The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Nintendo's *The Legend of Zelda* franchise is officially in production, and the most crucial casting decisions have been finalized and announced. As of late 2025, the wait is over for the two central roles of the Hero of Hyrule and the Princess of Destiny, with two rising British stars—Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Bo Bragason—confirmed to lead the film. This article breaks down the official new cast members, their biographies, the director's vision, and the major leaked casting for a fan-favorite character, all based on the most current updates from the set in New Zealand.
The monumental task of bringing the world of Hyrule to the big screen is being helmed by director Wes Ball, known for the *Maze Runner* trilogy and *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes*. With principal photography having commenced in November 2025, the project is moving quickly, giving fans their first official glimpses of the lead actors in costume and fueling intense speculation about the remaining key roles, particularly the villain Ganondorf. The confirmed cast and production status solidify the film's place as one of the most exciting cinematic ventures of the next few years.
The Confirmed Cast: Link and Princess Zelda's Biographical Profiles
In July 2025, Nintendo officially revealed the actors who will embody the silent hero and the wise princess, choosing two young talents to anchor the ambitious fantasy epic. This decision marks a significant step for the live-action adaptation, which is being produced by Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth steps into the iconic green tunic to play Link, the courageous protagonist destined to wield the Master Sword.
- Role: Link, the Hero of Hyrule.
- Nationality: English.
- Born: September 25, 2008.
- Notable Credits: Ainsworth is already a recognized young actor, having gained prominence for his role as Miles in the Netflix series *The Haunting of Bly Manor* (2020). He also starred as William in Disney's *Flora & Ulysses* (2021) and provided the voice for the title character in the live-action Disney film *Pinocchio*. His casting suggests the film will feature a younger, perhaps more traditional iteration of the hero, focusing on his journey to become the legendary figure.
Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda
Bo Bragason has been cast as Princess Zelda, the sage and magical heir to the Hyrule throne.
- Role: Princess Zelda, the Princess of Destiny.
- Nationality: English.
- Born: 2004 (21 years old as of 2025).
- Notable Credits: Bragason is an English actress known for her television work, including the BBC One series *Three Girls* (2017) and the 2024 series *The Jetty*. She also appeared in the Disney+ series *Renegade*. Her selection was confirmed alongside Ainsworth, with Nintendo releasing the first official photos of both actors in their respective costumes, sparking widespread fan discussion about the film’s visual style.
The Shocking Impa Casting Leak and Other Key Entities
While Nintendo has only officially confirmed Link and Zelda, the ongoing production in Wellington, New Zealand, has been the source of significant—though unofficial—casting news.
The Rumored Impa: Dichen Lachman
One of the most exciting leaks to emerge from the set involves the casting of Impa, the Sheikah guardian and trusted aide to Princess Zelda. Unofficial on-set photos strongly suggest that actress Dichen Lachman has been cast in the role.
- Character: Impa, a key member of the Sheikah tribe and Zelda's protector.
- Rumored Actress: Dichen Lachman.
- Known For: Lachman is highly recognized for her role as Ms. Casey in the critically acclaimed series *Severance*. She has also appeared in major productions like *Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.* and *Altered Carbon*. Her potential casting as Impa, a character known for her wisdom, combat skills, and deep connection to the royal family, has been met with significant enthusiasm from the fanbase.
The Unanswered Question: Who Will Play Ganondorf?
The casting of the primary antagonist, the Gerudo King Ganondorf (or Ganon), remains the biggest mystery surrounding the film. The role requires an actor with a commanding presence, immense physical stature, and the ability to convey the ancient evil of the Triforce of Power.
Director Wes Ball and the producers, Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad, are reportedly facing a significant challenge in finding the right actor to embody the formidable villain. Fan speculation, which often acts as a barometer for the community's desires, has frequently centered on actors who possess both the height and the dramatic weight necessary for the role. However, as of the current date, no official announcements or reliable leaks have surfaced for the Ganondorf casting, making it the most highly anticipated reveal left for the live-action *Legend of Zelda* movie.
Wes Ball’s Vision and The Path to Hyrule's Cinematic Debut
The film is not merely a live-action retelling but a passion project for director Wes Ball, who has been vocal about his deep respect for the source material. His creative vision is focused on delivering a grand fantasy adventure that honors the spirit of the games.
A Focus on Practicality Over Mo-Cap
Ball initially considered a heavily motion-capture (mo-cap) approach, similar to his work on the *Planet of the Apes* franchise. However, he later clarified that his vision had evolved, and the film would lean into a more traditional live-action style, minimizing the use of mo-cap technology.
This decision suggests a commitment to grounding the fantastical world of Hyrule with practical sets and costumes, a move that aligns with the visual style glimpsed in the first official photos of Link and Zelda. The choice of filming in New Zealand, a country renowned for its vast, epic landscapes, further supports the idea of a visually stunning, real-world setting for the adventure.
The Ocarina of Time Influence
While no specific plot details have been officially revealed, Ball has mentioned that his favorite *Zelda* game is *Ocarina of Time*. This suggests that the film may draw heavily on the themes, characters, and world structure of that seminal title, which is often considered the foundation of the *Zelda* lore, focusing on the cyclical battle between Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf over the legendary Triforce.
With the main cast in place and cameras rolling in Wellington, the production is on track for a theatrical release, which has been tentatively scheduled for May 2027. The live-action *Legend of Zelda* movie is shaping up to be a faithful, yet unique, cinematic interpretation of one of gaming's most beloved sagas, with the casting of Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Bo Bragason setting the stage for a new generation's journey into Hyrule.
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