The live-action adaptation of the iconic video game series, The Legend of Zelda, has officially cast its leading characters. Nintendo and Sony announced that Bo Bragason will portray Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will take on the role of Link. The announcement was made by Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo’s representative director, in a post on X, accompanied by images of the actors in costume. The film is set to premiere in theaters on May 7, 2027.
Bo Bragason, a British actress, is noted for her performances in the BBC One series Three Girls, as well as in The Jetty and Disney+’s Renegade Nell. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, the 16-year-old actor, gained recognition for his role as Miles in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor and as William in Flora & Ulysses. Both are expected to bring fresh energy to their characters in this highly anticipated film.
Film Production and Direction
The live-action movie is directed by Wes Ball, known for his work on Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. This project will adapt the long-standing Nintendo franchise, which began its journey in 1986. The storyline revolves around the young Link and Princess Zelda as they strive to protect the kingdom of Hyrule from the malevolent Ganon.
The collaboration between Nintendo and Avi Arad‘s Arad Productions, Inc. marks a significant moment in the gaming-to-film crossover, with Miyamoto producing alongside Arad. Sony is tasked with distributing the film, which aims to capture the essence of the beloved video game series while appealing to both fans and newcomers alike.
As excitement builds for the release, industry experts anticipate the potential impact on both the entertainment and gaming sectors. With a dedicated fan base and a rich narrative to draw from, the live-action The Legend of Zelda film could set a new benchmark for adaptations of video games into cinema.
