Overview
- Hunter Schafer has emerged as a top contender for the role of Princess Zelda, backed by strong fan encouragement and her eagerness to take on the role.
- Nintendo has announced the Legend of Zelda film will premiere on March 26, 2027, with Wes Ball directing.
- While casting details remain unconfirmed, fan support for Schafer as Zelda continues to grow, thanks to her striking resemblance and talent.
The anticipated live-action adaptation of the Legend of Zelda is officially in the pipeline, reigniting debate over who should portray Princess Zelda. Though the film has secured its release date and director, the casting — especially of this key character — is still under wraps.
Following the phenomenal success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Nintendo announced in late 2023 that it would be moving forward with a live-action Legend of Zelda film. This decision has sparked excitement among fans, especially since Link and Zelda are central figures in the franchise. The casting choices will undoubtedly be critical to the film’s success. Given the substantial fan engagement, producers would be wise to consider the popular suggestions for the role of Zelda.
Why Hunter Schafer is Perfect for a Live-Action Zelda
A Strong Case for This Fan-Casting Choice
| Film | Untitled Legend of Zelda Movie |
|---|---|
| Director | Wes Ball |
| Writer | Derek Connolly |
| Producers |
|
| Release Date | March 26, 2027 |
Hunter Schafer has consistently been a frontrunner among fans for the role of Princess Zelda, even before the movie was officially announced. The similarities between Zelda’s design and Schafer’s style, especially during red-carpet events, have not gone unnoticed. Custom artwork depicting the 26-year-old actress as the iconic princess has circulated widely online. If the filmmakers are attuned to fan sentiments, they surely recognize that Schafer is the most frequently mentioned candidate for Zelda.
if Nintendo ever needs a princess Zelda, she can do the job pic.twitter.com/lX7ayNGyi0
— leon (@skyferrori) March 28, 2022
In November 2023, Nintendo officially revealed the Legend of Zelda movie, with Wes Ball taking the director’s chair. Fans are eagerly awaiting its arrival on March 26, 2027, a year post-release of the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie. While the casting choices remain uncertain, Schafer’s name is consistently brought up due to her striking resemblance and captivating presence, making her an obvious candidate for the treasured role.
Why Hunter Schafer Should Play the Nintendo Princess
A Passionate Gamer with Fan-Backing
Support for Hunter Schafer as the next Princess Zelda is mutual. The actress has expressed her interest in embodying the character, acknowledging the fan enthusiasm around the casting. While promoting The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in November 2023, she noted her awareness of the buzz and excitement:
That would be so cool. I love the game, personally. I played it as a kid and I still play it now. Who knows! That would be pretty cool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdGTVc4PUZEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdGTVc4PUZE
The surge of support for Schafer to portray Zelda gained prominence after her stunning look at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscars after-party, where her hairstyle bore a striking similarity to the iconic princess’s. Following this event, numerous online petitions sprang up, garnering hundreds of thousands of signatures. The combination of her likeness, willingness to embrace the role, and overwhelming fan support makes the case for casting Schafer increasingly compelling.
Hunter Schafer’s Rise to Fame
A Role That Complements Her Diverse Experience
Though Hunter Schafer’s breakout role was in Euphoria, she has already carved a niche for herself in the entertainment realm. Beyond her acclaimed performance in the HBO series, she showcased her versatility in the 2024 horror film Cuckoo, where she played a lead role as a mourning teenager. On the blockbuster front, she portrayed Tigris Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023). Upcoming, she is set to appear as Cora in Amazon’s highly anticipated adaptation of Blade Runner 2099. A role in the live-action Zelda film would seamlessly integrate into her expanding portfolio.
NINTENRO, CAST HUNTER SCHAFER AS ZELDA AND MY LIFE IS YOURS pic.twitter.com/O1bMJmWnnf
— Discord (@discord) March 28, 2025
Regardless of whether or not Hunter Schafer is cast, the eventual choice will hinge on how well the actor playing Link connects with her on-screen. Additionally, the selection of the specific Zelda game to adapt will also influence decisions. Should the movie source from the more regal and somber version of Zelda depicted in Twilight Princess, Schafer appears exceptionally equipped for that interpretation. Other strong contenders for the role include acclaimed actress Saoirse Ronan and Freya Allan from The Witcher.
Latest Updates on Nintendo’s Live-Action Legend of Zelda Film
Rumors suggest that Nintendo might envision this project as a full trilogy. If this holds true, the studio needs committed actors ready for a substantial journey. Additionally, skepticism exists regarding the live-action adaptation and its overall direction. Many fans are curious why Nintendo opted for live-action instead of animation, especially when a style reminiscent of Studio Ghibli would beautifully suit the Legend of Zelda.
This is Miyamoto. I have been working on the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda for many years now with Avi Arad-san, who has produced many mega hit films. [1]
— ä»»å¤©å ‚æ ªå¼ä¼šç¤¾ (@Nintendo) November 7, 2023
To date, there has been no official announcement regarding casting or which Legend of Zelda title the film will adapt. However, we can anticipate the prominent roles of Link, Zelda, and Ganon, regardless of the source material — whether it’s from Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild, or a fresh storyline. With rich lore to explore and the possibility of a trilogy, Nintendo has an exciting opportunity to vividly depict Hyrule in a way that fans have never experienced before.