Latukefu was revealed as the film's villain, Ganondorf. Latukefu is best known for playing a young Dwayne Johnson in NBC's Young Rock. These are the first major casting details to emerge since Nintendo announced Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda last year.nordic.ign+1

A Closely Guarded Production

The Legend of Zelda adaptation has been one of Hollywood's most tightly controlled productions. Sony and Nintendo first announced plans for the film in fall 2023, with Wes Ball directing and franchise creator Shigeru Miyamoto producing alongside Avi Arad. T.S. Nowlin wrote the most recent draft of the screenplay.deadline

The film's plot remains under wraps, though the games traditionally follow Link and Zelda as they battle to protect the kingdom of Hyrule from Ganon, an evil warlord-turned-demon king. The franchise has sold more than 150 million units since its debut in 1986.deadline

In addition to Zelda, Neill leaves behind performances in the upcoming romantic comedy The Last Resort, starring Daisy Ridley and Alden Ehrenreich, and Warner Bros.' Godzilla x Kong: Supernova. The Legend of Zelda is scheduled to hit theaters on May 7, 2027.deadline