Nintendo confirms its new lead duo—Bo Bragason as Zelda, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and fans are buzzing over the young British talent set to bring Hyrule’s icons to life.

Iconic Roles, Fresh Faces

July 16, 2025: Nintendo has officially revealed the lead actors for its highly anticipated live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. Twenty-one-year-old Bo Bragason, known for Renegade Nell and The Radleys, is set to portray Princess Zelda, while sixteen-year-old Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, recognized for The Haunting of Bly Manor and as the voice of Pinocchio, will star as Link.

Produced by Miyamoto & Directed by Wes Ball

The announcement came directly from Nintendo’s own Shigeru Miyamoto via the Nintendo Today app, accompanied by a photo of the pair in costume. The film, directed by Maze Runner helmer Wes Ball and produced by Nintendo alongside Avi Arad, is slated for release on May 7, 2027.

Why This Casting Choice Matters

Relative newcomers: Both actors carry limited credits—Bo Bragason’s work includes BBC dramas, while Ainsworth gained fame through Netflix roles. This clean slate approach mirrors Link’s traditionally silent, everyman character, allowing fans to fully project themselves onto him.

Aligns with early-game vibes: Their youth (21 and 16) suggests the film may draw from early entries like Ocarina of Time or Wind Waker, where Zelda and Link are young and discovering their destinies.

Production & Release Timeline

Principal photography is expected to begin in New Zealand in late 2025, wrapping in mid-2026. The scheduled release on May 7, 2027, positions the film as a major summer tentpole.

Final Take

With two fresh-faced British stars at the helm and Nintendo’s direct involvement, the Legend of Zelda live-action film is poised to be a bold new take on the cherished fantasy series. Fans eager for a cinematic journey through Hyrule now have a glimpse of who will lead the charge—and it’s a leap into the unknown that many are already excited to embark upon.