Nintendo announced the lead cast for their live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, and fans are losing their minds worldwide. On July 17, 2025, Shigeru Miyamoto (co-creator of the original game) posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Bo Bragason will play Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will play Link. The Nintendo and Sony Pictures fantasy adventure film will debut on May 7, 2027.
Shigeru Miyamoto is looking forward to seeing the actors bring their characters to life. Nintendo has also released the first official image of the two stars in costume, and the gaming and film communities are buzzing.
Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda
Bo Bragason brings elegance and power to Princess Zelda. Born 2004 she started acting at 11. In an October 2024 Deepest Dream podcast she said “I feel like with every role I do I’m learning more and getting better and better.”
She never went to drama school. Instead, she learned on set. “Being on set, it kind of feels like I’ve trained because I’m learning from the greats,” she said. She values every role and knows how each project helps her grow as a performer.
Bragason has done a variety of genres. She was in the 2021 horror film Censor and the BBC crime series Three Girls and the Disney+ fantasy-adventure show Renegade Nell in 2024 and was in the 2024 family drama The Radleys.
She plays strong yet nuanced roles. From her early TV work to more complex feature films, she brings authenticity and intensity. Miyamoto’s choice of Bragason shows Nintendo is committed to casting actors who can bring emotional depth to iconic roles.
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Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth brings Link to life on screen in the long awaited film The Legend of Zelda. Born 2008 Ainsworth has an impressive list of credits already. He approaches challenging roles with maturity, confidence and emotional range way beyond his years.
His innocence and determination make him a great Link. The hero rarely speaks but shows courage, compassion and wisdom through action. Ainsworth can convey deep emotion without speaking making him the perfect silent hero Link. Since 1986 The Legend of Zelda has been one of the most beloved franchises in gaming history.
It is quite an opportunity to maintain the franchise in the limelight for new generations.
A Bold Move for a Beloved Franchise
Bragason and Ainsworth were two of the young talents Nintendo brought in to merge with great storytelling. The Legend of Zelda is one of the most celebrated gaming franchises in all of history, with the very first game creating its launch in 1986. Over the years, it has become a cultural icon with over 135 million installs around the world. This movie is a breakthrough in introducing the epic saga to audiences beyond gamers. Wes Ball, director of The Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, will be directing. He’s got experience with big fantasy films, so he’s the perfect director for Zelda’s debut.
Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. will co-finance and distribute the film. The representative for Avi Arad, the previous Chief Executive Officer of Marvel Studios, will be working on production with Shigeru Miyamoto. In all, a very formidable creative team for a truly worthy blockbuster catered to the very essence of the game.
The film initially had a night, March 26, 2027; Nintendo decided that the film needed to be shifted to May 7, 2027, so the team had that extra time to make it right, with satisfaction guaranteed from the fans.
Fans are Hyped for the Hyrule Adventure
The internet is blowing up with fan reactions to the casting announcement. Many are praising Nintendo for casting relatively new but capable actors. The first-look photos are only adding to the hype, giving fans a glimpse of how the characters will look on screen.
This casting announcement means production is underway. With Bragason and Ainsworth as Zelda and Link, the movie has two passionate rising stars ready to take on legendary roles. The studio hasn’t announced the rest of the cast, including Ganon, the main villain, but fans will get more updates soon.
The movie will pass this magical world on to the new generation, mixing nostalgia with new narratives.
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Conclusion
Bragason and Ainsworth, wielding the power of Hyrule, need this authority. Their performances as Zelda and Link will decide how this classic tale translates to the big screen. So far, so good. With a visionary director, experienced producers and two passionate young leads, The Legend of Zelda could be one of the decade’s best fantasy films. Fans will be counting down the days until May 7, 2027.
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