The Legend Of Zelda Live-Action Movie: 7 Shocking Casting Reveals And Who Plays Impa (Latest Updates)
The long-awaited live-action adaptation of Nintendo’s flagship franchise, The Legend of Zelda, is officially in production, and the first major casting announcements have sent shockwaves across the gaming community. As of December 2025, the core heroes have been named, and a critical supporting character has been revealed through an unexpected set leak, confirming that the film is moving quickly toward its rumored 2027 release date.
This article compiles all the confirmed and highly-credible leaked information about the cast, the production team, and the ambitious creative vision behind one of the most anticipated video game-to-film projects in history. Prepare for a deep dive into the faces bringing Hyrule to life.
Confirmed & Leaked Cast: Link, Zelda, and the Sheikah Sage
The biggest news came in July 2025 when Nintendo, in a joint announcement with Sony Pictures, officially revealed the young British actors taking on the roles of the Hero of Hyrule and the titular Princess. This was followed by a significant leak in November 2025 that revealed a beloved fan-favorite character.
1. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link
The role of Link, the silent, courageous hero who wields the Master Sword, has been given to the 17-year-old English actor, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth. Known for his work in the horror and fantasy genres, Ainsworth brings a specific gravitas to the role.
- Full Name: Benjamin Evan Ainsworth
- Born: September 25, 2008 (Age 17 as of Dec 2025)
- Nationality: British (English)
- Key Roles: Miles in the Netflix series The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020), William in Disney’s Flora & Ulysses (2021), and Pinocchio in the live-action Disney film Pinocchio (2022).
- Why He Was Cast: Ainsworth’s previous roles often require a blend of youthful innocence and deep emotional turmoil, a perfect fit for Link’s character arc across games like Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess.
2. Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda
Taking on the role of the wise and powerful Princess Zelda is the rising English actress, Bo Bragason. Her casting was announced simultaneously with Ainsworth’s, cementing the duo as the core of the film’s narrative.
- Full Name: Bo Bragason
- Born: March 27, 2004 (Age 21 as of Dec 2025)
- Nationality: British (English)
- Key Roles: Known for her breakout performances in the BBC One series Three Girls (2017), the upcoming series The Jetty (2024), and the TV series Renegade Nell (2024).
- Why She Was Cast: Bragason’s recent roles showcase a maturity and dramatic range that aligns with the multifaceted nature of Princess Zelda, who is often a scholar, a leader, and a sage.
3. Dichen Lachman as Impa (Leaked)
In November 2025, set photos and footage were reportedly leaked, strongly suggesting that actress Dichen Lachman has joined the cast in the role of Impa, Zelda's loyal bodyguard and member of the mysterious Sheikah tribe.
- Character Role: Impa, the Sheikah protector and sage.
- Source of Information: Leaked set footage and photos from an undisclosed filming location.
- Key Roles: Ms. Casey/Gemma in the critically acclaimed series Severance, Jiaying in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and a role in director Wes Ball’s recent film, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
- Significance: Lachman’s involvement is a major coup, adding a well-respected genre actress to the cast and confirming the inclusion of the Sheikah tribe, a strong indicator that the plot will draw heavily from the Ocarina of Time or Skyward Sword lore.
The Creative Vision and Unannounced Villains
Beyond the core heroes, the success of a Zelda film rests heavily on the creative team and the casting of its central antagonist, Ganondorf. While no official announcement has been made for the King of Evil, the director’s vision offers a compelling glimpse into the film’s tone.
4. Director Wes Ball’s “Live-Action Miyazaki” Vision
The film is being helmed by director Wes Ball, best known for the successful Maze Runner trilogy. Ball has been a long-time fan of the franchise and has outlined a deeply ambitious vision for the adaptation.
Ball’s goal is to create a "serious, awesome fantasy-adventure" that avoids the typical CGI-heavy spectacle of modern blockbusters. He has famously described his vision as a "live-action Miyazaki," referring to the legendary Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli, suggesting a focus on breathtaking practical effects, immersive world-building, and profound emotional storytelling.
This approach has been met with widespread fan enthusiasm, as it promises to capture the magical, often melancholy atmosphere of the games, particularly titles like The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess.
5. The Powerhouse Producers: Miyamoto and Arad
The creative integrity of the project is secured by its two heavyweight producers: Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad. Miyamoto, the creator of The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario, is ensuring the film remains true to the source material.
Avi Arad, known for producing blockbuster comic book films like the Spider-Man series, brings the necessary Hollywood experience to manage a large-scale fantasy production. This partnership between Nintendo and Arad Productions Inc., under the joint banner of Nintendo and Sony Pictures, is a massive vote of confidence in the project's global appeal.
6. The Unannounced Ganondorf: Fan-Casting Frenzy
The casting of the villainous Ganondorf is perhaps the most scrutinized decision remaining. The King of the Gerudo must possess both imposing physical presence and regal, manipulative intelligence. Since no official announcement has been made, the fan community has rallied around several high-profile names.
- Jason Momoa: A popular choice for his imposing stature and ability to play charismatic, complex figures.
- Christopher Judge: Known for his voice work as Kratos in God of War, his deep voice and powerful build make him a frequent fan-cast.
- Idris Elba: Often cited for his gravitas and screen presence, capable of portraying a sophisticated, world-weary villain.
The eventual casting of Ganondorf will determine the final tone and scale of the film, and the announcement is expected to be a major event.
Production Details and Source Material Speculation
The film is officially in production, with a global release date already secured, which points to a high-priority project for both Nintendo and Sony Pictures.
7. The Source Material Question: Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild?
Nintendo has not officially confirmed which game the live-action film will be based on, but the casting choices and the inclusion of Impa suggest a focus on the core mythology of the Triforce and the cycle of the hero.
Many industry analysts and fans speculate the film will either:
- Adapt Ocarina of Time: This is the most likely scenario, as it is the seminal origin story that establishes Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, the Sages, and the entire structure of the Hyrule mythology. The casting of younger actors for Link and Zelda supports a story that spans a period of growth and maturity.
- Draw from Breath of the Wild / Tears of the Kingdom: Given the massive, modern success of the open-world titles, the film may borrow the aesthetic, world-building, and overall tone of these games, even if the core plot is a unique amalgamation of the series' lore.
The film is currently slated for a worldwide theatrical release in March 2027, a date that gives Wes Ball and his team ample time to realize the ambitious "live-action Miyazaki" vision for the Kingdom of Hyrule.
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