Top 5 Perfect Actors Who Could Bring Ganondorf to Life in the Zelda Movie

Who Should Play Ganondorf in The Legend of Zelda Movie?

Nintendo recently announced the live-action cast for the upcoming The Legend of Zelda movie, revealing Bo Bragason as Link and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Zelda. While these fresh faces have sparked curiosity among fans, the big question remains: who will bring Ganondorf, Link’s iconic nemesis, to life on screen? Ganondorf is a towering figure with a powerful presence, known for his fiery red hair and formidable build, especially in recent games like Tears of the Kingdom. The role demands someone with charisma, intensity, and a hint of menace.

Here’s a quick look at the top five actors who could perfectly embody Ganondorf’s larger-than-life character:

– Matthias Schoenaerts: A Belgian actor known for his muscular roles and versatility.
– Hiroyuki Sanada: A seasoned actor skilled in martial arts and dramatic roles.
– Diego Luna: Charismatic and capable of delivering a grounded villain.
– Jason Momoa: The physical embodiment of strength and presence.
– Tom Burke: A British actor with a theatrical flair fitting for a fantasy epic.

Matthias Schoenaerts – The Belgian Bruiser

When thinking of an actor with serious Big Ganondorf Energy, Matthias Schoenaerts immediately comes to mind. Known for his role in the Oscar-nominated film Bullhead, he has portrayed a range of characters from a shepherd in Far from the Maddening Crowd to a KGB spy in Red Sparrow and a gun-fu immortal in The Old Guard. Schoenaerts brings the perfect mix of suave charm and dangerous edge, making him a strong contender to play a scheming Gerudo king. His distinctive nose alone could be a perfect fit for Ganondorf’s look. Plus, he’s set to play a villain in the upcoming Supergirl series, marking his Hollywood breakout.

Hiroyuki Sanada – The Martial Arts Master

For a nod to Zelda’s East-meets-West roots, Hiroyuki Sanada is a fantastic choice. With decades of experience, Sanada has starred in martial arts classics like Royal Warriors alongside Michelle Yeoh, horror hits like Ringu, and Hollywood films such as The Last Samurai. He’s also known for his Emmy-winning role in FX’s Shōgun and his intense performance as Scorpion in the Mortal Kombat reboot. Sanada’s fighting skills and commanding presence would make Ganondorf a truly formidable foe.

Diego Luna – The Charismatic Villain

Diego Luna might seem like an unexpected pick, but his recent work shows he can bring depth and charm to a villainous role. After shining as a hero in Andor and showing his warmth during the season 2 press tour, Luna could easily flip the script and become a cackling, cunning Ganondorf. He has the brains to match his charisma, and his role as a crime boss in Narcos: Mexico proves he can portray dark, complex characters. If the director wants close-up intensity and sharp angles, Luna is a solid choice.

Jason Momoa – The Physical Powerhouse

Jason Momoa is the obvious pick for the physically imposing Ganondorf. Known for his roles as Aquaman and soon Lobo, Momoa’s presence is everywhere in the blockbuster world. His broad chest, long hair, and confident smirk perfectly match the Switch-era Ganondorf’s look. Although he’s a familiar face in major franchises, Momoa might be the only actor who can fully capture Ganondorf’s sheer physicality without compromise.

Tom Burke – The British Dark Horse

Given the British roots of the Zelda lore, Tom Burke offers a great alternative. The London-born actor has been a staple in British TV and indie films, gaining acclaim for his role in 2019’s The Souvenir. He’s played a variety of characters, from Orson Welles in Mank to a Praetorian in Furiosa, showing a wide range of stoicism and intensity. Burke’s theatrical background could add a unique, demonic energy to Ganondorf, especially in dramatic moments like raising Hyrule Castle.

Bonus: Galactus Cloud as Calamity Ganon

There’s also the possibility that the movie might feature Calamity Ganon as the final villain, rather than a traditional Ganondorf. If that’s the case, a creative choice would be to cast the cloud version of Galactus from Fantastic Four: The Rise of the Silver Surfer. This would be a nod to fans of Breath of the Wild and could add an epic cosmic scale to the final battle. Marvel recently shifted to a more comic-accurate Galactus design in Fantastic Four: First Steps, so this could be a fun way to bring the character back.

For more on Matthias Schoenaerts’ breakout role, check out this [link](https://www.discoveringbelgium.com/karel-van-noppen/) (nofollow, opens in new tab).

Whether Nintendo and director Wes Ball choose a big-name star or a fresh face, Ganondorf’s casting will be key to making the Zelda movie a memorable adventure. Who’s your pick for the King of the Gerudo? Let us know!