Live-Action Zelda Movie Cast Revealed: Meet the New Link and Zelda

Nintendo has finally revealed who will play Link and Zelda in the highly-anticipated live-action Legend of Zelda movie—and fans have a lot to talk about.

Rising stars Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Bo Bragason will bring the legendary characters to life. Ainsworth, known for his role in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor, will take on the role of Link. Bragason, who recently starred in Renegade Nell and BBC’s The Jetty, is set to portray Princess Zelda. At just 16 and 21 years old respectively, both actors are relatively fresh faces, which adds a sense of excitement and curiosity to the casting.

The announcement came directly from gaming icon Shigeru Miyamoto, who posted the news on social media. He expressed his excitement to see the two actors portray these beloved characters and thanked fans for their continued patience. The movie is now scheduled for release on May 7, 2027, after a slight delay from its original March date.

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

A new promo image of Ainsworth and Bragason in costume hints at a look inspired by Breath of the Wild, with Zelda donning a royal blue dress and Link wearing a dark green tunic—both color choices familiar to longtime fans of the game.

This live-action Zelda film has been in the works since its official announcement in November 2023. It’s being produced by Miyamoto alongside Avi Arad, the former head of Marvel Studios. The film is co-financed by Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment, with Jurassic World writer Derek Connolly penning the script. Wes Ball, who recently directed Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, will take the director's chair.

When asked about the movie’s tone, Ball mentioned that he’s aiming for something grounded and emotional—not a CGI-heavy adventure, but a movie that feels real and immersive. “It has to be serious and cool but still fun and whimsical,” he said in an interview last year. He also emphasized how important the Zelda franchise is to fans and expressed his commitment to doing it justice.

As for the plot, Nintendo is still keeping details under wraps. With less than two years to go, this casting update is the biggest development we’ve seen so far.

While fans eagerly await this new chapter for the franchise, Nintendo is also preparing to release the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2026, and rumors continue to swirl about an animated Donkey Kong spin-off.

The journey to Hyrule has officially begun—and the countdown is on.