Zelda and Link Casting Finally Revealed and the Internet Has Thoughts

In one of the latest updates from the video-game-to-movie pipeline, Nintendo has officially announced its lead casting for the live-action Legend of Zelda movie—and fans wasted no time reacting.

On Wednesday, July 16, Nintendo took to social media to share the news.

“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,” reads the post on Nintendo’s official X account, written by Zelda co-creator Shigeru Miyamoto. “I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen.”

English actress Bo Bragason has appeared in the BBC One dramas Three Girls and The Jetty, and recently starred in Disney+’s Renegade Nell.

Fellow English actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth voiced the title character in the live-action Pinocchio movie and portrayed Miles in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor. He also appears in the Canadian comedy Son of a Critch and made a guest appearance in The Sandman.

Shortly after the announcement, reactions quickly flooded the post.

“We won, fam. I’ve never seen these two actors in my life, they look the part, and I am beyond happy. Now, don’t mess this one up,” one person wrote.

“I hope they do well! They’re not historically ‘speaking’ characters, so movement should carry the day,” another said.

“I’ve never heard of them, and that’s a good thing,” chimed in a third.

“This is incredible casting! Although I’d have preferred animated over live action, curious about the vision of this,” someone else added.

“These two look like great choices to fill in some very big shoes! Here’s to Bo and Benjamin. I can hardly wait!” another fan commented.

Meanwhile, Reddit users seemed a little more cautious about the casting.

“Not totally feeling the guy, but I don’t know how good his acting is either, so we’ll see,” one person wrote.

“Yeah, they work fine imo. The boy needs a decent wig and he’s good to go. I hope they don’t face a huge wave of toxicity from ‘fans,’” someone else added.

“Eh ngl I think Zelda is fine… just I don’t really see Link,” another fan admitted.

“Could be better, but it’s decent,” one user offered.

“No thoughts. Head empty,” joked another.

The live-action Legend of Zelda movie is set to hit theaters on May 7, 2027.