Nintendo has officially revealed the lead actors for its upcoming live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, ending months of speculation. Legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto announced the news through Nintendo’s official social media channels, confirming that Bo Bragason will play Princess Zelda, while Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will take on the role of Link, the franchise’s iconic hero. The film is set for theatrical release on May 7, 2027.
Miyamoto expressed his excitement in the statement, highlighting his anticipation for how both young talents will bring these beloved characters to life on the big screen. This casting marks a significant step in Nintendo’s venture into major film adaptations, especially after the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023.
Bo Bragason, born in 2004, is an English actress known for her roles in prominent television dramas such as Three Girls (2017), The Jetty (2024), and the Disney+ series Renegade Nell (2024). Her film credits include Censor (2021) and The Radleys (2024). Stepping into the role of Princess Zelda will be her first appearance in a high-profile fantasy blockbuster.
Joining her is Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, born in 2008, another English actor best known for his performances in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020), Disney’s Flora & Ulysses (2021), and for voicing the titular character in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Pinocchio (2022). His casting as Link positions him at the center of one of gaming’s most celebrated franchises.
Earlier this year, reports indicated that The Legend of Zelda live-action movie is scheduled to begin principal photography in November 2025, with New Zealand chosen as the primary filming location. The production is expected to continue until April 2026. Notably, the film is being developed as the first part of a potential trilogy, according to film industry insider DanielRPK. Reports also suggest that the cast will be signed for three films, with production likely to span over six years.
The film’s storyline will adapt the classic Zelda premise, focusing on Link, a young warrior tasked with defending the kingdom of Hyrule from Ganon, a warlord in search of the powerful Triforce relic. The plot will see Link embark on a perilous journey, battling monstrous foes, exploring dangerous dungeons, and solving intricate puzzles, all in a bid to thwart Ganon’s dark ambitions.
The movie is being produced by industry veterans Avi Arad and Joe Hartwick Jr., along with Nintendo’s own Shigeru Miyamoto. The script is penned by Derek Connolly, whose past credits include major franchise titles such as Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019), and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
Initially, some speculation pointed towards animation studio Illumination as a potential partner for a Zelda project, following their collaboration with Nintendo on the Super Mario Bros. Movie. However, Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri dismissed these rumors in an earlier interview, confirming that no animated adaptation of The Legend of Zelda was planned.
