The Hero And The Princess: Who Is Cast In The Legend Of Zelda Movie? (Latest 2025 Updates)

The long-awaited live-action adaptation of Nintendo's iconic franchise, *The Legend of Zelda*, is finally a reality, and as of this current date, December 10, 2025, the film is officially in production. After decades of fan speculation and anticipation, the movie is currently filming in New Zealand, with the core cast for Hyrule’s legendary heroes officially locked in. This article breaks down every confirmed cast member, the key creative team driving the project, and the intense speculation surrounding the most critical role yet to be announced: the villain Ganondorf.

The project, a collaboration between Nintendo and Sony Pictures, has been moving rapidly since its formal announcement, with principal photography commencing in November 2025. The casting choices for the silent hero Link and the wise Princess Zelda have generated a massive buzz, opting for talented young British actors to bring the beloved characters to life for a new generation of fans.

Confirmed Cast: The New Faces of Link and Princess Zelda

The most significant and exciting news came in July 2025 when Nintendo officially announced the two lead actors. Their casting signals a clear direction for the film, likely focusing on a younger, perhaps *Ocarina of Time* or *Breath of the Wild*-inspired narrative where the heroes are still coming into their own.

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1. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, the young English actor, has been officially cast as Link, the courageous protagonist destined to wield the Master Sword.

• Full Name: Benjamin Evan Ainsworth
• Role: Link, The Hero of Hyrule
• Born: September 25, 2008 (Age 17 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Nottingham, England
• Notable Filmography:
  • *The Haunting of Bly Manor* (2020) as Miles Wingrave
  • *Flora & Ulysses* (2021) as William "Ulysses" Miller
  • *Pinocchio* (2022) as the voice of Pinocchio
  • *The Recycling Man* (Short)
• Casting Context: Ainsworth’s previous work in horror (*Bly Manor*) and family adventure (*Flora & Ulysses*) demonstrates a range that could capture Link’s silent determination and emotional depth. His relatively young age suggests the film will explore Link's journey from a younger perspective.

2. Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda

Taking on the role of the wise and powerful Princess Zelda is English actress Bo Bragason.

• Full Name: Bo Bragason
• Role: Princess Zelda, The Holder of the Triforce of Wisdom
• Born: 2004 (Age 21 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Chichester, West Sussex, England
• Notable Filmography:
  • *Three Girls* (2017) as Rachel Winshaw (Breakthrough Role)
  • *Censor* (2021)
  • *Renegade Nell* (TV Series)
  • *The Jetty* (TV Series)
  • *Creeped Out* (TV Series)
• Casting Context: Bragason’s experience in dramatic and historical roles, such as *Three Girls* and *Renegade Nell*, points to a portrayal of Zelda that is likely to be mature, resilient, and politically astute, capable of being a formidable counterpart to Link.

3. Supporting Cast Rumor: Dichen Lachman

While only Link and Zelda have been officially announced by Nintendo, a highly circulated rumor from November 2025 suggests that actress Dichen Lachman may be joining the cast.

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• Name: Dichen Lachman
• Rumored Role: Unconfirmed (Speculated to be Impa or an original character)
• Notable Filmography: *Severance*, *Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.*, *Altered Carbon*, *Jurassic World Dominion*.
• Casting Context: Lachman is known for playing strong, complex characters. Her involvement, if confirmed, would add a seasoned performer to the ensemble, potentially filling a key role like the Sheikah guardian Impa, a crucial mentor figure in the *Zelda* lore.

The Creative Team Behind Hyrule: Director, Writers, and Producers

The team assembled to adapt one of gaming's most sacred properties is a mix of seasoned Hollywood veterans and the franchise's legendary creator, ensuring a balance between cinematic scope and respect for the source material.

• Director: Wes Ball
  • Known for: *The Maze Runner* trilogy and *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes*.
  • Ball has expressed a desire for the film to feel like a "live-action Miyazaki film," blending fantasy with a grounded, natural world aesthetic.
• Screenwriters: T.S. Nowlin and Derek Connolly
  • T.S. Nowlin, who previously collaborated with Wes Ball on *The Maze Runner*, is credited as the primary screenwriter.
  • Derek Connolly (*Jurassic World*, *Pokémon Detective Pikachu*) was originally attached to the screenplay, and some sources still credit him alongside Nowlin.
• Producers: Shigeru Miyamoto, Avi Arad, Wes Ball, and Joe Hartwick Jr.
  • The inclusion of Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the *Zelda* series, is a significant commitment to authenticity and quality control.
  • Avi Arad is a veteran producer known for his work on numerous Marvel and video game adaptations, including *Spider-Man* and *Uncharted*.

The Missing Piece: Who Will Play Ganondorf?

The most burning question remaining for fans and industry insiders is the casting of Ganondorf, the King of the Gerudo and the perennial embodiment of evil and the Triforce of Power. As of December 2025, no official announcement has been made regarding the villain. This role is arguably the most crucial casting decision, as the actor must possess the gravitas, imposing physical presence, and theatrical menace to stand opposite a young Link and Zelda.

The delay in this announcement, even as filming is underway, suggests the character may have a limited presence in the initial stages of the film, perhaps appearing only in flashbacks or as a mysterious, shadowy figure before his full reveal. Alternatively, the production may be keeping the casting under extremely tight wraps to maximize the impact of the reveal.

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Top Fan-Casting Speculation and High-Authority Entities

The fan-casting discourse has been robust, highlighting several actors who possess the necessary stature and deep voice to portray the formidable antagonist, whether as the human Ganondorf or the demonic Ganon. These names are frequently cited across social media and fan forums, representing the current zeitgeist of speculation and serving as key entities in the topical discussion:

• Idris Elba: A perennial fan-favorite for high-profile villain roles due to his commanding screen presence and deep voice. Elba would bring a powerful, regal authority to the King of the Gerudo.
• Ron Perlman: Known for his unique look and imposing physique, Perlman has the voice and experience in fantasy roles (e.g., *Hellboy*) to embody a more monstrous or physically weathered Ganondorf.
• Mark Strong: An actor with a reputation for playing cold, intelligent, and calculating antagonists, Strong could bring a subtle, manipulative menace to the role, focusing on Ganondorf's cunning.
• Christopher Judge: Famous for his deep, resonant voice as Kratos in the *God of War* video games, Judge is a popular choice for capturing the sheer power and intimidating nature of the villain.

The eventual casting choice will not only define the film's villain but will also signal the tone of the movie—whether it leans toward dark fantasy, a more traditional swashbuckling adventure, or a blend of both. The silence surrounding this critical role only intensifies the curiosity and anticipation among the global fanbase.

Production Timeline and What to Expect Next

The fact that *The Legend of Zelda* movie is currently in principal photography in New Zealand—a location famous for its sweeping fantasy landscapes—is the most concrete confirmation of the project's momentum.

Filming began in early November 2025 and is expected to continue through to April 2026. This aggressive schedule suggests a strong commitment to a theatrical release, which is currently rumored to be targeting 2027. Fans can likely expect an official first-look image or a teaser trailer sometime in late 2026, possibly coinciding with a major industry event or a Nintendo Direct announcement.

The successful casting of Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Bo Bragason, coupled with the proven directorial talent of Wes Ball and the creative oversight of Shigeru Miyamoto, has set a high bar for this live-action fantasy epic. While the identity of Ganondorf remains the great mystery, the foundational cast and crew are in place to deliver the definitive cinematic adaptation of the legendary journey to save Hyrule.