One of Sir Sam Neill's final big-screen performances is set to be released mid next year, with the New Zealand actor completing filming before his death.
The Kiwi screen icon died from pneumonia last month aged 78, after an extensive screen career which spanned more than five decades.
Among the projects he filmed before his death was a live-action adaptation of Nintendo's hugely successful The Legend of Zelda video game series, according to entertainment news outlet Deadline.
Filming for the movie wrapped in April and was set to be released in May 2027, with the role played by Sir Sam yet to be revealed.
The movie starred English actors Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragson as Princess Zelda and was directed by Wes Ball — most recognised for directing the successful Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
First released in 1986, the Legend of Zelda video game had become one of Nintendo's most successful franchises, with more than 20 main games released and an estimated 170 million to 190 million copies sold globally.
Despite its popularity, the upcoming production would be the first live-action adaptation of the series.
Prior to his death, Sir Sam had also completed work on Godzilla x Kong: Supernova and romantic comedy The Last Resort, both of which were scheduled for release next year.
The New Zealand screen legend was well-known for his widespread career across film and television, which included roles in Jurassic Park, Possession, Sleeping Dogs, Peaky Blinders and Hunt for the Wilderpeople.
Tributes had poured in from New Zealand's screen community following the news of Sir Sam's "sudden and unexpected" passing, with many notable actors and international figures also mourning his loss.
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