Nintendo has officially unveiled the two rising stars who will portray Link and Princess Zelda in its highly anticipated live-action Legend of Zelda movie. In a casting announcement that’s set the gaming and film worlds abuzz, 16-year-old British actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will take on the iconic role of Link, while 21-year-old English actress Bo Bragason has been cast as Princess Zelda.
The news was revealed by none other than Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto, who took to the company’s official X (formerly Twitter) account to confirm the casting personally.
“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,” he wrote.
Meet the New Link and Zelda
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth might be young, but he’s no stranger to big roles. He earned acclaim for his performance as Miles in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor and most recently voiced the title character in Disney’s 2022 live-action Pinocchio. Ainsworth’s blend of innocence and emotional depth could make him an inspired choice to play the silent hero of Hyrule.
Bo Bragason, meanwhile, brings her own set of credentials to the role of Zelda. Best known for her appearances in BBC dramas Three Girls and The Jetty, as well as Disney+’s Renegade Nell, Bragason has been steadily building a career defined by strong, emotional performances something fans will expect in a character as pivotal as Zelda.
Behind the Scenes: Big Names and Big Vision
The film will be directed by Wes Ball, best known for The Maze Runner trilogy and the recently released Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. With Ball at the helm, fans can expect a cinematic approach that blends sweeping fantasy with grounded character work.
Nintendo is co-producing the film alongside veteran producer Avi Arad, whose resume includes a long list of Marvel adaptations. Together, Arad and Miyamoto aim to craft a faithful yet bold interpretation of one of gaming’s most revered franchises.
A New Era for Nintendo on the Big Screen
The casting announcement follows in the footsteps of Nintendo’s renewed push into film, coming off the massive global success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. That animated adaptation brought in over $1.3 billion at the box office, proving that there’s an audience hungry for Nintendo storytelling in Hollywood.
Unlike Mario’s light-hearted, cartoonish tone, the Zelda movie is said to take a more epic and mystical approach reportedly inspired by the fantastical worlds of Studio Ghibli. While little is known about the film’s plot, fans are hopeful it will draw from classics like Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, or Breath of the Wild.
The live-action Legend of Zelda movie is currently slated for release on May 7, 2027, after being pushed back slightly from its original March 2027 target. With filming yet to begin, this casting news signals the start of what will likely be a long but exciting journey to Hyrule’s cinematic debut.
Bringing The Legend of Zelda to live-action is a daunting task, and fans will undoubtedly be scrutinizing every decision made along the way. But Nintendo’s commitment to quality, combined with two promising young actors and a seasoned director, paints a hopeful picture.
Hyrule is finally coming to the big screen and it’s in good hands.
1-Up Games 
You must be logged in to post a comment.