Benjamin Evan Ainsworth is playing Link in the live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, directed by Wes Ball, with the film scheduled for release on April 30, 2027 [1, 2, 3]. Filming took place mostly in New Zealand and has now wrapped [1, 2, 3].
Ainsworth was just 8 years old when The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launched in 2017. He did not own a Nintendo Switch at that time and instead watched online playthroughs to experience the game. "I remember being quite young at the time when it came out, and so I didn't have a Switch at the time, and so I was watching gamers play it, and watching playthroughs, essentially," Ainsworth said [2].
Now 17 years old as of August 2026, Ainsworth has immersed himself in the Zelda franchise's 40-year history to prepare for the role. "Upon being fortunate enough to play this role, such an iconic character, going back and realizing the 40 years of legacy and history, and the varied tones, the varied stories, the varied renditions and vocal performances of this character as well. Yeah, I'm a big fan, and just really excited, because it was an awesome thing to shoot," he added [2].
Bo Bragason has been cast as Zelda, and there is speculation that Dichen Lachman may play Impa, Zelda’s aide, though this has not been confirmed [2]. Director Wes Ball aims to create a serious and grounded adaptation that feels realistic [2].
The movie’s release on April 30, 2027, will mark the first live-action take on the iconic video game series since filming finished in New Zealand earlier this year [1, 2, 3].
