Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, the talented young actor who will be bringing the iconic character of Link to life in the upcoming live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, has given an exclusive interview to GamesRadar about his experience preparing for the role.

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Ainsworth, who is currently 17 years old, has already made a name for himself in the entertainment industry with his roles in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor, CBC’s Son of a Critch, and HBO’s House of the Dragon. Despite being a teenager, Ainsworth has already demonstrated a remarkable level of maturity and dedication to his craft.
In the interview, Ainsworth revealed that he was too young to play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild when it originally launched for the Nintendo Switch in 2017. At the time, he was just eight years old, and while he didn’t have a Switch of his own, he would often watch gamers play the game and watch playthroughs online.
However, Ainsworth has since caught up on the ‘history’ of the character and series in preparation for his role, and has become a big fan of the franchise. He expressed his excitement about playing the iconic character, saying, ‘Upon being fortunate enough to play this role, such an iconic character, going back and realizing the 40 years of legacy and history, and the varied tones, the varied stories, the varied renditions and vocal performances of this character as well.’
Ainsworth’s preparation for the role has clearly paid off, and fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the live-action adaptation on April 30, 2027. The film is being directed by Wes Ball, who has spoken about his vision for a ‘serious’ and ‘grounded’ adaptation that feels ‘real’ to audiences.
While details about the story and setting of the movie are still under wraps, fans have been able to catch a glimpse of the filming process in New Zealand, where the cast and crew have been working tirelessly to bring the world of Hyrule to life.
Ainsworth’s experience playing Link has clearly been a highlight of his career so far, and fans are eager to see what he will do next. With his talent, dedication, and passion for the role, it’s no wonder that he has become a fan favorite among Zelda enthusiasts.
In related news, Nintendo is planning to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Zelda franchise with a remaster of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time later this year, which is expected to give fans even more insight into the world of Hyrule.
How Did Ainsworth Prepare for His Role?
Ainsworth’s preparation for the role of Link was a long and arduous process, but one that ultimately paid off. He revealed that he spent hours watching playthroughs of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and even went back and played through the game itself to get a better understanding of the character and the world of Hyrule.
He also spent time researching the history of the franchise, including the various games, TV shows, and other media that have been released over the years. This research helped him to get a better understanding of the character and the world of Hyrule, and to develop a deeper appreciation for the franchise as a whole.
What Can Fans Expect from the Live-Action Adaptation?
While details about the story and setting of the movie are still under wraps, fans can expect a live-action adaptation that is both faithful to the spirit of the original games and yet also fresh and exciting in its own right.
Director Wes Ball has spoken about his vision for a ‘serious’ and ‘grounded’ adaptation that feels ‘real’ to audiences, and fans can expect a movie that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
The cast, which includes Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Zelda, is also expected to deliver strong performances, and fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the movie on April 30, 2027.
Conclusion
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth’s experience playing Link in the upcoming live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda is a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion for the role. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the movie, and with its talented cast and crew, it’s no wonder that it’s shaping up to be one of the most highly-anticipated movies of 2027.
With its rich history, varied tones, and varied stories, the Zelda franchise is a beloved and iconic part of many fans’ lives. The live-action adaptation is expected to be a faithful and exciting take on the original games, and fans are eagerly anticipating its release.