KEY POINTS
- Rising British talent Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth selected for live-action Zelda film
- Directed by Maze Runner alumnus Wes Ball; debut live-action Nintendo production
- Film scheduled for theaters on May 7, 2027, with Nintendo and Sony backing
Nintendo has officially revealed the lead stars of its much-anticipated live-action Legend of Zelda film, confirming that British rising star Bo Bragason will play Princess Zelda, while Benjamin Evan Ainsworth has been cast as Link. The fantasy adventure is scheduled to hit cinemas on 7 May 2027.
The announcement was made by Nintendo icon Shigeru Miyamoto through the company's official Japanese X (formerly Twitter) account.
'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,' Miyamoto wrote.
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
This marks Nintendo's first venture into live-action storytelling for the iconic franchise — and instead of opting for established Hollywood stars, the studio is placing its trust in emerging talent.
Young Stars Step into Legendary Roles
At only 17, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth has already made a name for himself. He voiced the title character in Disney's 2022 Pinocchio opposite Tom Hanks and delivered a standout performance in The Haunting of Bly Manor on Netflix. His casting signals a youthful, emotionally driven take on Link, the brave and silent hero of Hyrule.
Meanwhile, Bo Bragason, 21, will bring her dramatic depth to Princess Zelda. Best known for roles in UK dramas like Renegade Nell and The Jetty, Bragason has earned praise for her strong, nuanced performances. Her portrayal is expected to reflect the more complex, empowered version of Zelda seen in recent games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
Behind the Camera: Familiar Names, Big Ambitions
The live-action adaptation is being helmed by Wes Ball, director of The Maze Runner trilogy and 2024's Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Ball has long expressed his desire to bring Zelda to the big screen, once calling it his dream project in a 2010 social media post.
The film is a joint production between Nintendo and Sony Pictures, with Miyamoto and Avi Arad — a veteran producer and former Marvel executive — attached as producers. The screenplay has been written by T.S. Nowlin, known for his work on large-scale adventure films.
Nintendo's decision to move forward with Zelda comes after the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide in 2023. A sequel to Mario is already on the way for 2026.
A New Era of Nintendo Cinema
With Zelda now officially in motion, speculation is swirling around what's next for Nintendo's cinematic universe. Rumours of films based on Donkey Kong and Metroid are gaining momentum as the company expands its IP into Hollywood.
One thing's clear: with a passionate creative team and rising stars in the spotlight, The Legend of Zelda live-action film is shaping up to be a bold, magical leap from console to cinema.
