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Sam Neill dies after filming undisclosed role in Zelda movie

8/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sam Neill filmed an undisclosed role for the live-action The Legend of Zelda movie before his death.
He died of pneumonia on July 13 2026 at age 78, weeks after announcing he was cancer-free.
The film wrapped in April 2026 and is slated for theatrical release on April 30 2027.
The cast includes Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link, Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda, and Uli Latukefu as Ganondorf.

History

Historical Context

James Gunn’s low-budget film Super, shot from December 2009 to January 2010, paid all cast scale and featured Rainn Wilson and Elliot Page. Its modest production preceded Gunn’s move to big-budget franchises, directing Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and becoming co-CEO of DC Studios in 2022. The contrast highlights how studios now weigh budget and star power when adapting video-game properties.

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Story summary

Sam Neill filmed an undisclosed role for the live-action The Legend of Zelda movie before his death.
He died of pneumonia on July 13 2026 at age 78, weeks after announcing he was cancer-free.
The film wrapped in April 2026 and is slated for theatrical release on April 30 2027.
The cast includes Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link, Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda, and Uli Latukefu as Ganondorf.

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