Fans of the long-running Legend of Zelda franchise finally have their live-action princess. Nintendo has announced that rising British actress Bo Bragason will take on the coveted role of Princess Zelda in the upcoming live-action adaptation set for a 2027 theatrical release. Alongside her, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will portray the iconic silent hero, Link.
The casting announcement came directly from Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto via a post on the company’s official social media account. In the statement, he said that Bragason and Ainsworth had been chosen after a long process and expressed excitement about seeing the two actors bring the legendary characters to life on the big screen.
The announcement also included a glimpse of the actors in costume, sending fans and industry watchers into a frenzy.
Bo Bragason’s rise to iconic status begins
Bragason, 21, has gradually made a name for herself through a combination of dramatic television roles and high-concept fantasy work. She first gained attention in BBC One’s Three Girls, later taking a starring turn in The Jetty. Most recently, she played a magical lead in Disney+’s Renegade Nell and fronted The Radleys, a dark comedy film about a vampire family adjusting to modern life.
Casting her as Princess Zelda signals a bold and serious approach by Nintendo and Sony, suggesting that the live-action film is aiming for substance as much as spectacle. Her range, emotional depth, and onscreen poise have all been cited by critics as signs of a promising career. Now, her face is set to be tied to one of the most recognized characters in global gaming.
Industry insiders believe this role could launch Bragason into international superstardom, following in the footsteps of actresses like Emma Watson and Anya Taylor-Joy, who both transitioned from niche to mainstream via major fantasy franchises.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth steps into Link’s boots
As for Link, the choice of Benjamin Evan Ainsworth is both unconventional and exciting. Ainsworth, 16, voiced the title role in Robert Zemeckis’ Pinocchio and previously played haunted child Miles in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor. He currently stars in Canada’s hit comedy Son of a Critch and has had appearances in Netflix’s The Sandman.
Though younger than expected, Ainsworth brings a maturity beyond his years and already has experience with fantasy, horror, and voice acting—skills considered valuable in portraying a largely silent protagonist like Link. His ability to convey emotion through facial expression and body language is said to be one of the reasons he clinched the part.
According to sources close to production, the chemistry between Bragason and Ainsworth during auditions impressed not just casting directors but also producers Miyamoto and Avi Arad, who are overseeing the project.
A film years in the making
The live-action Legend of Zelda has been in development for years but remained tightly under wraps. Fans have speculated about potential casting choices, with dozens of names floated online. However, no leaks emerged before the official reveal, making the Bragason-Ainsworth casting a genuine surprise.
The movie is being directed by Wes Ball, known for The Maze Runner series and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Ball’s track record with world-building, visual storytelling, and high-stakes narratives is seen as a strong fit for the sprawling Hyrule setting.
Although initially scheduled for March 2027, the film’s release date was recently pushed back to May 7, 2027. Miyamoto previously attributed the delay to production logistics, which likely included the casting process and scheduling challenges.
Fans and analysts now view the movie as a crucial test for video game adaptations after the wild success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed more than $1.3 billion globally. While that film skewed comedic and animated, Zeldais expected to be grounded, adventurous, and epic in tone.
Nintendo expands its cinematic universe
Nintendo’s move into live-action signals a broader strategy shift. With Super Mario Bros. under its belt, the company is now poised to create a series of interconnected films based on its IP catalog. The choice to partner with Sony, rather than Universal again, raised eyebrows in the entertainment world, but insiders say the decision was driven by creative priorities.
Sony’s capacity to handle fantasy storytelling with cinematic gravitas was reportedly a decisive factor. With Sony Pictures set to distribute, and major studios now eyeing game adaptations more seriously, The Legend of Zelda could represent a pivotal moment in video game cinema.
Arad, a veteran producer with credits that include the Spider-Man and X-Men franchises, is said to be instrumental in shaping the narrative and cinematic direction of Zelda. His involvement is being closely watched, particularly as questions about tone, pacing, and fidelity to source material emerge.
Costume first-look sparks online frenzy
After the casting reveal, Nintendo shared first-look images of Bragason and Ainsworth in costume. The photos quickly trended on social media, with fans dissecting every detail—from the design of Link’s Hylian tunic to Zelda’s flowing robes.
Reactions were mixed but leaned positive. Longtime fans praised the realistic approach to costume design, noting that it pays homage to the Twilight Princess and Breath of the Wild aesthetics. Critics highlighted Bragason’s regal look and Ainsworth’s intense gaze as early signs the film will take its characters seriously.
The actors themselves have yet to speak publicly about their roles. However, promotional interviews are expected to begin early next year as production ramps up.
A bold gamble that could reshape the genre
While expectations are sky-high, so are the risks. Adapting The Legend of Zelda—a game series known for sparse dialogue and open-ended storytelling—into a cohesive live-action film is a monumental task. Fans will scrutinize not just the performances, but the direction, music, cinematography, and how well the film captures the sense of adventure central to the franchise.
Whether the story follows the original 1986 game, Ocarina of Time, or the more recent Breath of the Wild remains under wraps. But with the lead actors now announced and first visuals revealed, anticipation has shifted into overdrive.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.