Two rising stars take on legendary roles in Nintendo’s fantasy epic
Nintendo’s highly anticipated live-action The Legend of Zelda film continues to gain momentum with the announcement of its lead cast. Bo Bragason will portray Princess Zelda, while Benjamin Evan Ainsworth has been cast as Link—the iconic silent hero of Hyrule.
The casting choices come as a surprise to some fans but bring renewed energy and curiosity to the adaptation of one of gaming’s most revered franchises. Directed by Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), the film promises a grounded fantasy adventure with a touch of visual spectacle.
Meet the New Zelda and Link
Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda
A relative newcomer to the screen, Bo Bragason has already made waves with her performance in FX’s The Veil and Netflix’s The Witcher. Her sharp presence and commanding energy have drawn praise, making her a promising fit for the intelligent and courageous Princess Zelda. Her portrayal is expected to lean into Zelda’s role as both a royal and a warrior-scholar, especially given the darker, more mature tone teased by the production team.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link
Best known for voicing Pinocchio in Disney’s 2022 live-action film and appearing in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth brings youthful grit and emotional depth to the role of Link. While Link traditionally doesn’t speak in the games, Ainsworth’s prior work suggests he can deliver a powerful performance through expression and subtlety. Fans are eager to see how the film balances Link’s iconic silence with cinematic storytelling.
A Film Steeped in Fantasy Legacy
The Legend of Zelda franchise, which debuted in 1986, is one of Nintendo’s crown jewels. With over 130 million copies sold worldwide across multiple titles, it has become synonymous with adventure, puzzle-solving, and sweeping fantasy storytelling.
While many past rumors of Zelda adaptations fizzled out, this project is fully backed by Nintendo. Shigeru Miyamoto, the franchise’s legendary creator, is producing alongside Avi Arad (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse). The film is being co-developed by Nintendo and Arad Productions, with Sony Pictures distributing.
A Bold Creative Vision
Wes Ball has stated that the film will be “grounded but epic,” echoing visual inspirations from The Lord of the Rings and Princess Mononoke. With his experience directing large-scale action and character-driven sequences, expectations are high that the Zelda film could become the rare game-to-screen success story.
While the plot remains tightly under wraps, speculation suggests it may take cues from games like Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild, focusing on themes of courage, destiny, and the struggle against encroaching darkness.
Fan Hype and Cautious Optimism
Reactions across social media have been a mix of cautious excitement and fervent curiosity. Some fans have praised the casting of relatively young, lesser-known actors, seeing it as a chance for a fresh take on the story. Others remain skeptical, pointing to the rocky history of game-to-film adaptations.
Still, with Nintendo’s direct involvement and a clearly articulated vision, there is hope that The Legend of Zelda live-action movie could join the ranks of recent video game adaptation successes.
Cast & Crew (So Far)
- Princess Zelda – Bo Bragason
- Link – Benjamin Evan Ainsworth
- Director – Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes)
- Producers – Shigeru Miyamoto (Nintendo), Avi Arad (Arad Productions)
- Distributor – Sony Pictures Entertainment
- Production – Nintendo & Arad Productions
