See 'The Legend of Zelda' Cast Side-by-Side with Their Video Game Characters
In November 2023, Nintendo announced that a live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda video game was in the works
On July 16, Nintendo's video game designer revealed that Link and Princess Zelda would be played by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Bo Bragason, respectively
The film is slated to be released in May 2027The Legend of Zelda is coming to life!
In November 2023, Nintendo announced that it was partnering with Avi Arad's production company to develop a live-action film based on the beloved video game franchise, which first debuted in 1986.
Following the news, fans anticipated who might take on the lead roles of Link and Princess Zelda, characters that musician Machine Gun Kelly and Euphoria star Hunter Schafer, respectively, have expressed interest in portraying.
On July 16, Nintendo's legendary video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto announced in a post on X that young stars Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Bo Bragason would step into the roles of Link and Princess Zelda, respectively.
"I'm already looking forward to their performances," he wrote in the post, originally written in Japanese. Miyamoto added that the live-action film is slated to be released on May 7, 2027.
Here's a look at the cast of The Legend of Zelda side-by-side with their counterparts from the original video games.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link
Ainsworth will play Link, the young hero who battles the forces of evil from the dark sorcerer Ganon to rescue Princess Zelda and protect the magical kingdom of Hyrule.
The young actor is most known for voicing the titular character in 2022's live-action Pinocchio, which he starred in alongside Tom Hanks. Ainsworth also appeared in CBC Television's Son of a Critch and the Netflix miniseries The Haunting of Bly Manor. Most recently, he portrayed Lester Smart in 2025's Everything's Going to Be Great.
Ainsworth told Owl Connected in September 2022 that he started acting at 7 or 8 years old, though it initially started as a "fun thing to do on the weekend."
In June 2025, Ainsworth opened up to Digital Journal about his advice for other aspiring young actors, suggesting they "just keep going!"
"The auditioning process — from an outside perspective — can be really hard and it can this thing that you just keep doing," he said. "The main thing is that if you love it, then keep going with it, and trust yourself and try and enjoy auditions, and go into auditions confidently. If you enjoy it, then keep going."
Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda
Bragason will portray Princess Zelda, the daughter of the King of Hyrule.
The actress previously starred in 2021's Censor and 2024's The Radleys. On TV, she has appeared in Disney+'s Renegade Nell and the BBC miniseries Three Girls.
During an October 2024 appearance on the Deepest Dream podcast, Bragason shared that she began acting at 11 years old.
"I think with every role that I'm doing, I feel as though I'm learning more and also getting better and better," she said, adding that she's grown from working closely with other actors on set.
"I haven't had any formal acting training, but being on set, it kind of feels like I have, because I'm learning from the greats. I'm sitting back, just observing, watching what they're doing and soaking that all in," Bragason said. "Every role that I've done, I can truly say that I'm grateful for because they have kind of all been so different."
Read the original article on People
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Trump ‘seriously considering' pardon for Diddy ahead of sentencing
President Trump is reportedly considering granting a pardon to Sean 'Diddy' Combs after an official decision has been made on his latest $50 million bail petition. An administration source told Deadline the president is 'seriously' weighing a pardon for the hip-hop mogul ahead of his sentencing in October. Combs' legal team filed yet another bail package proposal on Tuesday, arguing that most people convicted under the federal Mann Act — an anti-sex trafficking law with a century-old history — are released from jail pending their sentencing. Sources told TMZ on Wednesday that Trump is 'more than open' to pardoning the disgraced music mogul, but only based on Judge Arun Subramanian's ruling on the bail petition. If Diddy is granted bail, Trump will reportedly wait to decide on a pardon until his sentencing, which is scheduled for Oct. 3. However, if the judge denies bail, a decision will be made immediately. The Bad Boy Records founder was acquitted earlier this month of the sex trafficking and racketeering charges against him but convicted on prostitution-related offenses, including two counts of violating the Mann Act, which is primarily used for prosecuting interstate prostitution crimes. Sources say that Combs' case resonates with Trump because he believes the rapper, much like himself, has been unfairly targeted by the feds. Combs and Trump have a history of running in the same circles in New York City before the president's political pursuits. In a 2012 episode of 'The Apprentice,' Trump described Combs as a 'good friend.' The president first teased the possibility of pardoning Combs in May, saying he hadn't officially been asked by anyone on Diddy's legal team, though he knows 'people are thinking about it.' 'I would certainly look at the facts if I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don't like me,' Trump said at the time, acknowledging that his fellow New York native 'used to really like me a lot' prior to him entering politics. 'I haven't spoken to him in years,' Trump said. 'I think when I ran for politics that relationship sort of busted up. He didn't tell me that, but I read some little bit nasty stuff in the paper.' Combs is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison. _____
CNN
26 minutes ago
- CNN
Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen to jointly receive humanitarian award at 2025 Emmys
In an Emmys first, Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen will together receive the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award. The Hollywood golden couple, who will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in October, will jointly receive the honor, which recognizes awardees' 'extraordinary' philanthropic activism and efforts, according to a news release. Usually handed out to individuals, it's a milestone that the couple will mark together during the Emmys telecast in September. 'Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen have long used their voices – and their hearts – to champion causes that uplift the planet and its people,' Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy, said in a statement Wednesday. 'The Television Academy is proud to honor their extraordinary legacy of service with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.' 'Cheers' star Danson cofounded the American Oceans Campaign in 1987 to bring attention to the life-threatening hazards the ocean faces due to the oil spills and pollution. Danson also supports other organizations including the ASPCA and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, among others. Steenburgen has supported several organizations, including Artists for a Free South Africa, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and No Kid Hungry, among others, the release said. Together, the couple cofounded Angels at Risk, which provides resources for families affected by drug and alcohol abuse, and are active supporters of the LGBTQ community. Danson and Steenburgen are both beloved and celebrated film and TV actors, with Danson being a two-time Emmy winner and Steenburgen the recipient of an Academy Award (for best supporting actress for 1980's 'Melvin and Howard). They've appeared in several titles together, including 'Gulliver's Travels' and 'It Must be Love.' The pair met in the early 1980s before tying the knot in 1995. They each have two children from previous relationships, including Steeburgen's son Charlie McDowell, who is married to 'Emily in Paris' star Lily Collins.
