Nintendo Reveals Lead Cast for Zelda Movie
▼ Summary
– Nintendo announced British actors Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (Link) and Bo Bragason (Zelda) as leads for the 2027 live-action Zelda movie.
– Both actors are rising stars, with Ainsworth known for voicing Pinocchio and Bragason for roles in UK dramas like Renegade Nell.
– Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed the casting and release date (May 7, 2027) via Nintendo’s Japanese X account.
– The film will be directed by Wes Ball (Maze Runner, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) and produced by Miyamoto and Avi Arad.
– This marks Nintendo’s first live-action film, following the animated success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Nintendo has officially revealed the two British actors who will bring Link and Zelda to life in the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. The announcement, made by gaming legend Shigeru Miyamoto, confirms Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda. While neither actor is widely recognized yet, their casting signals a fresh approach for the 2027 film, prioritizing talent over big-name stars.
Ainsworth, best known for voicing Pinocchio in Disney’s 2022 live-action remake and his role in The Haunting of Bly Manor, is just 17, hinting at a younger, more vulnerable interpretation of the iconic hero. Meanwhile, Bragason, 21, gained attention for her performance in Disney+’s Renegade Nell, showcasing the dramatic range she’ll bring to Hyrule’s princess.
Miyamoto shared the news via Nintendo’s Japanese X account, expressing excitement about seeing the duo on screen. He also confirmed the film’s May 7, 2027 release date, urging fans to stay patient as production moves forward. Wes Ball, director of Maze Runner and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, will helm the project, with Miyamoto and Marvel veteran Avi Arad producing under Nintendo and Arad Productions.
This marks Nintendo’s first live-action venture after the blockbuster success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. With an animated sequel to that film arriving in 2025 and rumors of a Donkey Kong spinoff, the gaming giant is clearly doubling down on cinematic adaptations. The choice of rising stars for Zelda suggests a focus on authenticity, potentially setting the stage for a bold new chapter in video game adaptations.
Fans eager for more details will have to wait, but the casting alone has already sparked excitement, and debate, about how these actors will embody two of gaming’s most beloved characters.
(Source: kotaku)
