The Legend of Zeldais about to take a step from the video game screen to the big screen.
A live-action film of the beloved video game, produced by creator Shigeru Miyamoto, was confirmed to be in development in 2023. This is what we know so far about the rumored castings for the film.
The Context
Created by Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka in 1986, the Zelda game follows Link, an elf-like knight who fights to save the titular Princess Zelda from a demon-warlord named Ganon. The game is one of Nintendo’s most popular franchises.
Wes Ball, who directed the dystopian series The Maze Runner, will direct the film, and producer Avi Arad and screenwriter Derek Connolly are also attached to the project. Nintendo is set to partner with Sony to distribute the movie.
Who Is Rumored To Be Cast In The ‘Zelda’ Movie?
Casting for the live-action Legend of Zelda movie has been kept under wraps, and as of reporting, nothing has been officially confirmed.
However, one name that has been thrown into the mix is Euphoria star Hunter Schafer. Fans have long shared that they think Schafer should be cast as Princess Zelda, with many arguing that the actress bears a striking resemblance to the cartoon princess.
Schafer has commented on it, saying in 2023 that it would be “so cool” to play the role, according to Variety.
The rumor mill about Schafer playing Zelda amped up after industry insider Daniel Richtman said in a blog post that she was being seriously considered for the role.
Social media has reacted strongly to Schafer potentially being cast in the film because Schafer is trans. Some social media users expressed criticism of her potentially being cast in the role as a result, but many have spoken out in defense of Schafer, strongly supporting her casting.
In a post viewed more than 2 million times on X, formerly Twitter, @SILENTPRINCESS wrote: “imagine being so bigoted you can’t see this as the most perfect casting for princess zelda just because you’re a tr*nsphobe.”
Schafer spoke out on social media earlier this year about the “harsh reality” of President Donald Trump’s executive orders that have rolled back protections for trans people.
“Trans people are beautiful,” she said at the time. “We are never going to stop existing, I am never going to stop being trans, a letter on a passport can’t change that.”
Patricia Summersett, who voiced Zelda in The Legenda of Zela: Breath of the Wild, Age of Calamity and Tears of the Kingdom, has also said that she would reprise her role in the live-action movie.
Speaking to Games Radar in 2023, she said: “I would love to play Zelda over and over again.”
Another name that has been rumored for the titular role is A Minecraft Movie actress Emma Myers. Asked by Digital Spy if she would be interested in playing the role, she said: “I mean, whoever wants me in a video game movie.”
Other names that have popped up include Tom Holland, with the Spider-Man star having been a subject of frequent fan castings for the character of Link.
Walker Scobell, who is known for his role in Percy Jackson and the Olympians,has also been suggested by fans.
Another name floated by fans is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who fans have suggested could take on the role of Ganon.
What People Are Saying
Shigeru Miyamoto told Nintendo Investors in 2023 during a Q&A: “We face an extremely high hurdle in producing a film that will not disappoint the global fan base.”
Hunter Schafer, speaking about playing Zelda, per Variety: “I love the game, personally. I played it as a kid and I still play it now. Who knows! That would be pretty cool.”
What Happens Next
The live-action remake of the Legend of Zelda will be released in cinemas on March 26, 2027.
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