Benjamin Evan Ainsworth: the new Link in The Legend of Zelda film

In brief

• Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, now 17, plays Link in the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda film.
• He was only 8 years old when Breath of the Wild launched in 2017 and has since explored the history of the Zelda series.
• Ainsworth has previously worked on popular series such as The Haunting of Bly Manor and House of the Dragon.

GAME-scanner analysis

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth’s casting as Link in the live-action The Legend of Zelda film is an important step for both the actor and the franchise. Ainsworth, who grew up with the games, has spoken about his love for the series, which could bring an authentic connection to the role. The fact that he was too young to play Breath of the Wild at launch adds an interesting layer to his story. This may resonate with younger gamers who can see themselves in him, especially as the franchise reaches a new generation of players.

What does this mean for players?

For fans of the Zelda series, it will be exciting to see how Ainsworth’s youthful enthusiasm and recent introduction to the franchise translate into his portrayal of Link. This could give the film a fresh perspective and potentially attract new fans who may not have played the games yet. The film’s impact could also boost sales of the games and merchandise, especially with the upcoming release of the Switch 2.