In a long-awaited and thrilling update for The Legend of Zelda fans, Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto officially announced the two lead actors who will portray Link and Princess Zelda in the upcoming live-action adaptation. The casting reveal marks a major milestone for the film, which is set to premiere on May 7, 2027.
The iconic role of Link, the silent hero of Hyrule, will be played by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, a 16-year-old actor from Nottingham, England. Meanwhile, Bo Bragason, a 21-year-old actress from Chichester, also in the UK, will take on the role of Princess Zelda.
Fresh Faces for Legendary Roles
What’s especially exciting about this casting is the choice of relatively unknown but promising actors. While neither Ainsworth nor Bragason are household names, they both bring experience and a youthful authenticity that aligns with the adventurous spirit of the franchise.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth may be young, but his acting résumé is already notable. He portrayed Miles in The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020), William Spiver in Flora and Ulysses (2021), and lent his voice to Pinocchio in Disney’s 2022 live-action remake. Most recently, he appeared in Everything’s Going to Be Great (2025). Despite his age, Ainsworth has shown he can carry complex roles, and his relative anonymity allows him to fully embody Link—without the weight of prior fame skewing audience expectations.
Bo Bragason, though a few years older, also fits the bill for Legend of Zelda. Her most prominent roles so far include Roxy Jackson in Renegade Nell and Amy Knightly in The Jetty, both released in 2024. Although she’s not a widely recognized face, early clips and photos suggest she brings the right mix of grace and strength to portray the princess of Hyrule.
First Look: Costumes and Setting
The announcement was accompanied by promotional images that appear to be from either screen tests or a very early marketing shoot. These photos were not from any previous films but seem intentionally designed to evoke the world of Hyrule.
Benjamin is seen in a simple greenish-brown tunic, standing in a lush outdoor setting—potentially hinting at Link’s humble beginnings in the story. Bo, meanwhile, wears a light blue dress reminiscent of Legend of Zelda’s outfit in Breath of the Wild. These visuals suggest a commitment to preserving the visual language of the game series, and may reflect the early tone and direction of the film.
While it’s unlikely these are final costumes or shots from the actual movie, they do paint a picture of what fans can expect—natural landscapes, period-style clothing, and a strong aesthetic connection to the beloved game series.
Story Expectations and Accents
Given the age of the actors and the early costume designs, the film may follow a younger version of Link and Zelda—perhaps an origin story that charts Link’s journey from a simple villager to the legendary Hero of Hyrule. This aligns with the themes often present in the games, especially titles like Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, and Breath of the Wild.
Another interesting detail is the choice of British actors. In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Zelda and King Rhoam were voiced with received pronunciation (RP) English accents—though the voice actors weren’t actually British. This time, with Bo Bragason’s authentic British background, fans can expect a more natural-sounding Legend of Zelda. It’s a subtle touch, but one that shows the filmmakers are paying attention to the finer details.
A Bold Casting Decision That’s Paying Off
Casting well-known celebrities would have brought instant star power, but also risked overshadowing the characters themselves. Instead, Nintendo and the production team have wisely chosen to cast rising talents who can grow into these iconic roles. There’s no risk of “Tom Holland as Link” syndrome here—these actors will be Link and Zelda, not just stars in costume.
For both Benjamin and Bo, this will likely be the most defining role of their careers so far. The pressure is high, but the potential is even higher.
Looking Ahead
With a release date of May 7, 2027, there’s still plenty of time before we see the full trailer or learn more about the plot. But this casting announcement gives fans something tangible to get excited about. The Zelda community has waited decades for a proper live-action adaptation—and this announcement suggests it’s finally on the right path.
As the countdown begins, one thing is certain: Hyrule is coming to life on the big screen, and the legend is just beginning.
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