Gizmodo
27 minutes ago
- Gizmodo
These ‘Haunted Mansion' Figures Evoke the Spirit of the Classic Disneyland Ride
As summer draws to a close, The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland prepares for Jack Skellington to take over with his spooky Christmas mashup through the end of the year holidays. But the ghostly retreat evokes Halloween all year long and has become a Disney Store staple for collections inspired by the beloved attraction. With the latest Haunted Mansion merch drop, you can bring some of the spectral energy of the ride home for your seasonal fall decor. Two of the most standout pieces from the collection are the Disney Store light-up stretching portrait icon figures by artist and product design manager Steve Thompson. The incredibly detailed statues look like animation come to life, depicting tightrope walker Sarah Sally Slater over her crocodile and the Dynamite Gentleman on his precarious barrel. io9 recently caught up with Thompson, who shared original concept art of the figures with us, to discuss his process for the figures and his relationship with Disneyland as it celebrates 70 years. Sabina Graves, io9: Could you elaborate on the inspiration behind your unique interpretation of the Sally and Dynamite Gentleman figures? Steve Thompson: I've been a fan of Haunted Mansion since my very first trip to Disneyland back in 1980. One of my favorite rooms in the attraction is, of course, the stretching room and its portraits. As with any new project, I never want to repeat myself. We have done some very cool collectibles, ornaments, and artwork of these characters in the past that stay very true to the portrait characters as you know them. So, for me the challenge was, how do we portray these characters in a new way? The portraits in the stretching room have been painted by different artists over the years. As a result, the way they look has also changed. My approach with the design of these figurines was to honor that tradition and draw them as I see them. It all started with my initial sketches. I would say my biggest inspiration or jumping-off point was the original paintings by Disney legend Marc Davis. His paintings were fun and a little eerie at the same time—there was magic in the eyes! When an attraction has been around for as long as Haunted Mansion has, the challenge is giving Haunted Mansion fans something they haven't seen before. I wanted the poses of the characters to be similar to the portraits in the attraction, but not exactly how you remember them. Almost as if you are catching a slightly different moment from the same portrait session, something as unique as the mansion itself. I hope fans enjoy this take on some of their favorite characters! io9: What has been your personal connection to Disneyland and The Haunted Mansion over the years? Thompson: I grew up going to Disneyland, and like many who grew up in California, the park was always an inspiration to me. It is truly a magical place. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to work for Disney as an artist, and being able to visit the park on a regular basis helped keep that dream alive for me. I can say I have been incredibly lucky to be doing just that for the past 31 years! Haunted Mansion to me is one of the all-time great Disney attractions; every detail is perfect. I still feel like after all these years there is always something new to discover. io9: In what ways have Disney Parks served as one of your earliest fandoms, and how has that influenced your career path as a designer? Thompson: Growing up visiting the Disney Parks made me feel like anything is possible. The parks were a safe space for me to dream and imagine. You can see the love, talent, and craftsmanship that has gone into every detail. As a designer, I always keep in mind that I am just one of a long line of artists that have helped keep these characters and stories alive over the years. It comes with great responsibility and a true love for the source material. Some of my favorite recent memories of the parks are the times I'm there on my own after an art signing or work meeting, making my way through the park and seeing things I've helped create being sold in the stores. It's something I always dreamed about as a kid. And the park brings out that kid in me that can take a step back and appreciate that. It always makes me excited to see what we're going to design next! io9: Beyond the specific figures, are there any other aspects of The Haunted Mansion and spooky season at the parks that particularly resonate with you creatively? Thompson: As a kid I wanted to live in the Haunted Mansion—I also wanted the caterpillar ride vehicle from Alice in Wonderland to be my car! Haunted Mansion to me is a must-stop every time I am at the park. Besides the great characters and music, I love the architecture; no detail was overlooked in its creation. It's something only Disney could do; going on the ride at night is just about as magical as it gets, and for me as a designer, those conditions are perfect for finding my next bit of inspiration. You never know what we'll do next. Stay tuned. See this Haunted Mansion release and more Halloween season goods online at the Disney Store. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
