Sony Pictures just dropped a major update for The Legend of Zelda live-action movie, officially locking in its release date for March 26, 2027. Yeah, mark your calendars because it’s going to be a big one. Not only is this film competing with Godzilla X Kong on the same day, but Sonic the Hedgehog 4 will hit theaters a week earlier, on March 17. Talk about a movie showdown.
It’s been a while since we got any concrete details on the project, but now we know Wes Ball, the director behind Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is steering the ship. Sony veteran Avi Arad is producing, and, while fans are still in the dark about the plot, we do know it’ll draw from the epic Zelda universe, with its roots stretching all the way back to 1986. So yeah, we’re in for a high-fantasy adventure filled with massive beasts, challenging quests, and, of course, the evil Ganon wreaking havoc. Oh, and Nintendo’s heavily involved, so you can bet they’re not going to let this one stray too far from the game’s legendary lore either.
But here’s where things get spicy: the casting. Fans have been throwing out names for weeks, and the latest buzz centers on Euphoria’s Hunter Schafer. Now, some fans are convinced she should play Princess Zelda, while others think she could rock the role of Link—yes, the Link who’s usually a male hero. Hunter herself has responded to the buzz, saying, “I love the game, personally… Who knows! That would be pretty cool.” Well, Hunter, we’d love to see it too.
Of course, the internet’s full of opinions. We shared the casting idea on Facebook and Threads. Some fans aren’t quite on board with the idea. One commenter wasn’t shy, writing, “Nobody outside of a fangirl circle jerk wants that.” Ouch. Others, like Evelyn Dork, a trans woman, suggested that Elliot Page might be a more fitting choice. Mr Shong threw in a humorous curveball: “The only right actor for Link is Kevin Hart.” And then there’s Mr Tiang, who believes Japanese games should have Japanese cast, arguing that Hollywood’s inclusion efforts can sometimes feel forced.
Other fans loved the idea. “Hell yeah,” wrote fwd.genevieve on Threads. “I see it,” commented giovhanny. “Yes 100x yes,” approved jeronimohtv.
Hunter Shafer has had a great start to a film and TV career so far. Not only is she amazing as Jules Vaughn in HBO’s hit show Euphoria, but she’s also given unforgettable performances in films like The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Cuckoo, and Kinds of Kindness. She’ll also appear alongside Anne Hathaway in David Lowery’s Mother Mary, which will be released by A24 later this year. So there definitely shouldn’t be any concerns regarding her acting chops.
What’s interesting is that Hunter Shafer isn’t the only name getting thrown around. Other potential Link contenders include Tom Holland (who was the top choice a few years ago), Timothée Chalamet, and Michael Cera. Sure, those choices make for an intriguing cast list, but which one of these names will make the final cut? We’re all waiting to find out.
Director Wes Ball has been dreaming of a Zelda movie for years, and he’s promised fans that the final product will be one they can be proud of. Ball, a lifelong fan of the game, recently teased, “We’re working on it. Fans are gonna be happy.” He’s been championing Zelda for over a decade, saying back in 2010 that it could be the “next big mo-cap Avatar-like movie franchise.” If anyone’s invested in getting this right, it’s him.
While the cast announcement is still under wraps, we’re expecting to hear more soon. Keep your eyes peeled—2027’s going to be a wild ride. And let us know in the comments what you think of Hunter Schafer playing either Princess Zelda or Link in the live-action Zelda movie.
