Bo Bragason Steps Into the Spotlight as Princess Zelda in First Look at Live-Action Film

Bo Bragason: The Face of Princess Zelda’s Cinematic Debut

For decades, The Legend of Zelda has been a world that fans could only visit through pixels and imagination. The idea of a live-action film felt more like an elusive dream than an approaching reality—until now. In a move that has electrified the gaming and film communities alike, Nintendo and Sony Pictures have unveiled the first official images from their upcoming adaptation, with Bo Bragason cast as Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link.

From Myth to Movie: Behind the Casting of Bo Bragason

The journey to this moment has been a long one. Back in 2008, a convincing April Fool’s trailer fooled thousands into thinking a Zelda movie was imminent. That viral moment set the blueprint, but it wasn’t until the resounding box office success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023 that studios truly began to chase after Nintendo’s other flagship universe. Now, with filming underway in the lush landscapes of New Zealand, the first look at Bragason and Ainsworth in costume has been made public—thanks in part to Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto’s personal announcement on the Nintendo Today app.

Miyamoto expressed his excitement, writing, “I am pleased to announce that for the live-action film of ‘The Legend of Zelda,’ Zelda will be played by Bo Bragason-san, and Link by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth-san. I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen.” (Variety)

The New Princess Zelda: Who Is Bo Bragason?

Bo Bragason’s selection as Zelda marks a historic first for the franchise. Known for her roles in BBC One’s Three Girls, Disney+’s Renegade Nell, and the vampire comedy The Radleys, Bragason brings a blend of dramatic depth and fresh energy to the part. The images released show her standing alongside Ainsworth’s Link in a sweeping green field, both adorned in costumes that pay homage to the most iconic elements of the series—bows, blades, and those unmistakable pointed Hylian ears.

While the specifics of Zelda’s character arc remain under wraps, the costuming choices hint at a careful fusion of the franchise’s best-loved eras. According to CBR, Bragason’s outfit draws clear inspiration from Breath of the Wild, the bestselling installment in the series, while Ainsworth’s Link sports a tunic reminiscent of his look in Twilight Princess. This blend suggests director Wes Ball is aiming to create a version of Hyrule that feels both familiar and refreshed—a place where longtime fans and newcomers alike can find something to connect with.

Production and Creative Vision

Wes Ball, best known for directing the Maze Runner series and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is helming the project, with Nintendo’s own Shigeru Miyamoto serving as producer—a rare and significant crossover between the gaming giant’s creative leadership and Hollywood. The writing team includes Derek Connolly, and producing duties are shared with Avi Arad, further raising expectations for a film that balances authenticity and spectacle.

The film’s first images were released after eagle-eyed fans began circulating set photos online. Rather than let unofficial leaks define the conversation, Nintendo responded swiftly, offering polished, character-focused shots that highlight Bragason’s transformation into Zelda and Ainsworth’s take on Link. As Miyamoto put it, “Filming is underway for the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda in a lush, natural setting.” (Inverse)

Costume Choices and Franchise Legacy

There’s a subtle narrative in the costumes themselves. Zelda’s blue-topped outfit, reminiscent of the Champion’s Tunic from Breath of the Wild, signals the franchise’s willingness to embrace its modern legacy. Link’s green tunic, meanwhile, is a nod to tradition—an echo of the hero’s earliest adventures. These choices hint that Ball and his team may be drawing from multiple games to craft a story that stands on its own, rather than adapting one specific entry. That approach, while ambitious, offers the flexibility to weave together the franchise’s most enduring themes: wisdom, courage, and the eternal struggle against power.

As IGN notes, the decision to blend iconic looks from different eras may allow the film to appeal to a broader audience. For fans who grew up with the original games, the familiar colors and shapes are a comforting callback. For newer players, the Breath of the Wild-inspired designs represent the franchise’s recent renaissance, which saw Tears of the Kingdom surpass 18 million units sold.

The Road Ahead: Anticipation Builds

The project’s secrecy regarding plot and further casting only adds to the intrigue. The role of Ganondorf—the third pillar of the Triforce, symbolizing power—has yet to be announced, though most expect news to arrive as production ramps up. Dichen Lachman has been confirmed as Impa, a character whose loyalty and wisdom often guide Zelda and Link through perilous quests.

With a release date set for May 7, 620, and production now in full swing, the film stands at the intersection of nostalgia and innovation. For Bo Bragason, stepping into Zelda’s shoes is more than a role—it’s an invitation to redefine what the character means for a new generation, bridging the gap between the franchise’s storied past and its cinematic future.

Why Bo Bragason’s Casting Matters

Bragason’s casting is not just a win for representation; it’s a signal that Nintendo and Sony are willing to take creative risks. The choice to pair her with Ainsworth, whose credits include Pinocchio and The Haunting of Bly Manor, suggests a focus on emotional authenticity and narrative depth. Their performances will help anchor the film, offering audiences a chance to see Zelda and Link in a new light—one shaped by human vulnerability and heroic resolve.

For now, fans can only speculate about the direction the story will take. Will it be a retelling of a classic quest, a mashup of franchise highlights, or an entirely new adventure? The first look images, rich with symbolic detail and dramatic atmosphere, hint at a production that respects its roots even as it reaches for something new.

The unveiling of Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda marks a milestone for both the franchise and the broader landscape of video game adaptations. By blending visual cues from the series’ most beloved games and casting actors with proven dramatic range, the film promises to honor the legacy of Zelda while charting a course for its cinematic future. The careful balance of tradition and innovation could well determine whether this adaptation stands as a fleeting novelty or becomes a defining moment in the history of game-to-film storytelling.