In a highly anticipated announcement that has sent waves through the gaming and film communities, Nintendo legend and Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto revealed casting for the lead actors for the upcoming live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda.
The film, a collaboration between Nintendo and Sony Pictures, will feature Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as the heroic Link. The news was shared via Nintendo’s official social media channels and the Nintendo Switch app, marking a significant milestone for the project first teased back in 2023.
This is Miyamoto. I am pleased to announce that for the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda, Zelda will be played by Bo Bragason-san, and Link by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth-san. I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/KA5XW3lwul
— 任天堂株式会社 (@Nintendo) July 16, 2025
Miyamoto’s statement on the Legend of Zelda casting read: “This is Miyamoto. I am pleased to announce that for the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda, Zelda will be played by Bo Bragason-san, and Link by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth-san. I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen.” The film is slated for a theatrical release on May 7, 2027, giving fans plenty of time to speculate on how this beloved video game franchise will translate to the silver screen.
Background on the Live-Action ‘The Legend of Zelda’ Movie
The Legend of Zelda franchise, created by Miyamoto in 1986, has become one of Nintendo’s crown jewels, with over 30 games spanning nearly four decades. The series follows the adventures of Link, a young hero tasked with saving the kingdom of Hyrule and its princess, Zelda, from various evils, often involving the mystical Triforce artifact.
Link in The Legend of Zelda Breath of The Wild – YouTube, Nintendo of America
Iconic entries like Ocarina of Time, Breath of the Wild, A Link to The Past, Minish Cap, and Tears of the Kingdom have sold millions and influenced generations of gamers.
The live-action film was officially announced in November 2023, following the massive success of Nintendo’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide. Nintendo is co-producing the project with Sony Pictures, with Avi Arad (known for Marvel films like Spider-Man) on board as a producer.
Directing duties fall to Wes Ball, the filmmaker behind the Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Ball has expressed enthusiasm for blending fantasy elements with grounded storytelling, potentially drawing inspiration from games like Breath of the Wild for its open-world exploration and epic scope.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017), Nintendo
While plot details remain under wraps, the film is expected to capture the essence of the series’ adventure, puzzle-solving, and mythical lore. Production is set to begin soon, with a budget rumored to rival major blockbusters, emphasizing practical effects and CGI to bring Hyrule to life. The choice of relatively young, lesser-known actors aligns with Nintendo’s vision of fresh faces embodying the timeless characters, avoiding preconceived notions from established stars.
Legend of Zelda Casting Rumors and Controversies: The Hunter Schafer Speculation
Prior to the official announcement, the film was shrouded in speculation, with one particularly persistent rumor suggesting that Hunter Schafer—a biological male identifying as female, known for roles in Euphoria and Cuckoo—was being considered for the role of Princess Zelda.
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
These rumors surfaced in late May 2025, originating from entertainment insider Daniel Richtman (DanielRPK), who claimed Schafer was “being eyed” for the part. The speculation quickly gained traction on social media, sparking backlash from fans concerned about fidelity to the character’s traditional depiction.
However, That Park Place exclusively revealed on May 30, 2025, that these casting reports were unfounded rumors allegedly propagated by Schafer’s own agents or PR firm as a promotional tactic, rather than stemming from any genuine interest by Nintendo or Sony.
Two independent sources with knowledge of the project confirmed that the buzz did not originate from the studios but was instead driven by Schafer’s representatives pitching the idea—a common Hollywood practice to generate hype. One source, with a track record of accurate film insights emphasized Nintendo’s secretive approach to development, making unsolicited leaks improbable, while the other noted no formal casting discussions involving Schafer had taken place.
Hunter Schafer as Tigris Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023), Lionsgate
This scoop positioned the rumor as agent-driven self-promotion, not reflective of actual production decisions.
Subsequent reports in June 2025 further cast doubt on the Schafer rumor, with insiders indicating that the filmmakers were seeking actors aged 16 and 23 for Link and Zelda, effectively ruling out the then-26-year-old Schafer due to age considerations.
Today’s official reveal of 21-year-old Bo Bragason as Zelda definitively debunks the Schafer speculation, proving That Park Place’s exclusive scoop accurate.
Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda
Bo Bragason, a 21-year-old British actress, steps into the role of Princess Zelda, the wise and often empowered royal at the heart of the series. Bragason has been building her career with roles in independent films and television, showcasing a range that could suit Zelda’s multifaceted personality—from regal poise to fierce determination.
Bo Bragason sits for an interview – YouTube, Popternative
Born in England but having spent much of her childhood in Europe (including Luxembourg and southwest France), Bragason is fluent in French and brings a worldly perspective to her work. She began acting at a young age, appearing in the 2021 horror film Censor, where she played a supporting role in a story about censorship.
Her breakout came with the 2024 Disney+ series Renegade Nell, a historical fantasy adventure where she portrayed a key character in a tale of highway robbery and supernatural elements. That same year, she appeared in The Radleys, a vampire comedy-drama, and had guest spots in shows like Creeped Out, Three Girls, and The Jetty.
Her youthful appearance visually matches many depictions of the princess. Social media reactions have been positive, with fans noting her ethereal look and acting chops as perfect for the role.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link
Playing the silent (or mostly silent) protagonist Link is 16-year-old British actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, whose boyish charm and expressive eyes could convey the hero’s bravery without relying heavily on dialogue—a nod to the games where Link is often a player avatar with minimal spoken lines.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth sits for an interview – YouTube, Pop Culturalist
Ainsworth, born on September 25, 2008, in Nottingham, England, started his career in theater before transitioning to screen. He attended Northern Lights Drama School in Hull and landed his first major role in 2018’s stage production of Goodnight Mister Tom as William Beech. His breakthrough came in 2020 with Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor, where he portrayed the eerie yet sympathetic Miles Wingrave, earning praise for his nuanced performance in the horror series.
In 2022, Ainsworth voiced the titular character in Disney’s live-action Pinocchio remake, directed by Robert Zemeckis, opposite Tom Hanks.
He has since appeared in the comedy series Son of a Critch (streaming on Netflix) and voiced roles in projects like The Sandman. Other credits include Flora & Ulysses and various voice work, showcasing his versatility in both live-action and animation.
Fans on X have buzzed about his casting, with many highlighting his resemblance to younger versions of Link and his ability to emote subtly.
What’s Next?
The announcement has sparked excitement across social media, with X users praising the fresh casting choices for avoiding Hollywood A-listers and focusing on talent that fits the characters’ youthful energy.
A screenshot from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023), Nintendo
As production ramps up, expect more casting news for supporting roles like Ganondorf or other Hyrule inhabitants. With Miyamoto’s direct involvement ensuring fidelity to the source material, this film could redefine video game adaptations. Until 2027, fans can revisit the games on Nintendo Switch, dreaming of Hyrule’s cinematic debut.
How do you feel about this Legend of Zelda casting? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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Zelda not being a troon is a relief, but this movie will still be garbage.
It has Avi Arad as a producer, so I gave up any hope of it being good when he was announced as being part of it. I also have zero faith that it won’t force some wokeness in there, such as now for no reason Hyrule is filled with a diverse range of real world ethnicities. I’m hoping I’m proven wrong, but I doubt it.
The woke meltdown over Schafer not being cast is hilarious. Especially the backlash everyone who tries to defend Schafer is getting. Real fans of the series are glad HE wasn’t cast and they’re not letting HIS simps direct the narrative. As for Schafer HIMSELF, it’s been radio silence. HIS agents are going to have to explain to some very angry and unstable people what they were thinking.
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