Nintendo and Sony have officially revealed the stars of their highly anticipated live-action Legend of Zelda film, and let’s just say, fan reactions are as mixed as a Deku Scrub’s aim. In a social media post on Wednesday, Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed that Bo Bragason will portray Princess Zelda, while Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will take on the iconic role of Link. Alongside the announcement, Nintendo released what appeared to be first-look photos of the young stars in costume.
“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,” Miyamoto said via Nintendo’s official account. “I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen.”
While some fans were excited to finally see movement on the long-awaited adaptation, others weren’t so thrilled, especially with the casting of Link. “How do you f-ck up Link’s casting that bad?” one user commented bluntly, while another added, “Not my Link and Zelda.” A third simply reacted, “Sweet Jesus…”
Fans of the franchise have taken to social media to share their own casting dream picks, with “Euphoria” star Hunter Schafer frequently mentioned as a fan-favorite for the role of Zelda. “How do u fumble this… Hunter Schafer was right there,” one fan lamented.
Despite the backlash, the film is pushing forward under the direction of Maze Runner filmmaker Wes Ball, with a script penned by Derek Connolly, best known for his work on Jurassic World. Nintendo and Sony are keeping further plot and casting details tightly under wraps for now.
‘Legend of Zelda’ Movie Delayed to May 2027 as Nintendo Promises a Worthy Journey to Hyrule
Originally slated for a March 2027 release, the highly anticipated adaptation was pushed back “for production reasons,” according to Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto. The legendary game designer, who is serving as a producer on the film, shared the update last month and assured fans that the additional time will help bring the world of Zelda to life in the way it deserves.
The movie is being produced by Nintendo and Avi Arad’s Arad Productions, Inc., with Sony handling distribution. Miyamoto, along with veteran producer Avi Arad, is leading the charge to bring one of gaming’s most beloved franchises to the big screen for the first time in live-action form. As the film continues through production, fans will have to wait and see if the newcomers can win over audiences and do justice to Hyrule’s most beloved duo.
