The announcement of the cast for Nintendo’s upcoming live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with some fans expressing extreme disappointment that transgender actress Hunter Schafer was not chosen to play Princess Zelda. The backlash has taken a dark turn, with a vocal minority directing vitriolic attacks and even death threats toward Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary creator of the Zelda franchise. This unfolding drama reveals the intense emotions surrounding representation in media, the power of fan expectations, and the dangers of online outrage spiraling out of control.
On July 16, 2025, Shigeru Miyamoto shared exciting news via Nintendo’s official social media channels, announcing that British actors Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth would portray Princess Zelda and Link, respectively, in the highly anticipated film set for release on May 7, 2027. Miyamoto expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen.” The announcement marked a significant milestone for the project, which is being co-produced by Nintendo and Sony Pictures, with Wes Ball directing and Avi Arad producing alongside Miyamoto. For many fans, the casting of relatively unknown actors signaled a commitment to fresh talent and fidelity to the source material, a move praised by some as a bold departure from Hollywood’s tendency to rely on A-list stars.
However, the excitement was overshadowed by a wave of discontent from a segment of fans who had championed Hunter Schafer for the role of Zelda. Schafer, known for her work in HBO’s Euphoria and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, had been the subject of fervent fan-casting speculation since rumors emerged in May 2025. Industry insider Daniel Richtman claimed Schafer was being considered for the role, sparking widespread excitement among fans who noted her striking resemblance to the iconic princess. Schafer herself fueled the speculation, expressing enthusiasm in a 2023 Variety interview: “That would be so cool. I love the game, personally. I played it as a kid and I still play it now. Who knows! That would be pretty cool.” Her comments, coupled with her ethereal appearance and acting credentials, made her a fan favorite for the role.
The decision to cast Bo Bragason, a 21-year-old actress known for Disney+’s Renegade Nell, instead of Schafer prompted an immediate backlash on social media. Hashtags like #NotMyZelda and #WeWantHunter began trending, with some fans expressing disappointment that Schafer’s rumored involvement did not materialize. One user on X posted, “I’ll NEVER forgive them for not casting Hunter, imagine caving into incels that are suffering from the male loneliness epidemic.” Another commented, “They had the chance to make a 100% PERFECT casting decision with Hunter Schafer and screwed THAT up somehow.” While many fans voiced measured disappointment, others crossed a dangerous line, directing their anger toward Miyamoto and Nintendo.
Most alarmingly, a now-deleted post from an X user with the handle @rakuyo_vlblood, also known as Rosaria’s Middle Finger, explicitly called for violence against Miyamoto, stating, “hunter schafer should be allowed to kill miyamoto.” The post, which was in response to the official casting announcement, drew widespread condemnation. Another user, @MasteroftheTDS, retweeted the comment, noting, “This Hunter Schafer discourse has gotten out of hand. They are not obligated to make your fan casting reality.” The incident highlighted the toxic undercurrents within the controversy, with some fans resorting to extreme rhetoric that far exceeded reasonable criticism.
The backlash appears to stem from a combination of factors. For some, Schafer’s potential casting represented a significant step toward greater transgender representation in mainstream media. Her supporters argued that her resemblance to Zelda, combined with her acting prowess, made her an ideal choice. A fan on X wrote, “Imagine being so bigoted you can’t see this as the most perfect casting for Princess Zelda just because you’re a transphobe.” Others pointed to Schafer’s personal connection to the franchise, as she has repeatedly expressed her love for the Zelda games, including in a 2022 Entertainment Tonight interview where she said, “I played that video game a bunch when I was a kid. That’s such a good game.” For these fans, her exclusion felt like a missed opportunity for inclusivity.
However, not all reactions were negative. Many fans praised Nintendo’s decision to cast younger, lesser-known actors, arguing that it aligns with the company’s commitment to authenticity. One X user commented, “Casting young unknown actors instead of Tom Holland or something makes me feel like they’re actually taking this somewhat seriously.” Another added, “Going with complete unknowns and casting slightly younger was 100 per cent the right choice.” Japanese fans, in particular, appeared largely indifferent to the controversy, with some suggesting that Schafer’s resemblance to Zelda was overstated outside of her similarity to the character’s appearance in Super Smash Bros. A Reddit user from Japan noted, “They kept saying that (Hunter) looks like Zelda, but I guess that’s just Smash Bros. Zelda? Aside of that version of Zelda, (Hunter) doesn’t look like Zelda at all.”
The controversy also exposed a broader divide within the Zelda fanbase. While some fans expressed disappointment over Schafer’s exclusion, others pushed back against the narrative of a “trans mob” attacking Nintendo, as described by some right-wing media outlets. A TransVitae article clarified, “Right-wing media claims that Nintendo faced backlash from a ‘trans mob’ after casting Cailee Spaeny as Zelda. But in reality, trans fans responded with measured disappointment, not outrage.” The article noted that while some fans expressed sadness, there was no evidence of coordinated harassment, and many Schafer supporters embraced the casting of Bragason and Ainsworth. This suggests that the narrative of widespread outrage may have been amplified by bad-faith actors seeking to fuel division.
The attacks on Miyamoto, a revered figure in gaming, are particularly striking given his monumental contributions to the industry. As the creator of franchises like Mario, Donkey Kong, and The Legend of Zelda, Miyamoto has shaped the landscape of video games for decades. His involvement in the film ensures a level of fidelity to the source material, yet the personal attacks against him reveal the dangers of unchecked fan entitlement. The notion that a casting decision could lead to calls for violence underscores the need for healthier discourse within fandoms.
As the dust settles, it’s clear that the Zelda casting controversy reflects deeper tensions about representation, fan expectations, and the role of social media in amplifying outrage. While Schafer’s supporters have every right to advocate for her, the escalation to threats and harassment crosses an unacceptable line. Nintendo’s decision to cast Bragason and Ainsworth suggests a focus on storytelling over appeasing fan campaigns, a choice that may ultimately serve the film’s vision. For now, fans can only wait until May 2027 to see how this adaptation brings Hyrule to life. In the meantime, the Zelda community would benefit from channeling its passion into constructive dialogue rather than divisive rhetoric.
