No. Hunter Schafer was linked to the role of Zelda in a 2025 casting rumor, but Nintendo later announced Bo Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link. The live-action film is currently planned to open in theaters worldwide on April 30, 2027.
What the Hunter Schafer casting report actually said
In May 2025, Nintendo Life reported that Schafer was “being eyed” for Zelda, attributing the claim to entertainment scooper Daniel Richtman. The Independent later reported the same rumor and likewise attributed it to Richtman. Neither account was an official casting announcement: the claim was that Schafer might be under consideration, not that Nintendo had confirmed her, offered her the role, or announced an audition.
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Schafer had reportedly shown interest in the character before the film was announced. In a 2023 Entertainment Tonight interview, as quoted by The Independent, she said, “I played that video game a bunch when I was a kid. That’s such a good game.” Her enthusiasm for the game is not evidence that the filmmakers contacted her or considered her for the part.
Who is playing Zelda and Link?
Nintendo announced on July 16, 2025, that Bo Bragason would play Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth would play Link. Nintendo’s September 8, 2026 release lists the same leads. Those are the announced cast members; Schafer is not the film’s announced Zelda.
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This is a difference in the status of the claims, not a contest between two current candidates: the Schafer item was a report attributed to Richtman, while Bragason’s casting was announced by Nintendo.
What is confirmed about the movie?
- Title: The Legend of Zelda.
- Format: A live-action film based on The Legend of Zelda action-adventure game series. Nintendo’s announcement does not identify one specific game as the film’s source.
- Planned release: April 30, 2027, in theaters worldwide, according to Nintendo’s September 8, 2026 release.
- Production and distribution: Nintendo and Arad Productions are producing the film, with Wes Ball directing. Nintendo and Sony Pictures are co-financing it; Nintendo is providing more than 50% of the financing, and Sony Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution.
Nintendo’s original development announcement said the company intended to be deeply involved in production. That establishes Nintendo’s participation, but does not show who made any particular casting decision.
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Why the rumor is still easy to encounter
The headline wording appeared before Nintendo announced the cast, and a celebrity’s reported interest can easily be mistaken for a studio’s interest. Keep the distinctions clear: Schafer reportedly liked the idea of Zelda, an outlet reported that she was “being eyed,” and Nintendo subsequently announced Bragason for the role. Only the last of those is the official casting announcement.
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