Nintendo’s live-action Zelda Film Casts British Teens to Portray Legendary Duo

Nintendo confirmed Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Princess Zelda and Link, respectively, in the forthcoming live-action Zelda film, set to release in 2027. Notably, this approach focused on selecting lesser-known talents for these iconic roles, contrasting with the high-profile casting of Chris Pratt as Mario. That said, given Link and Zelda traditionally require younger performers, does this decision reflect this necessity?

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Indeed, Ainsworth secured the part of Link in the Zelda film at the young age of 16. As Nintendo takes a risk with this perception of novelty, fans should know that both actors bring established professional experience to the film. Bragason, an English actress, built her profile through roles in various television shows. Specifically, she starred in the BBC series Three Girls and The Jetty, alongside Disney+’s Renegade Nell, where she plays a rebellious character, showcasing versatility distinct from Zelda’s demeanor.

Additionally, her role in the horror film Censor and the comedy The Radleys further demonstrated her genre range. Even her childhood showed her acting talents as she received early screen exposure in the French movie L’Amour Caché, hinting at her long-standing immersion in acting. Similarly, Ainsworth found success before joining the Zelda film, accumulating diverse credits. While he gained recognition as Miles in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor, he’s also voiced Pinocchio in Disney’s 2022 live-action remake.

Recently, Ainsworth starred in the Canadian comedy Son of a Critch and the indie film Everything’s Going to Be Great! alongside Bryan Cranston, proving his capacity for both dramatic and lighter roles. Ultimately, the casting not only prioritizes alignment with the characters’ youthful essence but also leverages both actors’ proven skills. Due to this decision, anticipation for the film continues to grow, with fans mostly excited for how they will embody Hyrule’s heroes.

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