Nintendo revealed on July 16, 2025, the lead actors for its highly anticipated live-action The Legend of Zelda film, set to hit theaters on May 7, 2027. Bo Bragason, a 21-year-old British actress, will portray Princess Zelda, while 16-year-old Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, also British, takes on the role of the iconic hero Link. Shigeru Miyamoto, the franchise’s creator and film producer, announced the casting via social media, sharing images of the actors in character-inspired costumes. Directed by Wes Ball, known for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the film is a collaboration between Nintendo and Sony Pictures, with production by Miyamoto and Avi Arad. The movie will adapt the beloved 1986 game franchise, focusing on Zelda and Link’s quest to save Hyrule from the villain Ganon. The casting of young, rising stars has sparked excitement among fans, building on the success of Super Mario Bros. The Movie in 2023.
The announcement, made in Japan, highlights Nintendo’s commitment to bringing its iconic franchise to the big screen with authenticity. The choice of Bragason and Ainsworth signals a focus on capturing the youthful spirit of the characters, setting the stage for a visually spectacular adaptation.
- Key announcement details:
- Bo Bragason stars as Zelda, known for Renegade Nell and The Jetty.
- Benjamin Evan Ainsworth plays Link, recognized from The Haunting of Bly Manor.
- Film release scheduled for May 7, 2027.
- Directed by Wes Ball, produced by Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad.
Casting choices for a legendary tale
Nintendo’s decision to cast Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth reflects a bold move to prioritize emerging talent over established stars. Bragason, aged 21, has built a solid resume with roles in Three Girls (2017), The Jetty (2024), and Disney+’s Renegade Nell (2024). Her experience in dramatic and fantasy roles makes her a fitting choice for Zelda, a character known for her wisdom and resilience.
Ainsworth, at just 16, brings a youthful energy to Link, a character often depicted as a teenager in the games. His credits include playing Miles in The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020) and voicing Pinocchio in Disney’s 2022 live-action remake. His ability to convey depth through minimal dialogue aligns with Link’s traditionally silent heroism, expressed through actions rather than words.
The age gap between the actors suggests the film may focus on the platonic bond between Zelda and Link, staying true to the games’ emphasis on adventure over romance. Fans have praised the casting for its fresh approach, though some express curiosity about how Ainsworth’s youth will shape Link’s portrayal.
The legacy of The Legend of Zelda
Since its debut in 1986, The Legend of Zelda has become a cornerstone of gaming, with over 150 million copies sold across its 20+ main titles. The series follows Link and Princess Zelda as they battle to protect Hyrule, often against the evil Ganon. Landmark games like Ocarina of Time (1998) and Breath of the Wild (2017) have set industry standards for storytelling and open-world design, raising the bar for the film adaptation.
The success of Super Mario Bros. The Movie, which grossed over $1.3 billion in 2023, has fueled anticipation for Zelda. Fans expect a film that honors the franchise’s rich lore while appealing to a broad audience. The casting announcement, paired with early costume images, suggests a visual style inspired by games like Twilight Princess or Breath of the Wild.
- Major milestones in Zelda history:
- 1986: The Legend of Zelda launches on NES.
- 1998: Ocarina of Time revolutionizes 3D gaming.
- 2017: Breath of the Wild redefines open-world games.
- 2023: Tears of the Kingdom sells 20 million copies.
- 2027: Live-action film set for release.
Behind the scenes of the production
Wes Ball, the director behind Maze Runner and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024), brings a proven track record in crafting immersive worlds. His vision for Zelda is expected to blend the epic scope of Hyrule with the emotional depth of its characters. Shigeru Miyamoto, who has overseen every major Zelda game, ensures creative fidelity as a producer, alongside Avi Arad, known for Spider-Man adaptations.
The film, scripted by Derek Connolly (Jurassic World), is a co-production between Nintendo, which funds over 50% of the project, and Sony Pictures, handling distribution. The release was shifted from March to May 2027 to allow extra time for polishing, a move Miyamoto justified to meet fan expectations. The narrative is likely to draw from Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild, focusing on a young Link and Zelda facing Ganon.
Fan and industry reactions
The casting reveal has ignited discussions across social platforms. Fans have lauded Bragason’s resemblance to Zelda, particularly her Twilight Princess iteration, while Ainsworth’s youth has sparked debate about his ability to embody Link’s stoic heroism. Many appreciate Nintendo’s choice of lesser-known actors, seeing it as a commitment to authenticity over star power.
The film industry views Zelda as a potential blockbuster, with analysts projecting a global box office of $800 million to $1 billion, based on the success of Super Mario Bros.. The project is a critical step for Nintendo’s cinematic ambitions, following its cautious approach after the 1993 Super Mario Bros. flop.
- Fan reactions:
- Praise for Bo Bragason’s visual fit as Zelda.
- Mixed opinions on Benjamin Evan Ainsworth’s age for Link.
- High hopes for a faithful adaptation of Hyrule’s lore.
- Calls for a soundtrack inspired by Koji Kondo’s iconic scores.
Challenges of adapting a gaming icon
Translating The Legend of Zelda into a live-action film presents unique challenges. The games’ non-linear storytelling and exploration-driven gameplay don’t easily fit a two-hour cinematic format. Wes Ball must craft a cohesive narrative while preserving the series’ sense of adventure and wonder.
The young cast adds another layer of complexity. While Bragason and Ainsworth bring fresh energy, their relative inexperience could be a risk for a high-stakes project. The film’s visual style, hinted at in costume images, leans toward the darker, medieval aesthetic of Twilight Princess, but it must balance this with the vibrant, open-world feel of newer titles.
The production team also faces pressure to deliver iconic elements like the Master Sword, Hyrule’s landscapes, and Ganon’s menace, all while appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers unfamiliar with the games.
Nintendo’s growing cinematic universe
The success of Super Mario Bros. The Movie has emboldened Nintendo to expand its cinematic ventures. With Super Mario Bros. 2 slated for 2026 and a Donkey Kong film in early development, The Legend of Zelda is a cornerstone of this strategy. The choice of young actors suggests potential for sequels, as Bragason and Ainsworth could return for a trilogy if the film succeeds.
Nintendo’s hands-on approach, with Miyamoto’s involvement and significant financial backing, ensures creative control, unlike the 1993 Super Mario film, which strayed far from its source. The 2027 release gives the team ample time to refine the project, but expectations are sky-high.
- Nintendo’s cinematic projects:
- Super Mario Bros. The Movie (2023): $1.3 billion box office.
- Super Mario Bros. 2: Set for 2026 release.
- Donkey Kong: In early development, no date confirmed.
- The Legend of Zelda: Premieres May 2027.
What to expect from the Zelda film
The live-action The Legend of Zelda aims to bring Hyrule to life with stunning visuals and a story true to the games’ spirit. Early costume images suggest a faithful recreation of Zelda and Link’s iconic looks, with Bragason’s regal attire and Ainsworth’s green tunic evoking classic designs. Fans hope for a soundtrack inspired by Koji Kondo’s legendary compositions, a key element of the series’ emotional resonance.
The film is expected to center on Zelda and Link’s quest to defeat Ganon, possibly incorporating elements like the Triforce or familiar creatures like Bokoblins. With a reported budget of $150 million, the production has the resources to deliver a visually spectacular experience, but its success hinges on capturing the heart of the franchise.
- Anticipated film elements:
- Epic depiction of Hyrule’s landscapes and temples.
- Battles featuring Ganon and classic Zelda enemies.
- Soundtrack echoing Koji Kondo’s iconic themes.
- Focus on Zelda and Link’s friendship and heroism.
- Inclusion of iconic items like the Master Sword.
