Nintendo has finally announced the main cast for the live-action The Legend of Zelda film. The film is reportedly set to hit theaters on May 7, 2027. Fans of the legendary game series are eager to see Link and Princess Zelda on the big screen.
Background of the Film Adaptation
The Legend of Zelda was first released as a video game in 1986. Since then, Link's adventures saving the Kingdom of Hyrule and Princess Zelda from the threat of Ganon have captivated millions of players worldwide.
In November 2023, Nintendo announced a partnership with Sony Pictures to produce a live-action film based on the game series. The project is being directed by Wes Ball, known for The Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
Main Cast Announcement
On July 16, 2025, Shigeru Miyamoto, co-creator of The Legend of Zelda and producer of the film, announced via Nintendo's official X account (formerly Twitter) the names of the two main actors:
- Link will be played by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth.
- Princess Zelda will be played by Bo Bragason.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth is a British actor known for his roles in The Haunting of Bly Manor and Disney's Pinocchio. Bo Bragason is a British actress known for Renegade Nell and the BBC series Three Girls.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth's Profile as Link
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth is only a teenager, but already has a wealth of acting experience:
- In the Netflix series The Haunting of Bly Manor, he plays the character Miles.
- He also provided the voice of Pinocchio in the Disney live-action film.
- Most recently, she appeared in the drama film Everything's Going to Be Great alongside Bryan Cranston.
His youthful face and acting skills make Benjamin considered suitable for the role of Link, a brave but cheerful young hero.
Profile of Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda
Bo Bragason has already collected several strong character roles:
- She plays Roxy Trotter in the Disney+ series Renegade Nell.
- In the BBC series Three Girls and The Jetty, she displayed a captivating talent for dramatic acting.
- His upcoming projects include the drama King and Conqueror on BBC One.
With a combination of graceful looks and emotional abilities, Bo is considered capable of bringing Zelda's wisdom and strength to the big screen.
Production Team and Main Crew
In addition to the cast, this film was produced by an experienced team:
- Director : Wes Ball
- Producer : Shigeru Miyamoto & Avi Arad
- Scriptwriter : Not yet announced
- Co-Financier & Distributor : Sony Pictures Entertainment
Wes Ball is renowned for combining cutting-edge visual effects with thrilling adventure stories. Avi Arad ensures the production meets Hollywood standards.
Release Schedule and Delays
The film was originally scheduled for release on March 26, 2027. However, in June 2025, Nintendo announced a delay to May 7, 2027. The official reason was given as “production needed more time to perfect the visual effects and action scenes.”
This delay is expected to give the team extra time to:
- Processing the sets and shooting locations to be richer in detail.
- Perfecting the choreography of the fight scenes with Link's sword and arrows.
- Optimized Ganon's magic effects and monster design.
Despite the long wait, many fans agree that the final quality of the film will be more satisfying.
What Can Fans Expect?
Fans of The Legend of Zelda games will undoubtedly hope the film stays true to the adventure and mythology of Hyrule. Some of the most anticipated elements include:
- Hyrule Kingdom Setting : Natural scenery, castle, and Kokiri village.
- Triforce : A sacred artifact in the shape of a golden triangle.
- Iconic Music : Composer Koji Kondo's themes, such as Zelda's Lullaby and Hyrule Field.
- Villain Ganon : His terrifying form and evil motives.
- Supporting Characters : Impa, Navi, and Epona the horse.
The success of an adaptation is largely determined by how well the film captures the game's sense of magic and puzzles.
The Challenges of Adapting from Game to Film
Turning a classic video game into a live-action film has its own challenges:
- Storyline Length
A Zelda game can be dozens of hours long. A movie must summarize the main story without missing any important details. - Interactivity
Players have the freedom to explore. The film needs to create the feeling of an “open-ended adventure” within the confines of its two-hour runtime. - Fan Expectations
Loyal fans of The Legend of Zelda are highly critical of any changes to characters or plot. - Visual Effects and Magic
Presenting magic and fantasy creatures like Koroks or Moblins in high quality demands high costs and advanced technology.
If it manages to overcome these challenges, The Legend of Zelda could set a new standard for game adaptations to the big screen.
Conclusion
The announcement of Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda marked the beginning of immense fan excitement. With a seasoned director, a legendary producer, and the support of cutting-edge effects technology, the live-action The Legend of Zelda film promises to bring the magic of Hyrule to the big screen.
Mark your calendars for May 7, 2027. Prepare to dive into the epic adventure, majestic music, and exciting action of the Hero of Light alongside Princess Zelda to save the Kingdom of Hyrule from the darkness of Ganon.
