Sony and Nintendo may have found their live-action Ganondorf in Young Rock star Uli Latukefu.
Nintendo has done an impressive job keeping its live-action The Legend of Zelda movie under wraps. The company has revealed remarkably little beyond the casting of Link and Princess Zelda up to this point. Fans have spent months speculating over who would portray iconic characters like Ganondorf, Impa, and King Rhoam, but Nintendo has remained silent.
That may have changed—not through an official announcement, but through one of Hollywood’s most respected entertainment reporters.
The LEGEND OF ZELDA movie is months away and they’ve still haven’t announced any actors besides the two leads! So here’s a freebie: I’ve been hearing the iconic series villain Ganondorf is played by Australian actor Uli Latukefu, best known for the show “Young Rock”
— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) August 6, 2026
READ: Spider-Man: Brand New Day Director’s Next Project is Live-Action Naruto — Is He Leaving Marvel?
According to The New York Times’ Kyle Buchanan, Australian actor Uli Latukefu has been cast as Ganondorf in the upcoming film. Nintendo and Sony have not confirmed the report, but because of Buchanan’s track record covering the entertainment industry, it has quickly become one of the most credible pieces of Zelda news fans have received since the leads were announced.
Nintendo Isn’t Saying Much
For a production of this size, Nintendo’s marketing strategy has been unusually restrained.
The company officially announced Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda, but little else has been revealed about the supporting cast despite production moving steadily toward its April 30, 2027 theatrical release.
Link and Zelda in the Legend of Zelda movie – Nintendo
That’s left fans wondering who would play the franchise’s most important supporting characters, particularly Ganondorf.
Unlike many modern blockbuster productions that gradually unveil cast members over several months, Nintendo has largely chosen to keep everything behind closed doors.
That silence has only increased interest whenever even a credible rumor emerges.
Why Kyle Buchanan’s Report Matters
Not every casting rumor deserves attention.
Social media is full of anonymous insiders claiming to know who has been cast in the next big franchise film. Most of those reports disappear as quickly as they arrive (like the rumor of Hunter Schaffer being cast as Princess Zelda which we here at That Park Place debunked).
Hunter Schafer at the Berlin Film Festival – Photo Credit: Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
READ: Christopher Nolan Discusses The “Fundamental Flaw” With Amateur Film Criticism
Buchanan’s report is different because it comes from a journalist with established relationships throughout Hollywood.
As one of The New York Times’ leading entertainment reporters, Buchanan has spent years covering the film industry, interviewing filmmakers, reporting on awards campaigns, and breaking entertainment news. While his report should not be treated as confirmation, it carries considerably more weight than the average internet rumor simply because of its source.
That’s why the report was almost immediately picked up by gaming and entertainment outlets after Buchanan posted it.
Who Is Uli Latukefu?
If Buchanan’s information proves accurate, Ganondorf would likely become the biggest role of Uli Latukefu’s career.
The Australian actor is best known for portraying a young Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in NBC’s Young Rock, but he has also appeared in projects including Black Adam, Alien: Covenant, The Portable Door, and MaXXXine.
Uli Latukefu as The Rock in Young Rock – NBC
Although he may not be a household name, Latukefu has quietly built a solid career over the past several years while establishing himself as an actor capable of handling physically demanding roles.
His size and commanding presence also make him an interesting choice for Ganondorf, a character whose imposing stature has become one of his defining traits throughout The Legend of Zelda franchise.
Ganondorf Is the Role Everyone Has Been Waiting For
Outside of Link and Zelda, no casting announcement has generated more curiosity than Ganondorf.
The Gerudo king has served as the primary antagonist in many of Nintendo’s most beloved Zelda games, including Ocarina of Time, The Wind Waker, and Tears of the Kingdom. Bringing that character into live action represents one of the biggest creative challenges facing director Wes Ball and Nintendo.
Ganondorf in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom – Nintendo
Whoever ultimately plays Ganondorf won’t simply be another supporting character—they’ll be tasked with portraying one of the most recognizable villains in gaming history.
That’s why Buchanan’s report has attracted so much attention.
Now Fans Wait for Nintendo
For the moment, nothing has changed officially.
Nintendo and Sony have yet to announce Latukefu’s casting, and until they do, fans should continue treating Buchanan’s report as an unconfirmed rumor rather than established fact.
Even so, this feels different from the countless anonymous leaks that circulate online.
Link and Epona in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Nintendo
When a veteran New York Times reporter publicly names an actor for one of the biggest remaining roles in one of Nintendo’s most anticipated films, people tend to pay attention.
Whether Nintendo confirms the report next week or several months from now, Buchanan’s scoop has already accomplished one thing: it has reignited excitement surrounding a movie that Nintendo has kept almost entirely hidden from public view.
Do you think Uli Latukefu will play Ganondorf? Sound off and let us know!
UP NEXT: Is James Cameron Done With Avatar? Legendary Director Details Plans for “Last Act” of His Career
