Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda Casting Sparks Viral Outrage and Fan Debate

On July 16, 2025, Nintendo and Sony unveiled the lead actors for their highly anticipated live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, set to hit theaters on May 7, 2027. The announcement, shared by Nintendo’s legendary designer Shigeru Miyamoto on X, revealed that British actress Bo Bragason, known for her roles in Disney+’s Renegade Nell and BBC’s The Jetty, will portray Princess Zelda, while Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, recognized for voicing Pinocchio in Disney’s 2022 live-action remake and starring in The Haunting of Bly Manor, will take on the iconic role of Link. Miyamoto expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen.” The casting news, accompanied by images of the actors in costumes reminiscent of the game’s aesthetic—Bragason in a blue dress evoking Zelda’s Breath of the Wild attire and Ainsworth in a green tunic—marked a significant milestone for the film, directed by Wes Ball of The Maze Runner and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes fame. Yet, what seemed like a celebratory moment for fans of the beloved franchise quickly spiraled into a viral firestorm, with hashtags like #NotMyZelda trending and gender activists voicing their fury over the decision not to cast Euphoria star Hunter Schafer as Zelda.

The Legend of Zelda, a cornerstone of Nintendo’s legacy since its debut in 1986, has sold over 150 million units across its various iterations, making it one of the most iconic video game franchises in history. The series follows the silent hero Link and the wise Princess Zelda as they battle to protect the mythical kingdom of Hyrule from the evil Ganon. With the success of recent video game adaptations like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, and HBO’s The Last of Us, anticipation for Zelda’s cinematic debut has been sky-high. Nintendo’s collaboration with Sony, co-financed and distributed by the latter, aims to replicate that success, with Miyamoto and former Marvel Studios CEO Avi Arad producing and T.S. Nowlin penning the script. The casting of Bragason and Ainsworth, both relatively young and lesser-known actors at 21 and 16 respectively, aligns with the franchise’s youthful protagonists, potentially drawing inspiration from games like The Wind Waker or Ocarina of Time, where Link and Zelda are depicted as teens.

However, the announcement was met with a wave of backlash, particularly from activists who had championed Hunter Schafer for the role of Zelda. Schafer, a 26-year-old actress and model known for her work in Euphoria and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, had been a fan-favorite casting choice since the film’s announcement in November 2023. Her ethereal appearance, blonde hair, and elvish features closely mirror Zelda’s design in games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, fueling speculation that she was a frontrunner. Schafer herself stoked the flames, expressing enthusiasm for the role in interviews. In 2022, she told Entertainment Tonight, “That would be so cool,” when asked about playing Zelda, and in 2023, she reiterated to Variety, “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 red carpet looks, often evoking Zelda’s aesthetic, further amplified fan campaigns on social media, with side-by-side comparisons of Schafer and the character circulating widely.

The decision to cast Bragason instead sparked a heated reaction, with some activists labeling it a missed opportunity for inclusive representation. Posts on X, including one from @OphanimSongbird stating, “Still, no Hunter Schafer Zelda is unfortunate…,” and another from @uhohswaggalert vowing, “Hunter Schafer Zelda, I will avenge you…,” captured the sentiment of disappointment. The hashtag #NotMyZelda trended as users expressed their frustration, with some alleging that Nintendo and Sony were “playing it safe” by opting for a younger, less controversial actress. Others speculated that the casting reflected a deliberate choice to avoid aligning with activist demands, particularly around gender identity, given Schafer’s identity as a transgender woman. One inflammatory YouTube video titled “Make her a MAN! ‘Not My Zelda’ goes VIRAL as gender activists SCREAM at Nintendo movie casting!” amplified the narrative, accusing activists of pushing for Schafer to portray Zelda as a male character—a claim that misrepresents the fan campaign, which focused on Schafer’s visual and acting fit for the traditionally female role.

Despite the outrage, the backlash has been met with counterarguments from fans who support the casting of Bragason and Ainsworth. Many argue that the actors’ relative obscurity allows them to embody the characters without the baggage of major celebrity status, a concern raised after the mixed reception to Chris Pratt’s casting as Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. On Variety’s Instagram post, one commenter noted, “I’m relieved they went with lesser-known actors. It feels more authentic to the source material.” Others pointed out the age appropriateness of the casting, with Bragason and Ainsworth better matching the teenage versions of Zelda and Link seen in certain games. “As perfect as Hunter may have looked for the role, it’s clear they were looking to cast a bit younger,” wrote one user on X, echoing sentiments that the film might lean toward a coming-of-age narrative.

The controversy also highlights a broader debate about fan-casting and expectations in video game adaptations. While Schafer’s resemblance to Zelda made her a compelling choice, the assumption that she was a lock for the role stemmed partly from unverified rumors, including a debunked claim by That Park Place that a PR firm associated with Schafer had fueled the speculation. This revelation has led some to question the validity of the outrage, with skeptics arguing that the backlash is driven by a vocal minority rather than a broad consensus. “Getting worked up in unverified hype and debunked narratives only breeds malice and distracts from the actual project,” wrote Marvin Montanaro, Editor-in-Chief of That Park Place, urging fans to focus on the film itself rather than manufactured controversies.

As the dust settles, the casting of Bragason and Ainsworth represents a bold choice for Nintendo and Sony, who are navigating the high stakes of adapting a beloved franchise. Bragason’s experience in diverse roles, from the rebellious Amy Knightly in The Jetty to the vampire comedy The Radleys, suggests she can bring depth to Zelda’s regal yet resilient persona. Ainsworth, with his nuanced performances in Son of a Critch and Everything’s Going to Be Great, has the potential to capture Link’s quiet heroism, even if the character’s traditional silence in the games may evolve for the screen. Director Wes Ball has emphasized a “grounded” and “real” approach to the film, distancing it from the CGI-heavy spectacle of his previous work, which could allow these young actors to shine in a character-driven narrative.

With production set to begin in November 2026 in New Zealand, fans are left to speculate about the film’s story and additional casting, particularly for the villainous Ganon. The fervor surrounding the casting debate underscores the passion of Zelda’s fanbase, but it also raises questions about the balance between fan expectations and creative decisions. Will Bragason and Ainsworth rise to the challenge and silence the critics? Can Nintendo and Sony deliver a film that honors the legacy of The Legend of Zelda while carving out a new vision for the big screen? As the May 2027 release date approaches, the world will be watching—not just for the adventure in Hyrule, but for the resolution of a controversy that has already set the internet ablaze.