Nintendo and Sony Pictures have finally lifted the veil on their highly anticipated live-action Legend of Zelda movie casting! Nintendo’s live-action ‘Legend of Zelda’ movie has cast Bo Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link, with the announcement coming directly from legendary game creator Shigeru Miyamoto himself.
The casting news broke just hours ago, sending waves of excitement through the gaming community as fans get their first glimpse of who will bring Hyrule’s beloved heroes to life on the big screen.
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Meet Your New Link and Legend of Zelda
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth was Pinocchio in the 2022 live action Disney adaptation, showcasing his ability to handle fantasy roles with depth and nuance. The young actor brings a fresh perspective to the iconic green-clad hero, promising to deliver the courage and determination that defines Link’s character.
Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda
Bo Bragason steps into the ethereal role of Princess Zelda, the wise and powerful ruler of Hyrule. Miyamoto shared two photos that appear to show the actors in costume for the film, giving fans their first official look at the cinematic interpretation of these beloved characters.
Cast Details & Production Info
| Character | Actor | Notable Works | Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Link | Benjamin Evan Ainsworth | Pinocchio (2022), The Haunting of Bly Manor | Young Adult |
| Princess Zelda | Bo Bragason | Rising Star | Young Adult |
| Director | Wes Ball | Maze Runner franchise, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes | – |
| Producer | Shigeru Miyamoto | Original Zelda Creator | – |
What This Means for the Movie
The casting choices reflect Nintendo’s commitment to finding actors who can embody the youthful spirit and timeless appeal of the Zelda franchise. Fundamentally a role that will be immediately challenged as the first talking version of Link, making Ainsworth’s casting particularly significant as he’ll be the first actor to give voice to the traditionally silent protagonist.
Production Timeline
While The Legend of Zelda is still a long way off, with a tentative May 2027 release window, the casting announcement marks a crucial milestone in the film’s development. This gives the production team ample time to craft a worthy adaptation that honors the source material while creating something fresh for cinema audiences.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The gaming community has had mixed reactions to the casting news. For the former, one of the main actors who fans would love to see play the ethereal and brave Princess Zelda is Euphoria actor Hunter Schafer, though many are excited to see fresh faces take on these iconic roles.
Why These Casting Choices Work
Authenticity Over Celebrity: Nintendo chose talent over star power, prioritizing actors who can genuinely embody the characters rather than relying on big names.
Age-Appropriate Casting: Both actors fit the youthful demographic that aligns with Link and Zelda’s traditional portrayal in the games.
Fantasy Experience: Ainsworth’s work in fantasy projects like Pinocchio demonstrates his ability to handle magical, adventure-driven narratives.
The Bigger Picture
This casting announcement represents more than just filling roles—it’s Nintendo’s bold statement about bringing their most cherished IP to live-action cinema. Following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, expectations are sky-high for this adaptation.
The Legend of Zelda movie joins a growing trend of successful video game adaptations, from Sonic the Hedgehog to The Last of Us, proving that gaming stories can translate beautifully to other mediums when handled with care and respect.
What’s Next?
With the leads now confirmed, fans can expect more casting announcements for supporting characters like Ganondorf, Saria, and other beloved figures from the Zelda universe. The film’s development continues under the watchful eye of Miyamoto, ensuring authenticity to the source material.
For more gaming news and movie updates, stay tuned to TechnoSports for the latest entertainment coverage.
For official updates and announcements, visit Nintendo’s official website. Stay current with movie industry news at The Hollywood Reporter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will The Legend of Zelda movie be released?
A: The Legend of Zelda live-action movie is scheduled for release in May 2027. The casting announcement represents a major milestone in the film’s development, with production continuing under Sony Pictures and Nintendo’s collaboration.
Q: Who is directing The Legend of Zelda movie?
A: Wes Ball, known for directing the Maze Runner franchise and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is directing the film. Shigeru Miyamoto, the original creator of The Legend of Zelda games, serves as producer to ensure the adaptation stays true to the source material.
