The cast of the Zelda movie is finally set – but the debates about the perfect lineup are only just beginning.
There had been rumors about a “The Legend of Zelda” movie for a long time. And for a while now, we’ve known for sure that the battle against the dark forces threatening Hyrule will actually hit the big screen, softening the blow after a promising fan-made Zelda film was shut down.
The Legend of Fancasts
Until now, however, there had been zero official info – which, of course, led to a wave of fan theories, speculation, and most of all: fancasts.
For many, it was clear: Tom Holland had to play Link! Others always believed that only Thomas Brodie-Sangster could portray the Hero of Time. And opinions were just as split when it came to the Princess of Hyrule: Hunter Schafer herself said she’d love to play Zelda, while some fans had long ago envisioned Anya Taylor-Joy in the role.
In a recently released official statement, Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Link’s adventures, announced that the search for the right actors has now come to an end.
Two thirds of the Triforce have been found!
In the message, he writes:
This is 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 very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen.
The film is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 7, 2027. Thank you for your patience.
21-year-old Bragason previously appeared in the fantasy adventure series Renegade Nell on Netflix and the BBC crime drama The Jetty.
Ainsworth, just 16 years old, is known from only a few roles so far, most notably from Netflix’s horror series The Haunting of Bly Manor.
While many in the community had already seen Hunter Schafer as the perfect Zelda and believed she would have been great for the role – and that Nintendo could have sent a strong signal for the LGBTQ+ community – Bragason should still be given the chance to prove herself before being met with criticism or online hate.
A movie more mysterious than the Water Temple
Other than that, nothing is known about the film so far. No one can say yet whether the story will follow the plot of a specific game or tell an entirely new tale. The fact that both actors – especially Bejamin Evan Ainsworth – are so young at least leaves the possibility open that time travel, which played a major role in many Zelda games and was originally planned by Miyamoto for the very first title, could also be relevant in this film adaptation of Hyrule’s adventures.
What’s clear is that the community is now more eager than ever for new information about the movie – and the rumor mill will continue to spin wildly.
And let’s be honest: you’ve probably already decided who *has* to play Ganon, the Great Fairy, Malon, or Saria – if they appear in the movie at all. Drop your personal fancast in the comments!