A New Era Begins for Hyrule — With Real Faces
Let’s be honest. When you heard “live-action Zelda movie,” your first thought was probably please don’t mess this up. And then… wait, who’s playing Link and Zelda? Well, Nintendo just gave us our answer, and the internet has feelings. Lots of them.
In a surprise reveal on July 16, 2025, Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto dropped a bombshell: the iconic roles of Princess Zelda and Link have officially been cast for the upcoming live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. The chosen ones? Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth. And yes — we finally have a first look at them in costume.
Cue the gasps, the tweets, and the “Who?” reactions. Let’s break down why this casting is setting off fireworks across fandoms, and what this movie might mean for the future of video game films.
Meet the New Zelda and Link — And Why the Internet Is Freaking Out
Bo Bragason will take on the role of Zelda, and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will don the green tunic as Link. You might be scratching your head if their names aren’t instantly familiar — and that’s exactly why this casting is stirring up so much buzz.
Bragason, a British actress, is best known for her roles in BBC One’s Three Girls, The Jetty, Disney+’s Renegade Nell, and the vampire comedy film The Radleys. She brings that classic mix of fierce and vulnerable that fans are hoping Zelda will embody.
Ainsworth, also from the UK, has already dipped his toes into fantasy. He voiced Pinocchio in Disney’s live-action remake and played the spine-chilling Miles in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor. Not to mention his role in The Sandman and Canadian comedy Son of a Critch. So yeah, the guy’s got range.
Fan Casting vs Reality — Where’s Hunter Schafer?
Ever since whispers of a live-action Zelda movie started floating around, fans have been busy dreaming up their fantasy cast lists. One of the most popular suggestions? Euphoria star Hunter Schafer as Zelda. Her ethereal looks and commanding presence seemed like a perfect match. So when Nintendo revealed Bragason instead, reactions were… mixed.
Some fans are excited to see fresh faces. Others, well, are side-eyeing the casting a little. “Who are they?” became a trending question, but others were quick to say, “Remember how we all doubted Heath Ledger as the Joker?” Point taken.
First Look Photos Are Here — And They’re Giving Epic
Along with the casting news, Miyamoto shared what appears to be first-look photos of the actors in costume. While details are still under wraps, fans got just enough of a peek to start speculating about the movie’s tone, costumes, and vibes. Spoiler: Link has the ears. And the hair. And yes, that classic determined look.
So Who’s Behind the Camera?
This isn’t just some cash-grab adaptation. Nintendo and Sony have teamed up to bring The Legend of Zelda to life, with Wes Ball directing. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because he directed the Maze Runner trilogy and the recently released Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. He’s been manifesting this moment for over 15 years.
Back in 2010, Ball tweeted that if he could direct any movie, it would be The Legend of Zelda. So yeah — this project is personal.
Miyamoto himself is producing, alongside Marvel veteran Avi Arad, which adds some serious cred. If you loved what Illumination did with The Super Mario Bros. Movie, expect a whole different vibe this time — this one’s live-action, and probably a lot darker.
Why This Is a Big Deal — Like, Really Big
After the wild success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which raked in over $1.3 billion globally and became the second biggest box office hit of 2023 (right behind Barbie), all eyes are on Nintendo. Can they strike gold again?
Zelda is a whole different beast from Mario. The world is more complex, the lore is deeper, and the tone can swing from whimsical to devastating. Pulling it off in live-action is a bold move — but it could pay off massively if done right.
When Can We Watch It?
Mark your calendars: The Legend of Zelda hits theaters on May 7, 2027. Originally set for March, it was delayed “for production reasons,” according to Miyamoto.
Let’s be real — with stakes this high, we’d rather wait a couple extra months than get a rushed mess. Especially when you’re bringing Hyrule to life in full cinematic glory.
The Internet Reacts — From Hype to Hilarious
Twitter (or X, if we’re being technical) exploded after the casting announcement. Some fans immediately rallied behind the choices, praising the actors’ previous work and potential. Others are worried about how the movie will handle the lore, and whether Link will talk (gasp!).
Here are some of the best reactions so far:
🗨️ “No idea who they are but if Link doesn’t yell HYAAAAH at least once I’m walking out.”
🗨️ “This better not be another Percy Jackson situation. My heart can’t take it.”
🗨️ “Zelda deserves her Barbie moment. Don’t mess this up.”
🗨️ “Bo Bragason’s cheekbones could slice Ganon in half. Let’s goooo.”
Hope, Hype, and High Stakes
A Legend of Zelda movie is something fans have dreamed of for decades. With the casting locked in and the production moving full steam ahead, we’re officially on the hype train.
Sure, there’s some skepticism. That’s natural. But if Nintendo and Sony can deliver the magic, the heartbreak, the epic boss battles, and the quiet, emotional moments that make Zelda so beloved — this could be the fantasy movie of the decade.
Until then, all we can do is rewatch the trailer (when it drops), argue about fan theories, and maybe dust off our old copies of Ocarina of Time.
May 7, 2027, can’t come soon enough.
