Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, the actor set to portray Link in Nintendo's forthcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda film, has shared details about his preparation for the role. Ainsworth, who is 17, noted that he was just eight years old when The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild originally released for the Nintendo Switch in 2017.
"I remember vividly when Breath of the Wild came out — and it might show my age — but I remember being quite young at the time when it came out, and so I didn't have a Switch at the time," Ainsworth told GamesRadar. "And so, I was watching gamers play it, and watching playthroughs, essentially."
Despite not playing the acclaimed title upon its release, Ainsworth has since familiarized himself with the series' extensive history in preparation for his 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," he stated. "Yeah, I'm a big fan, and just really excited, because it was an awesome thing to shoot. New Zealand is a wonderful place. But yeah, can't say too much more."
Ainsworth has a notable acting background, having appeared in Netflix's The Haunting of Bly Manor, CBC's Son of a Critch, and HBO's House of the Dragon.
Details regarding the plot, setting, and other characters for the Zelda movie remain largely undisclosed by Nintendo. Zelda will be played by actress Bo Bragason. Filming has concluded in New Zealand, with some speculation suggesting Dichen Lachman may portray Zelda's aide, Impa.
Wes Ball, director of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is at the helm of the Zelda film. He has previously expressed his intention to create a "serious" and "grounded" adaptation. The movie is slated for release on April 30, 2027.