The Official Legend Of Zelda Live-Action Movie Cast: Who Is Playing Link And Zelda? (UPDATED 2025)
The long-awaited live-action adaptation of Nintendo’s legendary franchise, The Legend of Zelda, is officially underway, with principal photography commencing in late 2025. After years of fervent speculation and fan-casting debates, the studio has finally unveiled the two young actors tasked with bringing the iconic heroes, Link and Princess Zelda, to the big screen. This ambitious project, directed by Wes Ball and co-written by Derek Connolly, is shaping up to be a serious, cinematic fantasy epic, and the latest cast announcements have provided a clear look at the new faces of Hyrule.
As of today, December 22, 2025, the film is actively in production, with a confirmed release window set for May 2027. The casting choices for the lead roles—specifically prioritizing younger, emerging talent—signal a fresh, character-focused approach to the beloved source material. Below is a deep dive into the confirmed cast, the creative team's vision, and the intense speculation surrounding the villain, Ganondorf.
Confirmed Lead Cast: Full Biography Profiles
The official announcement from Nintendo confirmed two British actors for the central roles, signaling a commitment to casting based on talent and screen presence rather than established A-list celebrity status.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, the English actor chosen to wield the Master Sword, has quickly become a recognizable face in the fantasy and horror genres. Born on September 25, 2008, Ainsworth is a rising star known for handling complex roles with maturity beyond his years.
- Role: Link, the silent protagonist and hero of Hyrule.
- Date of Birth: September 25, 2008.
- Nationality: English.
- Notable Works: His breakout role was Miles in the critically acclaimed Netflix series The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020), where he played a child possessed by a ghost. He also starred as the title character in the Disney+ family film Flora & Ulysses (2021).
- Casting Context: Ainsworth's casting suggests the film may focus on a younger, perhaps *Ocarina of Time*-style Link, emphasizing his journey from a boy to the legendary hero.
Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda
Taking on the role of the wise and powerful Princess Zelda is English actress Bo Bragason. Born on March 27, 2004, Bragason is an emerging talent whose background includes both television and theater.
- Role: Princess Zelda, the sage and intellectual heart of Hyrule.
- Date of Birth: March 27, 2004.
- Nationality: English (born in Chichester, West Sussex).
- Notable Works: Bragason is known for her roles in the BBC One series Three Girls (2017) and the Disney+ series Renegade. Her more recent work includes the television series The Jetty (2024).
- Casting Context: At 21 years old as of 2025, Bragason brings a maturity that aligns with the Princess Zelda character, who often serves as the strategic and magical backbone of the adventure.
The Creative Team: Director’s Vision and Writers
The success of the Zelda live-action movie hinges not just on the cast, but on the vision of the creative team steering the project. Nintendo has entrusted the film to proven talent known for balancing large-scale visual effects with character-driven narratives.
Wes Ball: The Director's "Serious" Adaptation
The film is directed by Wes Ball, best known for helming the successful Maze Runner trilogy and the recent critical hit, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Ball’s involvement is a major indicator of the film's intended tone.
Ball has publicly outlined his vision, stating that he aims to make a "serious" adaptation that feels "real, serious, and cool, but fun and whimsical." He has also cited the work of legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli) as a key influence, aiming for a "live-action Miyazaki" feel. This suggests a focus on practical effects, stunning natural landscapes, and a deep emotional core, rather than a purely CGI spectacle. Ball also confirmed he is not planning on using much motion capture, further cementing the focus on live-action performance.
Derek Connolly: Bringing the World to Life
The screenplay for the Legend of Zelda film is being written by Derek Connolly. Connolly is a high-profile writer known for his work on major blockbuster franchises, which suggests a confident, large-scale approach to the adaptation.
- Key Credits: Connolly co-wrote the scripts for Jurassic World, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and the successful live-action video game adaptation, Pokémon Detective Pikachu.
- The Significance: His experience on Detective Pikachu is particularly relevant, as it demonstrates his ability to translate a beloved, complex Nintendo IP into a successful live-action movie that balances fan service with mainstream appeal.
Who Is Missing? The Ganondorf Casting Mystery and Supporting Roles
While the heroes are confirmed, the casting for the film's most anticipated roles remains a closely guarded secret. The identity of the actor who will play the main antagonist, Ganondorf, is the subject of the most intense fan speculation.
The Ganondorf Speculation
Ganondorf, the King of the Gerudo and the embodiment of Ganon, is a character who demands a commanding, imposing presence. As of late 2025, no official actor has been announced for the role. This delay suggests Nintendo and the production team are taking their time to find the perfect actor for the iconic villain.
Fan-casting discussions frequently suggest major stars known for their gravitas and deep voices. Names often mentioned in online communities include:
- Idris Elba: A popular choice due to his commanding screen presence and deep voice, fitting the Gerudo King’s powerful physique and demeanor.
- Jason Momoa: Often cited for his physical stature and experience in fantasy roles (e.g., Aquaman, Dune).
- Ron Perlman: A veteran actor whose distinctive voice and experience in fantastical makeup/CGI roles (e.g., Hellboy) make him a strong contender for a more physically imposing Ganon.
Until an official announcement is made, the casting of Ganondorf remains the biggest mystery hanging over the production.
Rumored and Unconfirmed Supporting Cast
Beyond the main trio, the world of Hyrule is populated by a rich cast of supporting characters, including Impa, Saria, King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule, and various Gorons and Zoras. The official cast list is still sparse, but one intriguing rumor has surfaced.
A November 2025 leak from the production set hinted that actress Dichen Lachman is involved in the film, though her role is currently unconfirmed. Lachman is known for her work in major sci-fi and fantasy properties like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Severance. If true, she could be a strong candidate for a major supporting character like Impa, the Sheikah guardian, or even a new, original character for the film.
Production Status and Release Timeline
The Legend of Zelda live-action movie is a joint production between Nintendo and Sony Pictures. The film is being produced by Avi Arad, Joe Hartwick Jr., and, most importantly, Nintendo's legendary game designer, Shigeru Miyamoto, ensuring a high degree of fidelity to the source material.
- Filming Location: Principal photography began in November 2025 in Wellington, New Zealand.
- Production Timeline: Filming is expected to continue through to April 2026.
- Anticipated Release Date: The film is currently slated for a major theatrical release in May 2027, giving the production team over a year for post-production, visual effects, and sound design after filming wraps.
The confirmation of the lead cast, the commencement of filming in New Zealand, and the pedigree of the creative team all confirm that the Legend of Zelda live-action movie is no longer a distant dream. With Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Bo Bragason as the new faces of Link and Zelda, fans can look forward to a serious, visually stunning, and faithful adaptation of the fantasy world they have loved for decades.
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