Why Hunter Shafer is the better choice for playing Zelda over Sydney Sweeney in the live action adaptation?

Time of India

04-06-2025

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With The Legend of Zelda's live-action film already in development, the casting rumors have sparked heated debates among fans. While many names surfaced,
Sydney Sweeney
and Hunter Schafer emerged as some of the compelling choices for Princess Zelda's role, and the fans remain inclined towards the latter. But what exactly is the reason behind it, and why is Shafer believed to be the superior choice or, rather, a much better fit for the iconic character's role?
While none can clearly determine who will bring in the most engagement and value within Zelda's role until the role is played and the film is released, here we have brought forward some compelling reasons that suggest Hunter Shafer, the fan's pick, is probably the most ideal of all.
Why is Hunter Shafer a better choice for Zelda's role?
People Are Freaking Out About Hunter Schafer Potentially Playing Zelda in Live Action Movie
Hunter Schafer has a profound dramatic range. She has proved it with her role as Jules in HBO's Euphoria and the films like The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Additionally, her beauty and regal aura also align perfectly with Princess Zelda's mystical elegance, who is far more than just royalty. She is the emotional core and bears the Triforce of Wisdom as she faces immense burdens. Schafer, in this respect, excels at conveying the complex inner strength and vulnerabilities, the qualities that are essential for the Hylian princess role.
Shafer's performances show her ability to carry significant dramatic weight via her presence and subtlety. Zelda quite often shoulders the emotional gravity of the narrative alongside the typically silent Link. The proven skill of Schafer in portraying the layered and resilient characters equips her quite uniquely to bring determination, wisdom, and the regal spirit of Zelda authentically to life.
Is Sydney Sweeney a fit for Zelda's role?
Sydney Sweeney, while being popular, quite often finds herself to be typecast.
The critiques point to her performances within projects like Madame Web and Anyone But You, which lack the depth and emotional resonance required in the role of Zelda. Sweeney's perceived reliance upon some specific personal traits does not align with the multifaceted nature of the princess.
Sweeney's acting, quite particularly outside Euphoria, has been described to be flat. It's said she lacks in building genuine connections.
Zelda, on the other hand, demands the actress who is capable of projecting authority, wisdom, deep emotion, and grace without being reliant on some established tropes. The recent filmography of Sweeney further suggests her struggle to consistently deliver the level of a nuanced and commanding presence.
Undoubtedly, Sydney Sweeney performances were deep in Euphoria, within the chaotic and emotionally volatile role, but outside it, she is said to have lacked subtlety.
Not to mention, her on-screen persona, as said by her fans and movie reviewers, is also often reliant on the overt sensuality that clashes with the dignified presence of Zelda. The princess, for sure, is mystical but not seductive. On the other hand, Hunter Schafer Zelda can exude otherworldly charm, without reducing the character to just some mere aesthetics.
What does Zelda's character demand?
Princess of Hyrule isn't a damsel or just a pretty face. She is a scholar, ruler, leader, bearer of divine power, and quite often the pivotal force in the battle against darkness.
Zelda's role demands an actress who embodies regality, quiet resilience, authority, and profound intelligence. Physical resemblance is just a starting point and not the finish. Schafer's performances prove she can handle the complexity.
Moreover, authenticity in conveying Zelda's emotional journey—showing fear, compassion, resolve, and leadership- is paramount. An actress must be able to anchor the emotional core of the film alongside Link's action.
It needs some exceptional dramatic chops, the ability to project the ancient wisdom that's beyond years, and the capacity for some subtle power.
Schafer's background within LGBTQ+ representation and activism aligns with Nintendo's need to bring progressive storytelling. After Breath of the Wild, controversial gender handling to cast Schafer will also signal growth. Sweeney, on the other hand, while talented, does not bring the same cultural significance.
Who is a clear choice for the role of Zelda?
Considering the evidence, all of them point decisively to Hunter Schafer. Schafer's exceptional dramatic talent, along with her proven ability to convey complex inner lives and also her capacity for showcasing vulnerability and strength, align perfectly with the essence of Zelda.
Sydney Sweeney does have star power, but her recent performances lack consistent depth, and the regality required for the role doesn't add her to the top of the list for Zelda's role. In short, if Nintendo wishes Princess Zelda to be both real and legendary, Schafer is the only answer.