Highlights
- Idris Elba’s critical acclaim and intimidating presence make him the top choice for Ganondorf in the Zelda movie.
- Dave Bautista’s physical strength and acting ability position him as a strong contender for the role.
- Djimon Hounsou’s impressive resume and gravitas make him a perfect fit for the Gerudo king in the film.
2023 was a great year for fans of The Legend of Zelda, thanks to the release of the highly-anticipated Breath of the Wild sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, which re-introduces Ganondorf to the franchise's new canon. However, the end of the year also surprised Zelda fans when Nintendo confirmed they were partnering with Sony Pictures for a live-action Legend of Zelda movie.
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Following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, there are lots of high expectations for a Zelda movie to honor its source material. Fortunately, there are plenty of ideas regarding Hollywood A-listers who could join the film's cast to play the role of Ganondorf, with these eight being some of the more frequent names thrown around by fans.
9 Idris Elba
It's Not James Bond, But It Might Be Better
Notable Roles:
- DCI John Luther - Luther
- Knuckles - Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Idris Elba is probably the fan-favorite casting choice to play the intimidating role of Ganondorf. The English actor has received critical acclaim for roles in The Wire and Mandela: Walk to Freedom while also joining sci-fi and fantasy franchises like the MCU, the DC Universe, and even Pacific Rim. All that is to say, Elba especially has the look that fans expect from a live-action Ganondorf.
Nevertheless, the actor already has commitments to another live-action video game universe. In 2022, he appeared as Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, a role he's reprising in a 2024 miniseries on Paramount+. It's unknown if Elba would want to sign on to another video game adaptation, but considering how different the role of Ganondorf is, no Zelda fans would be complaining.
8 Dave Bautista
Not Who Is Ganondorf, But Why Is Ganondorf?
Notable Roles:
- Drax the Destroy - Guardians of the Galaxy
- Glossu Rabban Harkonnen - Dune
Most casual film fans probably recognize Dave Bautista from his role as Drax in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, as well his as prominent appearances in Dune, Blade Runner 2047, and Glass Onion. Before that, Bautista gained success and mainstream attention as a WWE wrestler, but by all accounts, his acting ability promises a long career ahead of him as the star of film franchises.
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The Legend of Zelda could be the next step in Bautista's conquest of fandoms. The actor is certainly used to having his skin painted for a role, and he certainly has the physical strength and presence to embody an imposing figure like Ganondorf in live-action. Plus, his deep and gritty voice would be perfect for the character, even if it was just a voice-over.
7 Djimon Hounsou
The Role Requires His Gravitas
Notable Roles:
- General Titus - Rebel Moon
- Juba - Gladiator
Djimon Hounsou has appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Extended Universe, as well as films like Gladiator, Furious 7, and Blood Diamond. Based on his impressive resume, Hounsou could be the perfect choice for the Gerudo king.
Especially considering Hounsou's tendency to appear in film adaptations spanning comic books, science fiction, and fantasy, The Legend of Zelda wouldn't be out of place in the actor's filmography. Plus, given the actor's frequency of playing supporting roles, the part of Ganondorf would be a great, central villain that the actor has long deserved to play.
6 Andy Serkis
The Triforce Could Be His New Precious
Notable Roles:
- Gollum / Smeagol - The Lord of the Rings
- Caesar - Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Andy Serkis is another staple of the fandom film world, but unlike Hounsou, his real-life face is hardly seen. The actor has become notable for giving motion capture performances, including Gollum in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, Caesar in the Planet of the Apes reboots, and Snoke in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. The actor has also appeared in-person in Andor and Black Panther.
What would be a great use of Andy Serkis is if Nintendo decides to keep Ganondorf in a beastly form throughout the film. Serkis would definitely do a great job of playing the monstrous, pig-like Ganon, considering he might be too short in real life to play the character's human form. Nevertheless, it'd be an interesting thing to see adapted to live action.
5 Winston Duke
From Jabari To Gerudo
Notable Roles:
- M'Baku - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
- Gabe Wilson - Us
Speaking of Black Panther, the 2018 phenomenon was also the film debut for Winston Duke, who played the barbaric M'Baku. Since then, Duke notably showcased a different side of his acting in Jordan Peele's Us, but a good way to stand out from M'Baku would be as Ganondorf in the live-action Zelda. This role would require Duke to flex his Yale drama skills to play a more regal role.
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Although Ganondorf frequently appears as a well-mannered king throughout his portrayals in the Zelda games, Duke can also bring a ferociousness that the character usually displays in boss fights. Plus, the actor has showcased comedic timing that could fit in the Nintendo cinematic universe very well, even if Zelda might be one of their most serious projects.
4 Dev Patel
Slumdog Heads To Hyrule
Notable Roles:
- Jamal Malik - Slumdog Millionaire
- Gawain - The Green Knight
Dev Patel has had a history of critically acclaimed roles, from his film debut in Slumdog Millionaire to his more artsy appearances in films like The Green Knight. Still, the British actor could be a good fit for the role of Ganondorf, offering something different to the role than previous incarnations of the character. However, Patel may have one major gripe with signing onto the Zelda film.
Up to now, the only franchise role Patel has taken was in M. Night Shyamalan's infamously-panned The Last Airbender live-action film, also in the villain role of Prince Zuko. With that in mind, Patel could be hesitant to play another live-action adaptation villain, though some could also see The Legend of Zelda as Patel's next great opportunity.
3 Ron Perlman
A Different Kind Of Hell Boy
Notable Roles:
- Hellboy - Hellboy
- Optimus Primal - Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
When it comes to legendary actors perfect for the role of Ganondorf, Ron Perlman would be a huge get for Nintendo. The actor is best known as the face behind Guillermo del Toro's 2004 Hellboy and has appeared in Drive, Alien Resurrection, and Nightmare Alley. He's also done a fair share of voice acting work in children's animation, as well as the Transformers and DC universes.
It's very easy to imagine Perlman donning the makeup and costume to embody the role of Ganondorf, and Zelda seems like the perfect universe for an actor with his resume.
2 Laurence Fishburne
An Intimidating Yet Subtle Presence When Necessary
Notable Roles:
- Morpheus - The Matrix
- Bowery King - John Wick: Chapter 4
Laurence Fishburne is another legend who needs no introduction. From playing Morpheus in The Matrix to films like Apocalypse Now and the John Wick franchise, Fishburne is recognizable in both looks and his deep, moving voice. The actor also has plenty of experience with Shakespeare, including playing the titular Moor opposite Kenneth Branagh in the 1995 Othello adaptation.
That being said, Fishburne could be the actor with both the experience and name recognition to get cast as Ganondorf in the live-action Legend of Zelda movie. Considering he took a small role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the actor could possibly be enticed for a role as juicy and evil as Ganondorf, especially if Nintendo does right by the franchise and delivers a great script.
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