Nintendo’s live-action Legend of Zelda movie dropped its first official images today, and one name is trending fast: Bo Bragason — announced as Princess Zelda opposite Benjamin Evan Ainsworth’s Link. The photos, shared through Nintendo’s channels, give the first real glimpse at the film’s takes on two of gaming’s most iconic figures and have sent fan communities buzzing about the Zelda movie, casting choices, and early costume design.
First look: Zelda, Link, and a fresh cinematic vision
The newly released shots show Bragason in character as Princess Zelda, armed and poised, and Ainsworth as Link in a windswept field — images that emphasize a grounded, lived-in fantasy world rather than a purely stylized video-game aesthetic. The studio release follows a weekend of set-image leaks that circulated on social media, which the official photos appear to have quelled by providing a verified counterpoint.
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Who is Bo Bragason — and why this casting matters
Bo Bragason is a rising English actress whose credits include TV and recent film work; her casting as Zelda marks one of her highest-profile roles to date. Fans searching “who is Bo Bragason” and “bo bragason age” are discovering an actor with experience in period and fantasy-adjacent storytelling — credentials that make her an intriguing fit for Nintendo’s Zelda movie. The combination of Bragason’s emerging screen presence and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth’s established youthful turn (noted for previous dramatic roles) gives the adaptation a lead pair that blends experience with fresh faces.
Director, release window, and the production roadmap
Wes Ball, known for the Maze Runner trilogy and recent blockbuster work, is directing the project. Nintendo and Sony previously set a theatrical release date for May 7, 2027, after production adjustments pushed the film from an earlier date — a move the studio said is intended to give the production the time it needs. Filming reportedly began in New Zealand in November and will continue through spring, a choice that suggests the filmmakers are leaning into epic, natural landscapes to evoke Hyrule’s vastness.
From leaks to official images: the internet reaction
The timing of the official photo drop — coming on the heels of online leaks — has colored the conversation. Some fans praised the fidelity of the costumes to the spirit of the games, while others immediately debated details (hair, costume hue, and how closely the movie will pull from Breath of the Wild or other entries). Community polls and lively threads are already shaping early expectations for tone and faithfulness. Expect the phrases “Zelda movie leaks” and “legend of zelda movie leaks” to keep trending while fandoms parse every frame.
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What this means for Nintendo’s movie strategy
Nintendo has been deliberate in expanding into theatrical adaptations since the commercial and critical success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Casting relatively young, lesser-known actors like Ainsworth and Bragason suggests Nintendo and its partners are betting on fresh talent to anchor a world-building franchise rather than relying on star power alone — a strategy that could position the Nintendo Zelda movie as a durable cinematic IP if the first film succeeds.
Quick takeaways (for skimmers)
- Bo Bragason confirmed as Princess Zelda; Benjamin Evan Ainsworth confirmed as Link.
- Official first-look images released by Nintendo after social-media leaks.
- Directed by Wes Ball; theatrical release set for May 7, 2027 (updated window).
- Filming taking place in New Zealand (production window reported Nov–April).
FAQ
Who is Bo Bragason in the Zelda movie cast?
Bo Bragason is the actor confirmed to play Princess Zelda in Nintendo and Sony’s live-action The Legend of Zelda movie. She’s an emerging English actress with credits in television and recent films.
When is the Zelda movie release date?
The current theatrical release date announced by studios is May 7, 2027. That date followed an earlier schedule and was adjusted to allow more production time.
Who plays Link in the live-action Zelda movie?
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth has been confirmed as Link. The first official photos pair him alongside Bo Bragason in-character.
Are the first images official or leaked?
Both: unofficial set images leaked online recently, and Nintendo subsequently released official first-look photos via its channels to confirm the cast and looks. The official images are the verified source for the studio’s creative choices.
Who is directing, and what is the tone expected to be?
Director Wes Ball is at the helm. Early images suggest a grounded, cinematic fantasy approach rather than a highly stylized, game-accurate reproduction — though full tone will become clearer as trailers and more footage arrive.
Will the movie adapt Breath of the Wild or another Zelda title?
Studio statements and the first images have not confirmed which specific game (if any) will be the primary narrative source. Fans are speculating based on aesthetic hints, but no official adaptation anchor has been named yet.
Why this matters
This first official reveal is a major milestone: it moves the Legend of Zelda movie from rumor and casting announcements into a visible, visual phase that lets fans judge tone, casting chemistry, and production values. With Bo Bragason now at the center of the conversation, the cinematic Hyrule is starting to take shape — and the next months of production will determine whether the film becomes a new tentpole in Nintendo’s expanding media universe.
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Source:
- https://variety.com/2025/film/news/legend-of-zelda-movie-first-look-link-zelda-live-action-1236583595/
- https://deadline.com/2025/11/the-legend-of-zelda-movie-photos-production-live-action-1236620401/
- https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/movies/articles/nintendo-unveils-first-images-live-180913942.html