Why Casting Newcomers as Link and Zelda Is the Right Choice for the Live-Action Zelda Movie
Some blockbuster adaptations demand big-name stars—but Nintendo’s live-action Legend of Zelda is taking a different, smarter approach. On July 16, series creator Shigeru Miyamoto announced the film’s lead actors via the official Nintendo X (formerly Twitter) account. Bo Bragason will play Princess Zelda, and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth has been cast as Link in the upcoming Wes Ball–directed movie, set for release on May 7, 2027.
Neither name may be familiar to general audiences—and that’s precisely the point. Ainsworth, known for his role in The Haunting of Bly Manor and voicing Pinocchio in Disney’s 2022 live-action remake, and Bragason, who starred in Disney+’s Renegade Nell and BBC’s The Jetty, represent a refreshing departure from casting predictable A-listers like Tom Holland or Zendaya.
Big franchises like Marvel or Batman often rely on star power to drive ticket sales, but a fantasy world as unique and immersive as Hyrule demands something different. Choosing lesser-known actors allows audiences to believe in the world—not just the celebrities portraying it. While the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie proves that familiar voices can bring in crowds, Zelda requires a deeper sense of immersion—one that might be broken if Dior spokespeople were wandering the forests of Hyrule.
Another key point: Link has traditionally been a silent protagonist. If director Wes Ball chooses to honor that legacy, it will require an actor who can express emotion and heroism physically, without relying on dialogue. Ainsworth’s previous work suggests he has the subtlety and presence to make it work.
In the end, casting relatively unknown but talented actors may be the boldest and most faithful move Nintendo could make for this beloved franchise.
