After much anticipation, Nintendo has officially announced the lead actors for its upcoming live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. On July 16, 2025, legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto revealed that Bo Bragason will play Princess Zelda, while Benjamin Evan Ainsworth has been cast as Link. The film is set for theatrical release on May 7, 2027, and will be directed by Wes Ball, best known for The Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
Meet the Stars
Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda
Bo Bragason, a rising British actress, has earned acclaim through her performances in BBC’s Three Girls, The Jetty, Disney+’s Renegade Nell, and the upcoming vampire film The Radleys. Known for her poise and emotional range, Bragason’s casting was praised for capturing both Zelda’s regal elegance and quiet strength.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link
At just 16 years old, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth already has an impressive resume. He voiced the titular character in Disney’s 2022 Pinocchio, starred in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor, and appeared in Flora & Ulysses. Ainsworth’s youthful look and strong screen presence make him a fitting choice for the heroic and silent warrior Link.
What We Know About the Movie
Director: Wes Ball (of Maze Runner fame) will helm the project, bringing a vision he describes as “a fantasy adventure that feels like a Hayao Miyazaki film—dreamlike, emotional, and full of wonder.”
Tone: The movie is expected to capture the epic, whimsical, and mysterious essence of the Zelda games. Fans speculate it may adapt Ocarina of Time or Wind Waker based on the ages and looks of the lead actors.Production: The film is a co-production between Nintendo and Sony Pictures, with Avi Arad and
Release Date: The live-action Zelda movie will hit theaters on May 7, 2027, giving the team plenty of time for high-end production, set design, and special effects.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Fans have responded with excitement, with many praising the studio’s decision to cast lesser-known actors who seem to embody the beloved characters. This echoes the approach of other successful game-to-film adaptations, where faithful casting over star power often leads to better results.
There’s also growing curiosity about who will be cast as Ganondorf, Impa, or Sheik, as well as how the movie will handle the franchise’s iconic mechanics—like puzzles, magical artifacts, and Link’s traditionally silent persona.
Final Thoughts
Nintendo’s live-action Legend of Zelda is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious video game adaptations to date. With Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth stepping into the legendary roles of Zelda and Link, the project signals a thoughtful and faithful retelling of one of gaming’s most iconic sagas.
The countdown to Hyrule’s big-screen debut has officially begun.
Sources:
TechRadarEntertainment Weekly
Times of India
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