Nintendo He has officially confirmed the actors who will play the iconic characters of Link and Zelda in their next live-action movie. The Legend of Zelda. The premiere is scheduled for May 7, 2027. The casting choice took fans by surprise, since the speculation seemed to go a different path.
Young actors with experience
The role of Zelda will be played by Bo Bragason. While Benjamin Evan Ainsworth He will play the brave hero Link. The legendary creator of the franchise Shigeru Miyamoto released the news through a message on social networks, who has expressed his enthusiasm for the future of this ambitious film production:
“I am Miyamoto. 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. I am looking forward to seeing them both on the big screen.”
Bo Bragason, 21, has participated in the fantasy series Renegade Nell from Netflix. Also in the adaptation of the police drama The Jetty from the BBC. For his part, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, only 16 years old, has had a brief but outstanding career. He is mainly recognized for his role in the horror series The Haunting of Bly Manor, also from Netflix.
In the image shared today by Nintendo, both actors are characterized in a subtle way. Bragason wears a blue dress reminiscent of Zelda’s in Breath of the Wild, and Ainsworth a dark green robe. The latter is clearly inspired by Link’s classic outfit.
high profile production
Nintendo officially announced the film in November 2023. It is being produced by Shigeru Miyamoto and avi arad, former CEO of Marvel Studios. The script is in charge of Derek Connolly (d)Jurassic World). Meanwhile, the direction will be in the hands of Wes Ball, known for his work in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Sony Pictures will co-finance the project together with Nintendo and will also handle its distribution.
Although the premiere was originally planned for March 2027, Miyamoto recently announced a change in date due to production issues. He assured that the additional time will improve the quality of the project. The new date also avoids direct competition with other major spring premieres such as Godzilla x Kong: Supernova or the new movie Sonic the Hedgehog.
Zelda: a more serious and realistic approach
So far, Nintendo has not revealed concrete details about the history or the universe that this adaptation will encompass. However, director Wes Ball has commented that his vision is to give it a more tone “Serious, realistic, but with magical and funny elements” They want to get away from a production completely made with motion capture.
“I want to meet the expectations of the fans. I know how important this franchise is for many people. I want to make a real movie that allows them to escape, but that also feels serious, authentic and epic,” said Ball.
Before the premiere of The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo will continue its expansion in the cinema with the animated sequel of Super Mario Bros. in 2026. In addition, it is speculated that an animated film focused on Donkey Kong.
The reveal of the main cast is, until now, the most important advance that this long-awaited production has had since its announcement. With almost two years ahead, the expectation to see Link and Zelda on the big screen continues to grow.
