Latest news with #TheHungerGames:TheBalladofSongbirds&Snakes
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why Hunter Shafer is the better choice for playing Zelda over Sydney Sweeney in the live action adaptation?
(Image via TTVItsMeta's 'X' Account) 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.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A Trans Zelda? Hunter Schafer Casting Rumor Sparks Queer Joy Across the Internet
Call your Kokiri cousins and blow the Ocarina of Time, because the internet just exploded with Triforce-sized hype. In what may go down as one of the most deliciously nerdy casting rumors of the decade, Hunter Schafer the ethereal, otherworldly star of Euphoria, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and the upcoming Blade Runner 2099 series is reportedly being eyed to play Princess Zelda in the long-awaited Legend of Zelda live-action film. That's right. The rumored casting was dropped by industry insider Daniel Richtman, and while he's been a bit of a Gossip Stone in the past (some hits, some misses), this time? Fans are hoping it's the real deal. The rumor was first spotlighted by Screen Time, and now every enchanted bottle in the fandom is rattling with excitement. Within minutes of the rumor hitting social media, Twitter turned into Hyrule Town Square. The people did not just react. They transformed into sages of validation. 'She looks just like Zelda that's actually perfect,' one fan tweeted, probably while clutching their Master Sword in joy. 'I swear to God if they cast a man as princess Zelda I will riot,' another declared, invoking the wrath of Din herself. 'Literally the most perfect candidate but they won't want her to play Zelda,' lamented a prophet of fan-casting history. 'Please lord almighty I hate the idea of live action Zelda but she would actually save the movie,' one fan admitted with honesty we rarely see on the timeline. 'I do not care what a bunch of phobic assholes have to say, she literally looks like Zelda and would be perfect,' wrote another, defending their queen like a true member of the Sheikah tribe. 'The comments are making me so mad she literally is Zelda. Like she looks exactly like I'd imagine Zelda looking IRL,' someone else echoed, probably shouting it at the Moon. 'If Zelda is played by a trans woman, I will be so, so happy,' said another tweet that's now being embroidered on tunics across the fandom. Hunter Schafer as Zelda didn't spawn from a random Cucco attack. It's been building. Fans have been dreaming of this match-up since 2022, long before the live-action movie was confirmed. In fact, Schafer herself caught wind of the fan-casting and responded with the purest, nerdiest love. 'That would be so cool. I love the game, personally. I played it as a kid and I still play it now. Who knows! That would be pretty cool,' she said, giving the fandom the green light to completely lose their minds. In 2024, Schafer was featured in a Vogue photoshoot casually holding a Nintendo Switch like it was a royal artifact. Coincidence? The Zelda stans didn't think so. It became another breadcrumb in the Schafer-as-Zelda prophecy. Let's not forget. Nintendo officially confirmed the Legend of Zelda live-action movie in 2023 in collaboration with Sony Pictures. It is being produced by Avi Arad, the man behind the Spider-Man and Uncharted movies, and it is already facing massive pressure to get casting right. No official casting announcements have been made yet, but we know that the studio is reportedly seeking a younger actor for Link, with Walker Scobell (of The Adam Project and Percy Jackson) being the type they are circling like a Poe in a graveyard. Meanwhile, Tom Holland's name remains on everyone's lips for reasons that defy logic, gravity, and possibly good taste. But Schafer as Zelda? This is a casting that makes sense both narratively and visually. She's got the ethereal beauty, the royal poise, and the kind of quiet magical energy that makes you believe she could literally shatter a Moblin with one glance. Let's not kid ourselves. Hunter Schafer has range. She's already brought nuance and mysticism to roles in Euphoria and Hunger Games. And with the Blade Runner universe on her horizon, she's proving she can handle high-concept genre storytelling with ease. The idea of her playing Zelda, a character who has juggled princesshood, wisdom, combat, reincarnation, and secret Sheik alter-egos, is not just a perfect fit. It's a natural evolution of her career. Twitter, sorry, X, is currently glowing like the Sacred Realm with queer joy. The idea of Schafer, a trans woman, stepping into the royal boots of Zelda isn't just progressive. It feels right. It's in keeping with the androgynous beauty of the series itself. One fan posted what might be the truest words ever typed: 'Just like the games, Link is gonna look more feminine than Zelda. 