Hunter Schafer Reportedly Eyed for Princess Zelda in Film

The Legend of Zelda movie adaptation reportedly considering popular fan choice for Princess Zelda

‘Euphoria’ actress Hunter Schafer emerged as fans’ top choice for Zelda role immediately after the adaptation’s announcement.

Nintendo’s upcoming live-action Zelda adaptation, a highly anticipated video game adaptation of its beloved franchise, The Legend of Zelda, is reportedly considering a widely supported fan favorite to portray the iconic video game princess.

Nintendo and Sony’s Ambitious Partnership

The gaming giant revealed in 2023 its Nintendo partnership with Sony Pictures to transform its adventure-fantasy title into a theatrical release, with the live action Zelda movie release date scheduled for March 26, 2027.

In the wake of this announcement, which answered the long-standing question “is there a Legend of Zelda movie?”, fans quickly rallied behind Euphoria actress Hunter Schafer for the role, noting her striking resemblance to the elvish Hylian princess. This fan casting phenomenon showcased the audience’s enthusiasm for the project and their investment in the Legend of Zelda cast.

Schafer’s Connection to the Zelda Universe

Schafer, who has become a popular fan pick for the Princess Zelda casting, has previously shown enthusiasm for the possibility, telling Entertainment Tonight in 2023 that she would find it “so cool.”

“I spent a lot of time playing that video game during my childhood. It’s such a great game,” she remarked, referencing her familiarity with the fantasy-driven world of Hyrule.

While official casting decisions remain unannounced, industry insider Daniel Richtman has fueled casting rumors on X, suggesting that Schafer, 25, is currently under consideration for the role of Princess Zelda.

The Independent has reached out to Schafer’s representatives for comment on these Princess Zelda casting speculations.

The Legacy of The Legend of Zelda

Developed by Japanese gaming visionaries Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, The Legend of Zelda made its debut in Japan in 1986 on Nintendo’s Famicom Disk System. The game transports players to the mythical realm of Hyrule, following Princess Zelda and the courageous warrior Link in their quest to defend their homeland.

The Legend of Zelda has evolved into a major gaming series, encompassing numerous acclaimed titles. Among these, Link Ocarina of Time stands out as a fan favorite, alongside other notable entries such as Twilight Princess, Breath of the Wild, and Tears of the Kingdom. The series’ rich visual heritage, including its iconic concept art, has played a crucial role in establishing its unique aesthetic.

Production Details and Timeline

Wes Ball (The Maze Runner, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) has been selected to direct the live-action Zelda adaptation. Miyamoto has confirmed his role as co-producer alongside Avi Arad, bringing their expertise to this ambitious video game adaptation.

“This is Miyamoto. I’ve been developing the live-action version of The Legend of Zelda for many years with Avi Arad-san, who has produced numerous blockbuster films,” Miyamoto stated, highlighting the long-term planning behind this project.

“I’ve requested Avi-san to collaborate with me as producer, and we’ve now formally begun film development with Nintendo’s substantial involvement in production. While completion will require time, I encourage you to anticipate its March 26 2027 release.”

As the project progresses, fans eagerly await further Legend of Zelda cast announcements and more details about how this beloved video game series will be brought to life on the big screen.

Source:

Inga Parkel (May 30, 2025). The Legend of Zelda film adaptation reportedly eyeing fan pick for Princess Zelda. INDEPENDENT. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/legend-of-zelda-princess-cast-hunter-schafer-b2760763.html

Header Photo: Actress Hunter Schafer at the 74nd Berlin International Film Festival

Photo credit: Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons