‘The Legend of Zelda’ Movie Casts Link and Zelda: Here’s Who’s Playing Them

It’s risky to go alone! Consider this news about the “Legend of Zelda” movie.

Nintendo said on Wednesday, July 16 that the two main parts have been cast in the upcoming live-action movie based on the “Legend of Zelda” video game franchise.

In the film, Bo Bragason will portray Zelda, and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will play Link. Although some players have taken on the role of Princess Zelda, Link is typically the protagonist of “Zelda” video games, who sets out to save the realm of Hyrule from the evil Ganon.

Ainsworth previously shown Pinocchio opposite Tom Hanks in Disney’s 2022 live-action adaptation of “Pinocchio” and starred as Miles Wingrave on Netflix’s “The Haunting of Bly Manor.” In contrast, Bragason has starred in British drama “The Jetty” and Disney+ series “Renegade Nell.”

Compared to some of the names that fans suggested, both casting decisions feature performers who are less well-known. Hunter Schafer of “Euphoria” was specifically suggested as a potential Zelda character.

After “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which made over $1.3 billion at the box office worldwide and was the second highest-grossing movie of 2023 after “Barbie,” “Legend of Zelda” will be the next big Nintendo video game to be made into a feature film. The “Mario” movie is also getting a sequel, which is scheduled for release in 2026.

However, the “Zelda” film will be live-action, whereas “Mario” was animated. Having directed three “Maze Runner” films and 2024’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” Wes Ball is filming “The Legend of Zelda.” The director has had the desire to make it for over 15 years, so it’s been a long-term passion project. On X in 2010, Ball said, “Since I could never even hope to have the chance to direct it … the next big (motion capture) ‘Avatar’-like movie should be … THE LEGEND OF ZELDA.”