10/10 casting.' Others echoed a clear truth. If Schafer doesn't get cast, the backlash will be real. 'NO WAY…I would love if she played Zelda but know how toxic this world is she won't be cast,' another wrote, touching on the bitter reality of trans representation in mainstream Hollywood. 'She's been my pick for Zelda for years. I really hope this is true and she gets to be casted!' declared one final fan, summing up the entire fandom's collective hope. The casting of Princess Zelda in live-action is not just a geeky decision. It's a cultural one. And with Schafer, Nintendo and Sony have the chance to not only please their loyal fans, but make history. She's not a token. She's not a 'statement.' She's just the most logical and most exciting choice for a character that has meant so much to generations of gamers, especially queer ones. Until the Master Sword drops and official casting is announced, we'll be here, in our Deku Tree-decorated bunkers, waiting, dreaming, refreshing timelines, and praying to Nayru. Because honestly? She is Zelda. The post A Trans Zelda? Hunter Schafer Casting Rumor Sparks Queer Joy Across the Internet appeared first on Where Is The Buzz | Breaking News, Entertainment, Exclusive Interviews & More.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hunter Schafer as Princess Zelda? Hollywood buzzes over dream casting for live-action ‘Legend of Zelda'
Hollywood is abuzz with speculation as Hunter Schafer, best known for her breakout role in HBO's Euphoria , is reportedly being considered to play Princess Zelda in the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Nintendo 's The Legend of Zelda . The rumor, first surfaced by industry insider Daniel RPK (also known as Daniel Richtman), has ignited passionate debate and excitement across social media and fandom circles. Schafer, a trans actor who has also appeared in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and is set to star in Amazon's Blade Runner 2099 , would bring both star power and a fresh perspective to the iconic role of Hyrule's royal heroine. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo While no official confirmation has been released by Nintendo or Sony , the rumor has gained traction due to Schafer's physical resemblance to the character and her acclaimed acting abilities. Fans have long expressed enthusiasm for her casting, citing her versatility and the progressive message her selection would send. The timing of the rumor is notable, as Schafer recently made headlines for revealing that her new U.S. passport lists her gender as male, despite her identifying and selecting female on her application—a situation she attributes to recent federal policy changes under the Trump administration that limit gender marker options. Schafer has not publicly commented on the Zelda rumors, but in a 2023 interview with Entertainment Tonight , she responded to fan casting by saying, 'That would be so cool. I played that video game a bunch when I was a kid. That's such a good game'. Live Events The live-action Legend of Zelda film is officially in development, with Nintendo partnering with Sony Pictures and Avi Arad , producer of Spider-Man and Uncharted , attached to the project. While the movie is rumored for a March 2027 release, no official cast or release date has been announced. Speculation about the role of Link continues, with some fans floating names like Tom Holland , though reports suggest the studios are seeking a younger actor, possibly in the vein of Walker Scobell ( Percy Jackson and the Olympians , The Adam Project ). Meanwhile, Nintendo is also developing a sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie , further expanding its cinematic universe. As the rumor mill churns, all eyes are on Hunter Schafer, whose potential casting could signal a bold new direction for one of gaming's most beloved franchises.
