Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link in The Legend of Zelda: what does this mean for gamers?

Briefly summarized

• Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, born in 2009, is the new Link in the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda, due out in 2027.
• He was only eight years old when The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launched in 2017 and instead followed playthroughs.
• The film, directed by Wes Ball, marks an important step in Hollywood’s trend of bringing video games to the big screen.

Analysis from GAME-scanner

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, known for his role in House of the Dragon, will play Link in the live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. This is an exciting development for both fans of the franchise and the actor himself. Ainsworth’s young age at the time Breath of the Wild was released means he didn’t play the game himself, but he did experience its stories and gameplay through others. That could shape his approach to the role, giving him a fresh take on the character without the bias of a long history with the franchise.

The choice of Ainsworth may also point to a broader trend in Hollywood, where more and more young actors are being cast in iconic roles, increasing the accessibility of these stories for younger audiences. The film industry seems to be focusing more on combining gaming and film, which could lead to a new wave of successful adaptations.

What does this mean for players?

For gamers, Ainsworth’s casting means a new generation of actors is bringing video game stories to the big screen. This could change how video games are viewed in mainstream culture and may even improve the quality of future adaptations. The live-action film could offer a fresh perspective on the beloved franchise, and it will be interesting to see how the filmmakers translate Zelda’s rich lore into a movie.

Related GAME-scanner articles

• Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link in the live-action The Legend of Zelda film