Work is moving forward on the Legend of Zelda live-action movie. The release date is still set for May 7, 2027, but there is some great news about casting.
The movie has found its leads. Yes, both Zelda and Link have been cast, and it means that there is much more to get excited about. Although, if you are like me, you will be tapering your excitement knowing how some video game adaptations have ended up working out.
Sometimes, we learn that casting is only possible because a series ended up being canceled. In this case, it’s the Renegade Nell cancellation that has opened up one star to take on the iconic titular role in the video game universe.
The Hollywood Reporter shares that Bo Bragason will take on the role of Zelda. You can also see her in Three Girls and The Jetty if you want to get more of an idea of how she can act.
In Renegade Nell, the 16-year-old played Roxy Trotter, Nell’s younger sister, in all eight episodes of the Disney+ series. This is still worth a watch if you happened to miss it the first time, despite it being canceled.
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
Meanwhile, Link will be played by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, who is well known for his role of Miles in The Haunting of Bly Manor. Miles was one of the two children of Charlotte Wilgrave in the Netflix miniseries, becoming the pawn in Peter’s plan after he returned home from boarding school early. He certainly set the tone for the series with his first appearance.
You can also see him in the 2021 movie Flora & Ulysses, where he played William. This is a great option to watch with the whole family, meaning younger children can get ready for him to take on the role of Link.
Rather than go the way of Fallout, which was set in the video game universe but in a different time with a different story, Legend of Zelda is set to adapt one of the video games. We’re going right back to the start, with the 1986 game that launched the entire universe.
This video game focused on Princess Zelda and a young Link, who work together to prevent the evil Ganon taking over the Kingdom of Hyrule. It arguably is a great introduction to the main characters and the universe as a whole, but Wes Ball has his work cut out for him not to change the video game storyline too much!
Legend of Zelda is set to come to theaters on May 7, 2027.
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