See - Sada Elbalad
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Marvel's New "X-Men" Movie Eyes "Thunderbolts" Director Jake Schreier
Yara Sameh 'Thunderbolts*' director Jake Schreier is in negotiations to direct Marvel's next 'X-Men' adventure. Sources revealed the deal is in early talks and hasn't been finalized, but Schrier catapulted to the top of Disney and Marvel's wishlist after 'Thunderbolts*' became one of the MCU's best reviewed movie in years. Though 'Thunderbolts*' started slower at the box office (with $76 million domestically) compared to most Marvel installments, the studio is hoping that support from critics and audience will help the film endure on the big screen. Screenwriter Michael Lesslie, who recent credits include 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,' penned the screenplay with Kevin Feige on board to produce the newest 'X-Men' entry. No other details about the film, including the cast, plot description or release timeline, have been revealed. Prior to Marvel, Schreier has directed 2012's sci-fi drama 'Robot & Frank,' 2015's romantic comedy 'Paper Towns' and episodes of Netflix's 'Beef' and 'Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.' Disney has started to mine the mutant comic book characters with 2024's billion-dollar tentpole 'Deadpool & Wolverine' and the upcoming 'Fantastic Four: The First Steps,' but this untitled feature is the first standalone 'X-Men' movie since 21st Century Fox was acquired by Disney in 2019. On the small screen, Marvel Studios produced the well-reviewed Disney+ animated series 'X-Men '97,' a spinoff of the 1990s-era show. Disney's CEO Bob Iger praised 'Thunderbolts*' earlier this week, saying the offbeat adventure represented a step in the right direction for the MCU after a series of creative and commercial misfires. The once-untouchable film franchise has fielded undeniable post-COVID blockbusters, like 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' and 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.' But the superhero empire has also shown some concerning signs of wear-and-tear with misfires such as 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,' 'The Marvels' and 'Captain America: Brave New World.' Iger admitted the film studio struggled by focusing too much on quantity and not enough on quality. 'We've learned over over time that quantity does not necessarily beget quality. And frankly, we've all admitted to ourselves that we lost a little focus by making too much,' Iger said on Wednesday during an investor call. 'By consolidating a bit and having Marvel focus much more on their films, we believe that will result in better quality. I think the first and best example is 'Thunderbolts*.'' read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Thunderbolts' director Jake Schreier eyed to helm new 'X-Men' movie
The X-Men are officially back on Marvel's radar—and they may be bringing a rising MCU star director along for the ride. Jake Schreier , who recently wowed critics with Marvel's Thunderbolts (stylized Thunderbolts), is reportedly in early talks to direct the studio's much-anticipated X-Men reboot . While no deal has been inked yet, insiders reveal Schreier has vaulted to the top of Marvel and Disney's wishlist after Thunderbolts defied expectations to become one of the most critically praised Marvel films in recent years. Though Thunderbolts opened with a modest $76 million domestically, its strong word-of-mouth and critical acclaim have given the film surprising legs at the box office—enough to convince Marvel that Schreier might just be the creative force their iconic mutant franchise needs. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: 'India won't give face-saving exit to Pak army chief Asim Munir' IPL 2025: BCCI suspends league for one week amid India-Pakistan tensions India-Pakistan tensions: What's closed, emergency protocols & more Thunderbolts Director Jake Schreier Hails Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh; Talks Dark MCU Storyline The screenplay for the upcoming X-Men project is being penned by Michael Lesslie, whose recent work includes The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Marvel head honcho Kevin Feige will produce the film, but all other details—including casting, plot, and a release date—remain tightly under wraps. Before jumping into the MCU, Schreier helmed the 2012 indie sci-fi drama Robot & Frank, the 2015 coming-of-age romance Paper Towns, and has directed episodes of hit series like Netflix's Beef and the upcoming Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. The untitled X-Men feature marks the first full-length mutant-led Marvel movie since Disney's 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox. It comes on the heels of 2024's billion-dollar juggernaut Deadpool & Wolverine, and the animated hit X-Men '97, which brought nostalgic praise to Marvel's streaming slate. Disney CEO Bob Iger recently name-checked Thunderbolts as a return to form for the MCU after a rocky run of underperformers. 'We lost a little focus by making too much,' Iger said during a recent investor call. 'Thunderbolts is a strong example of the new direction—less quantity, more quality.' If Schreier does board the X-jet, fans may finally get the fresh, focused X-Men saga they've been waiting for.
