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 choices for Wes Ball's The Legend of Zelda were 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 on the 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 the Disney+ series, Renegade Nell, but has major credits in projects such as King and Conqueror, The Jetty, and The 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 upcoming Everything's Going to be Great, but he is perhaps known primarily for his starring roles in Disney+'s Pinocchio remake as the titular role and as young Miles Wingrave in Netflix's Haunting 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 surrounding Euphoria's Hunter Schafer as 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 to the Zelda mythos, 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 from other successful video game movies and deliver another hit.
The Legend of Zelda hits theaters March 26,2027.
More from FlickSided: