+the scene
(Photo © Cindy Ord/VF25/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)

Our Dream Cast For Sony's 'Legend of Zelda' Live-Action Movie!

Written by Lee Lard. Published: April 21 2025

 

Nintendo has announced that their next video game property to get a film adaptation will be The Legend of Zelda, teaming up with Sony to make a live-action movie with The Maze Runner’s director, Wes Ball, attached. The tentative release date is March 2027 – with such a quick turnaround and so little information, fans are wondering who will be cast to play these iconic characters. For right now, this is who we want in the audition rooms!

 

1. Zelda – Hunter Schafer

This has been a fancast since the earliest rumors of this film’s production, and we couldn't agree more. Schafer’s talent and range has been on display since her portrayal of Jules in HBO’s "Euphoria". One user on X writes, “They literally have one job and it’s to get Hunter Schafer to play Zelda. PLEASE.” Schafer has been asked about the fancasting and is interested in playing the iconic princess. “That would be so cool,” said Schafer. “I’m honored that they even think of me for that.”

 

 

2. Link – Walker Scobell

Link is the protagonist of the Legend of Zelda franchise. His quest is to save Princess Zelda by journeying through the land of Hyrule with his sword and shield. Throughout the franchise, his age varies between 10 and 16, depending on the game. Let’s say for this cast list that he’s 16 -- we think that makes Walker Scobell a perfect fit. One of the brightest young actors in Hollywood, Scobell has proven that he can carry a fantasy quest through his portrayal of Percy Jackson in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" on Disney+. His impish charm is exactly what a live-action Link would need.

 

3. Ganon – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Since his start in WWE, where he made a name for himself as The Rock, Johnson has been acting in hit movies like Moana, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and Red Notice. He’s a certified tough guy, but we haven’t really seen him play a full-on villain. Ganon, the main antagonist in Legend of Zelda, would be a great opportunity to flex those acting chops. Can’t you imagine Johnson as a character with monokers like the Prince of Darkness, Demon King, or Great King of Evil?

 

4. Impa – June Squibb

Impa is the elderly nursemaid of Zelda, who is saved by Link before sending him on his quest. June Squibb has had a rich career in film and television, most recently starring in the 2024 action-comedy Thelma. Her signature mix of motherly love and wicked sharp humor would be a great way to evolve Impa’s character.

 

5. Old Man – Danny DeVito

The Old Men are scattered through the game to assist Link in his quest. In a movie format, they’ll probably condense it to just one Old Man to act as a mentor to Link. Danny DeVito has gained notoriety for his roles in films like Matilda and Twins and TV shows like "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia". The role we imagine Old Man to have reminds us of DeVito’s work as Phil in Hercules. The character is a little bit brash, but only because he wants the best for Link.

 

Who would you like to see in a live-action Legend of Zelda movie?