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The Legend of Zelda movie’s Link, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, couldn’t play Breath of the Wild because of his age (and the lack of a Switch)
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, the young actor cast as Link in the upcoming live-action Legend of Zelda film, missed the opportunity to play Breath of the Wild when it launched in 2017—a significant entry in the franchise's 40-year legacy. At just eight years old during the game's release, Ainsworth didn't own a Nintendo Switch and instead watched playthroughs to experience the game, though this experience remained secondhand compared to actually playing it himself.
Since then, Ainsworth has studied the broader Zelda universe to prepare for his role, familiarising himself with the franchise's four decades of history, varied storytelling styles, and different portrayals of the character. The live-action adaptation, directed by Wes Ball (known for Maze Runner and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) and filmed largely in New Zealand, is scheduled for release on April 30, 2027, whilst Nintendo plans to release an Ocarina of Time remake for the Switch 2 in 2026.
In short
- Ainsworth was too young to play Breath of the Wild at release; watched playthroughs instead
- The 17-year-old actor studied the entire Zelda legacy to prepare for the live-action role
- Film releases April 2027 directed by Wes Ball; Ocarina of Time remake coming to Switch 2 in 2026
Explained simply
Link is the protagonist of Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda franchise, one of gaming's most celebrated and enduring series spanning four decades. The silent hero has featured in numerous games across different eras and settings, becoming one of the most recognisable figures in video game history.
A live-action film adaptation of The Legend of Zelda is currently in production, with young actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth cast as Link. Directed by Wes Ball, known for the Maze Runner films, the adaptation is scheduled for release on 30 April 2027 and is being filmed in New Zealand.
This is the first live-action film adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, representing a major undertaking to bring one of gaming's most iconic characters and worlds to film. The project is expected to draw interest from both longtime fans of the franchise and audiences unfamiliar with the games.
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