A brave hero, a princess in peril, an evil wizard, and a magic sword; it's a tale as old as time, but one that has longed to jump from the mystical realms of Nintendo and onto the big screen. But before we can see Link and Princess Zelda step away from the console, someone has to play them.
Two primary casting choicesfor Wes Ball'sThe Legend of Zeldawere announced early this morning, as it was revealed that up-and-coming actors Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth are set to portray Princess Zelda and Link, respectively. Of course, this won't be the first time fans have seen them on screen.
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. (1/2)pic.twitter.com/KA5XW3lwul
— 任天堂株式会社 (@Nintendo)July 16, 2025
Nintendo head Shigeru Miyamoto shared the big reveal onthe company's official X page, along with what looks like promotional photos of their respective characters. While their outfits don't exactly scream "Hyrule," the pair does look believable as Link and Zelda.
Since there is no legend without Zelda herself, her on-screen portrayal needs to be an actress who displays both beauty and courage, and Bo Bragason certainly gives those vibes in the windswept image above. Bragason was most recently recognized for her work in theDisney+ series,Renegade Nell,but has major credits in projects such asKing and Conqueror, The Jetty, andThe Radleys
Of course, where would our princess be without a sword-swinging hero to save her? Enter Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, stepping into the green tights as Link. Ainsworth is featured in the upcomingEverything's Going to be Great, but he is perhaps known primarily for his starring roles in Disney+'sPinocchioremake as the titular role and as youngMiles WingraveinNetflix'sHaunting of Bly Manor.
Although the developments surrounding the upcoming film are still fresh, this casting choice reveals more about the new adaptation than some might realize. Casting younger than many probably expected could mean returning to the game's origins, pulling from fairytale and high fantasy rather than a medieval epic that some first predicted.
In this writer's opinion, Nintendo and Sony are taking a step in the right direction. This casting choice alludes to a very audience-friendly film, as well as squashes the controversial rumors surroundingEuphoria'sHunter Schaferas the titular princess. For many, this could be the first time they step onto the fields of Hyrule and first impressions are everything.
From what we know now, we can expect a classic approach totheZeldamythos, but perhaps there will be some shrines, dungeons, and a few power-ups thrown in to satisfy the video game's massive fan base. That said, we can only hope and speculate until more information is revealed. Hopefully, Sony will take a few hints fromother successful video game moviesand deliver another hit.
The Legend of Zeldahits theaters March 26,2027.
More from FlickSided:
Add us as a preferred source onGoogle