The long-anticipated Legend of Zelda live-action film has taken a decisive step forward, as Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto officially confirmed on Wednesday that Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth have been cast in the lead roles of Princess Zelda and Link, respectively. The film is slated for a May 2027 release, with Nintendo and Sony Pictures partnering on the production.
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
The announcement puts to rest weeks of internet speculation fueled by rumors that transgender actor Hunter Schafer was in the running to portray Zelda. Those claims, originating from PR sources loosely connected to Schafer’s team, were never substantiated by Nintendo or Sony. Despite that, the rumor gained traction online and ignited widespread debate over casting choices, representation, and franchise fidelity.
According to entertainment outlet That Park Place, the Schafer speculation appears to have been more of a publicity effort than a reflection of any serious casting consideration. Now, with the lead roles officially confirmed by Miyamoto himself, it’s clear the film will maintain a traditional portrayal of one of gaming’s most iconic princesses.
So because Nintendo didn’t wanna put Hunter Schafer as Princess Zelda in live action, your reaction is you want this actor to be able to m*rder Shigeru Miyamoto?
Yeah I’m glad Nintendo doesn’t listen to this side of their fan base, these people are insane dude pic.twitter.com/OvtrRzLocS
— Endymion (@EndymionYT) July 17, 2025
The fan response has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly from long-time Zelda enthusiasts who feared that outside ideological agendas might overshadow creative integrity. The decision to cast Bragason — a biological woman — as Princess Zelda has been met with widespread approval across mainstream fan communities, many of whom had expressed concern that Hollywood might distort the core identity of the character in the name of social signaling rather than storytelling.
Some online activists had pushed heavily for Schafer to be cast, framing the idea as a landmark opportunity for “inclusivity.” But critics argue that the push had more to do with advancing a political narrative than honoring the source material or finding the best actor for the role. Many noted that promotional images used to advocate for Schafer’s casting were highly stylized and selectively chosen, glossing over the broader challenges of fitting such a casting decision into a faithful adaptation.
hunter schafer zelda i will avenge you…… https://t.co/yrun7DsguU
— r (@uhohswaggalert) July 16, 2025
While representation continues to be a frequent flashpoint in entertainment debates, Nintendo’s approach here seems rooted in creative consistency, guided by the man who helped build the Zelda universe in the first place. Miyamoto’s direct involvement in the project has reassured fans that this adaptation won’t be hijacked by agendas unrelated to the game’s story, characters, and mythos.
