The Legend of Zelda: The Actors and Characters, Explained

The Legend of Zelda was first released in 1986 for the iconic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and it immediately transformed the world of gaming. With its revolutionary gameplay style, open-world exploration, and immersive fantasy lore, it became one of the most influential video games of the 1980s—and of all time.

In the original game, players take on the role of Link, a courageous young hero navigating the magical kingdom of Hyrule. Inspired by medieval myths and landscapes, Hyrule is filled with monsters, puzzles, treasures, and secret locations. Link’s mission is to rescue Princess Zelda and defeat the powerful villain Ganon, though more recent adaptations, like Breath of the Wild, feature Zelda taking a far more active, heroic role.

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The Legend of Zelda: The Actors and Characters, Explained

Now, nearly 40 years after its debut, The Legend of Zelda is being adapted into a live-action film, scheduled for release in 2027. Directed by Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, The Maze Runner), the movie will draw inspiration from the classic 1986 game, while giving both Link and Zelda equal importance as co-protagonists on a shared adventure.

Although the full cast has not yet been announced, the main actors for Link and Zelda have been confirmed.

**Who’s Who in The Legend of Zelda?**

Bo Bargason as Princess Zelda

Princess Zelda is the heir to the throne of Hyrule and the bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom, a sacred relic that grants profound magical abilities. In the classic game, she is kidnapped by the dark prince Ganon, forcing Link to embark on his quest to rescue her. In several versions of the saga, Zelda is revealed to be the mortal incarnation of a goddess, carrying powerful abilities passed down through her bloodline.

While she is not the lead character in the original 1986 game, Zelda became the central heroine in the acclaimed 2024 title Breath of the Wild, where her intelligence, courage, and magical gifts play a vital role in saving Hyrule.

In the upcoming film, Bo Bargason will portray Princess Zelda. Bargason has appeared in:

The Radleys (vampire drama)
Disney+’s Renegade Nell
King & Conqueror

Her rising star and dramatic range have generated excitement about this casting choice.

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link

Link, the main protagonist of the Zelda franchise, is a young warrior known for his bravery, purity of heart, and exceptional skill with the sword. In every iteration of the story, Link is responsible for protecting Hyrule from evil forces. When Zelda is taken by Ganon, Link sets out to recover ancient magical artifacts that will allow him to save her and restore balance to the kingdom.

The Legend of Zelda 2027 (Image Credit: Columbia Pictures and Nintendo)

The Legend of Zelda Movie (Image Credit: Columbia Pictures and Nintendo)

One of Link’s most iconic traits is his appearance—particularly his pointed ears and elflike features—which have become symbols of the franchise.

In the film adaptation, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will take on the role of Link. His notable credits include:

Netflix’s The Sandman
Disney’s live-action Pinocchio (as the voice of Pinocchio)
The Haunting of Bly Manor (Mike Flanagan’s acclaimed horror series)

Ainsworth’s experience with fantasy and dramatic roles has made him a strong fit for the heroic lead.

Ganon: The Villain of the Story

The central antagonist in The Legend of Zelda is Ganon, also known as Ganon the Demon King. Throughout the Zelda timeline, Ganon repeatedly seeks to conquer Hyrule and steal the full power of the Triforce. In the original game, he kidnaps Princess Zelda in hopes of seizing the Triforce of Wisdom for himself.

A terrifying, powerful presence, Ganon has appeared in many forms across the franchise—sometimes as a monstrous beast, sometimes as the humanoid sorcerer Ganondorf.

As of now, the filmmakers have not revealed who will portray Ganon in the 2027 movie, nor whether additional villains from other Zelda games will appear.