For the first time, Nintendo has officially announced who will play the main characters, Link and Zelda, in the upcoming live-action Legend of Zelda movie.
The announcement has sparked intense debate among fans and across social media. Some are praising the casting choices, saying the actors are a perfect fit, while others are expressing disappointment that their preferred actors were not selected.
Who Will Play Zelda and Link?
Bo, who will portray Zelda, is a newcomer to the industry. She is reportedly around 21 or 22 years old.
Benjamin, who has been cast as Link, is also quite young. He is expected to be about 17 or 18 years old when filming begins.
Both actors are relatively unknown. They are not widely recognized in the entertainment industry, and their young age is believed to be a key reason for their selection by Nintendo.
Why Did Nintendo Choose Young and Unknown Actors?
Nintendo had several reasons for casting young and relatively unknown actors in this live-action adaptation:
- Youthful Appearance: The story requires Link and Zelda to appear youthful. Casting younger actors helps align their appearance and performance with the characters’ intended ages.
- Fresh Faces: Choosing lesser-known actors allows the audience to see them as the characters rather than associating them with roles they’ve played in the past.
- Cost Efficiency: Well-known actors usually demand high salaries. Casting newcomers allows the production to stay within budget.
Example: In the recent Superman reboot, a new actor was cast to replace veteran Henry Cavill. The new actor was reportedly paid only around $700,000.
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The Campaign to Cast Hunter Schafer as Zelda
On May 30, 2025, a rumor began circulating that Hunter Schafer would be playing Zelda. This information did not come from Nintendo, but was reportedly pushed by Schafer’s PR agency.
A single photo of Schafer resembling Zelda from a certain angle was enough to fuel speculation. Many fans began to argue that she was the ideal choice for the role. As the rumor spread, expectations began to rise.
Popular leaker Daniel RPK and others helped amplify the rumor, making it appear more credible. Many people assumed it was official. However, Nintendo never confirmed this casting.
When the official actress was finally announced—and it wasn’t Schafer—some fans voiced disappointment and frustration on social media.
Social Media Reactions: A Divided Audience
Following the casting announcement, social media reactions have been polarized:
Criticism over Not Casting Hunter Schafer:
- Some users accused Nintendo of being transphobic, arguing that not casting Schafer (a transgender actress) was discriminatory.
- Others labeled it a “major mistake”, insisting Schafer was the perfect fit for Zelda.
Support for Nintendo’s Casting Choice:
- Many praised the decision, saying casting a young woman as Zelda was appropriate and faithful to the character.
- Others took a neutral stance, stating they had nothing against Schafer personally, but felt she wasn’t the right fit for Zelda.
These differing opinions have fueled ongoing debates across social media platforms.
The Real Reason Behind Nintendo’s Casting Decisions
Nintendo’s decision to cast young and unknown actors likely stems from business considerations rather than anything personal or political.
- Minimizing Production Costs: Big-name actors can cost millions. Newcomers are more affordable, allowing studios to allocate budgets elsewhere.
- Replacing Veteran Voice Actors: Nintendo has also recently replaced some long-time voice actors, presumably for cost-cutting reasons.
Examples include:
- Charles Martinet, the iconic voice of Mario since the N64 era, was recently replaced.
- The voice actress for Princess Peach reportedly learned she was replaced in the latest Mario Kart game only after the game was released.
While this approach may seem unfair to loyal performers, such cost-saving decisions are common among large entertainment companies.
