Nintendo’s Live-Action Zelda Movie Casting Sparks Excitement and Controversy

Nintendo and Sony’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda has finally revealed its lead actors, igniting a firestorm of reactions across the gaming and entertainment communities. On July 16, 2025, Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary creator of the Zelda franchise, took to Nintendo’s official X account to announce that British actors Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will portray Princess Zelda and Link, respectively, in the film set to release on May 7, 2027. While the casting news has thrilled many fans eager to see Hyrule brought to life, it has also sparked a wave of debate, particularly among those who championed Euphoria star Hunter Schafer for the role of Zelda. The announcement has divided fans, with some celebrating the fresh faces and others expressing disappointment over unmet expectations.

The Legend of Zelda, a cornerstone of gaming culture since its debut in 1986, has captivated millions with its rich storytelling, iconic characters, and immersive world of Hyrule. The decision to adapt this beloved franchise into a live-action film has been met with both excitement and scrutiny, as fans have long speculated about who could embody the ethereal Princess Zelda and the heroic Link. Miyamoto’s announcement, accompanied by first-look images of Bragason and Ainsworth in costume, was a pivotal moment for the project. “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 wrote. “I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen.”

Bo Bragason, a 21-year-old British actress, is a rising star known for her roles in BBC One’s Three Girls, Disney+’s Renegade Nell, and the 2024 vampire comedy The Radleys. Her casting as Zelda has been praised for its alignment with the character’s youthful and regal qualities. In the first-look image, Bragason sports a blue dress reminiscent of Zelda’s iconic attire in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, hinting at the film’s potential visual fidelity to the games. Meanwhile, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, a 16-year-old actor from Yorkshire, England, brings a youthful energy to Link, a character traditionally depicted as a silent, courageous hero. Ainsworth’s credits include voicing Pinocchio in Disney’s 2022 live-action remake and starring as Miles in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor. His dark green tunic in the promotional image suggests a nod to Link’s classic look, though some fans have noted his dark hair, sparking speculation about whether it will be dyed blonde to match the character’s traditional appearance.

The casting choices reflect a deliberate move by Nintendo and director Wes Ball to prioritize emerging talent over established Hollywood stars. This approach mirrors the strategy used in films like The Lord of the Rings, where relatively unknown actors were chosen to fully embody their roles without the baggage of fame. “By opting for talents in ascension rather than consolidated Hollywood stars, the production signals a focus on building the characters and staying true to their essence,” noted a recent article on Folha Vitória. This decision has been lauded by some as a bold step toward authenticity, allowing Bragason and Ainsworth to become Zelda and Link in the eyes of audiences. Ainsworth, in particular, has been praised for his ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue, a skill crucial for portraying the often-silent Link. “I saw Benjamin Evan Ainsworth in Bly Manor when he was about 12 or 13,” wrote an X user. “I thought he was very good for a child actor. Hopefully, he’ll bring that range to Link.”

However, not all reactions have been positive. The announcement has stirred controversy, particularly among fans who had passionately advocated for Hunter Schafer to play Zelda. Schafer, known for her role in Euphoria and her ethereal, elven-like features, was a popular fan-cast choice, with many drawing parallels to Zelda’s appearance in games like Twilight Princess. “It’s pretty disappointing that Schafer wasn’t cast as Zelda, primarily because few actors have that ethereal, otherworldly look,” wrote SlashFilm. The 26-year-old actress herself fueled speculation in November 2023, telling Entertainment Tonight, “Obviously, that would be so cool,” when asked about the role. The decision to cast the younger Bragason has led some to speculate that the film may draw inspiration from games like The Wind Waker or Ocarina of Time, where Zelda and Link are depicted as teenagers, rather than the more mature iterations in Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom.

Social media platforms, particularly X, have become a battleground for these sentiments. Posts like one from @YellowFlashGuy, stating “Nintendo BLASTED over live action Zelda movie casting! Furious they didn’t own the CHUDS!” highlight the intensity of the backlash. Some fans have expressed frustration over the age gap between Bragason (21) and Ainsworth (16), raising concerns about how the film might handle the dynamic between Zelda and Link, whose relationship varies across games from mutual respect to subtle romantic undertones. “No offence towards Benjamin Evan Ainsworth but at 16 years old he is way too young for the role especially when Bo Bragason who is playing Zelda is 21,” commented an X user. Others have defended the casting, arguing that the characters’ ages align with certain games in the series and that the actors’ youth ensures the franchise can grow with them over potential sequels.

Despite the controversy, the casting announcement marks a significant milestone for the Zelda film, which has been in development since November 2023. Directed by Wes Ball, known for The Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the movie is produced by Miyamoto and former Marvel Studios CEO Avi Arad, with a screenplay by Derek Connolly. The project, co-financed by Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment, follows the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1.3 billion globally in 2023. The Zelda film’s release was recently delayed from March to May 7, 2027, for production reasons, a move Miyamoto explained as necessary to ensure quality. “We are taking the time necessary for the film to be as good as possible,” he said, urging fans to remain patient.

The casting of Bragason and Ainsworth has also sparked curiosity about the film’s direction. Will it faithfully adapt a specific game, like Ocarina of Time, or craft an original story within the Zelda universe? The first-look images suggest a visual style inspired by the games’ iconic aesthetics, but Nintendo has remained tight-lipped about the plot. Speculation is rife about other characters, particularly the villainous Ganondorf, with fans eagerly awaiting further casting announcements. “I’m waiting to see who will play Gannondorf—That will be the real money maker for me,” wrote an X user, reflecting the anticipation for the film’s broader ensemble.

As the May 2027 release date approaches, the Zelda movie stands at a crossroads of expectation and skepticism. The casting of Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth has set the stage for a fresh interpretation of two of gaming’s most iconic characters, but it has also ignited a debate about fidelity to fan expectations versus creative freedom. While some mourn the absence of high-profile names like Hunter Schafer, others see the selection of rising stars as a chance to redefine Zelda and Link for a new generation. With Miyamoto’s personal investment and Ball’s vision to create a “live-action Miyazaki,” the film promises to be a bold addition to Nintendo’s cinematic ambitions. Whether it will silence the critics or fuel further debate remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the journey to Hyrule is already shaping up to be an adventure worth watching.