Nintendo has recently announced the much-anticipated cast for the live-action film The Legend of Zelda, with 21-year-old British actress Bo Bragason portraying Princess Zelda, and 16-year-old British actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth taking on the role of the protagonist, Link. Shigeru Miyamoto expressed his excitement for both actors on official social media, revealing that the film is set to be released on May 7, 2027.
Shigeru Miyamoto stated in a press release that the performances of Ms. Bo Bragason and Mr. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will deliver a remarkable big-screen experience. Fans will also get a glimpse of the outfits worn by the two actors, with Bragason’s blue long dress designed to echo the classic Zelda look in Breath of the Wild, while Ainsworth makes an appearance in a deep green corseted coat.
Bo Bragason has gained significant experience in the entertainment industry, having appeared in BBC One’s Three Girls and Disney+’s Renegade Nell, and he will also be seen in the upcoming comedy horror film The Radleys. Meanwhile, the relatively younger Benjamin Evan Ainsworth captured attention with his remarkable performance in the hit Netflix series The Haunting of Bly Manor when he was just 12 to 13 years old, successfully portraying the character’s subtle emotions.
The film was originally set to premiere in March 2027 but has been pushed forward to May 7 due to production reasons. This new date allows the film to sidestep direct competition from spring 2027 contenders, including Godzilla x Kong: Supernova and the long-standing rivalry with Nintendo’s Sonic the Hedgehog.
The choice of actors’ ages has become a hot topic among players. The age gap between Bragason and Ainsworth aligns perfectly with the character settings in the game, especially since most protagonists are usually set in their teenage years. For example, Breath of the Wild’s Zelda is just 17 at the onset of disaster, while Time’s Flute’s Link is between 10 and 17 years old.
Choosing relatively new actors to take on leading roles showcases the production team’s confidence in young talent, allowing fresh interpretations of characters that help shape new impressions for the audience. However, giving such a crucial role to a young actor, especially to Ainsworth who is just 16, is considered a bold gamble.
The film production is still underway, and with the confirmation of the main cast, the team expects to gradually reveal more actors, including the actor portraying the significant antagonist, Ganondorf. The gaming community has mixed reactions to the casting choices; while some support the decision to bring in fresh talent, others express concerns about the capabilities of the younger actors.
