Why Did Nintendo Choose Newcomers? The Legend of Zelda Movie Finally Finds Its Link and Zelda

It’s official: The Legend of Zelda live-action movie finally has its two leads. After years of speculation, rumors, and dream castings by fans, Nintendo confirmed on July 16 that Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will play Link and Bo Bragason will take on the role of Princess Zelda. This major casting news brings one of gaming’s most iconic franchises one step closer to the big screen.

While the casting choices came as a surprise to many—especially after fan-favorite suggestions like Euphoria‘s Hunter Schafer trended online—the decision marks a bold direction for Nintendo’s cinematic ambitions. Let’s break down who these rising stars are, what this means for the film, and why this project matters so much to fans.

Who Is Playing Link and Zelda in the Live-Action Movie?

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, best known for his role as Miles Wingrave in The Haunting of Bly Manor, will portray the silent but heroic Link. Ainsworth also voiced the title character in Disney’s 2022 live-action Pinocchio, where he starred alongside Tom Hanks. Despite his young age, Ainsworth has built a steady résumé and has the dramatic chops to carry a fantasy epic.

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Bo Bragason, who plays Zelda, has appeared in the Disney+ fantasy series Renegade Nell and the British crime drama The Jetty. She’s a newer face in Hollywood, but her grounded performances have already made waves. With the role of Zelda becoming more prominent in modern games, especially titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, fans are hopeful she’ll bring both grace and strength to the character.

Why Were Fans Surprised by the Casting Choices?

The internet was flooded with casting predictions after Nintendo first announced plans for the movie. Big names like Tom Holland, Florence Pugh, and especially Hunter Schafer were floated by fans and even some media outlets. But Nintendo and director Wes Ball took a different route.

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By casting lesser-known actors, the studio may be aiming to let the characters speak for themselves rather than being overshadowed by celebrity status. It’s a gamble, but it could pay off if audiences connect with the actors as true versions of Link and Zelda rather than recognizable faces in costume.

From Games to the Big Screen: What We Know About the Zelda Movie So Far

Unlike The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which was animated and released in 2023 to massive box office success, The Legend of Zelda will be a full live-action film. That alone sets it apart—and raises expectations.

Wes Ball, the filmmaker behind the Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024), is directing. He’s no stranger to large-scale fantasy adventure, and he’s been vocal for over a decade about his desire to adapt Zelda. In a resurfaced 2010 tweet, Ball wrote, “Since I could never even hope to have the chance to direct it … the next big (motion capture) ‘Avatar’-like movie should be … THE LEGEND OF ZELDA.”

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With a $1.3 billion Mario hit behind them, Nintendo and Universal Pictures are putting serious weight behind this adaptation. The live-action approach shows they’re ready to take Zelda in a more cinematic, emotionally complex direction.

When Is The Legend of Zelda Movie Coming Out?

Nintendo has officially set the release date for May 7, 2027. That gives the production team ample time to craft the sprawling fantasy world of Hyrule, bring Ganon to life, and shape an epic story that feels worthy of the legendary source material.

While no plot details have been shared yet, fans can expect classic Zelda elements—magic, swordplay, puzzles, and perhaps even some iconic items like the Master Sword, Hylian Shield, and Ocarina.

Why This Movie Matters to Fans

The Legend of Zelda franchise isn’t just a video game series. Since its debut in 1986, it has become a cornerstone of gaming history, influencing everything from storytelling to open-world design. Titles like Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, and Breath of the Wild are considered some of the greatest games ever made.

For decades, fans have dreamed of seeing Link’s journey brought to life on the big screen. But those dreams were always met with hesitation. Could a studio capture the spirit of Hyrule? Would the silent hero trope work in a movie format? Would Zelda finally get the character depth she deserves?

This casting announcement doesn’t answer all those questions, but it does prove one thing: the film is real, and it’s happening.

A New Era for Nintendo Films?

Following the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Nintendo is showing real commitment to building a cinematic universe. A Mario sequel is already on the calendar for 2026, and now Zelda joins the lineup as a live-action adventure.

If this trend continues, we might see future adaptations of Metroid, Donkey Kong, or even Kirby. But Zelda is the big test. If it lands, it could reshape how gaming stories are told on screen.

For now, fans will have to wait patiently as filming gets underway and more details emerge. But one thing’s clear: the legend is coming to life, and it’s going to be epic.