With Nintendo officially developing a live-action Legend of Zelda movie, all eyes are now on the casting process—and it appears a major role may already have a frontrunner. According to a report from trusted industry insider DanielRPK, actress Hunter Schafer is being eyed for the role of Princess Zelda.
While nothing is confirmed yet, Schafer’s name has been circulating online since the project’s announcement. In fact, fan-made casting lists have consistently placed her at the top, with many pointing to her distinct look and ethereal presence as a natural match for the character.
From Euphoria to Hyrule: Hunter Schafer’s Rapid Rise

Hunter Schafer first captured attention in HBO’s Euphoria, where she starred as Jules Vaughn. The role quickly catapulted her into the spotlight, praised for its vulnerability, strength, and emotional complexity. Since then, Schafer has proven she’s more than a breakout star—she’s here to stay.
Following Euphoria, she took on high-profile projects such as The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Yorgos Lanthimos’ surreal film Kinds of Kindness, and the mysterious horror-thriller Cuckoo. Her upcoming lead role in Amazon’s Blade Runner 2099 further underscores her rising status in Hollywood. With several additional films and series in the pipeline, Schafer’s star is shining brighter than ever.
Given her trajectory and range, it’s not hard to see why she’d be a compelling choice to portray Zelda—especially if the film leans into a more nuanced, powerful version of the character as seen in games like Breath of the Wild.
The Zelda Movie: What We Know So Far
Directed by Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), the live-action Legend of Zelda movie was announced to both excitement and skepticism. Fans were curious—if not shocked—that Nintendo chose to go live-action instead of sticking to animation, especially after the massive commercial success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023.
In a March 2024 interview with Total Film, Wes Ball described himself as a lifelong Zelda fan and promised to treat the material with respect. “This is a world full of adventure and heart,” he said. “We want to capture the magic and emotional depth that made these games timeless.”
While Ball didn’t confirm which specific Zelda game the movie would be adapting, fans have speculated that elements from Twilight Princess, Ocarina of Time, or Breath of the Wild could shape the narrative. Each version of Zelda differs, so the final direction of her character could determine how well Schafer fits into the role.
Can a Silent Hero Lead the Film?
Casting Princess Zelda is a major piece of the puzzle—but perhaps an even bigger challenge lies in casting Link. The hero of Hyrule is famously silent throughout most of the games, save for a few expressive grunts and battle cries. This presents a unique dilemma: how do you create a compelling, emotional arc for a protagonist who rarely, if ever, speaks?
It’s possible the filmmakers will choose to break tradition and give Link a voice, or they might lean into visual storytelling to maintain the character’s mystique. Either way, the role will demand an actor with intense physicality and expressive range. One wrong move, and the entire tone of the film could suffer.
Schafer’s potential casting may offer a clue that the filmmakers are aiming for a more emotionally grounded take on the Zelda universe, prioritizing character depth over pure fantasy spectacle.
A Princess with Power, Not Just Poise

It’s important to note that Zelda, especially in her modern incarnations, is far from a passive figure. From disguising herself as Sheik in Ocarina of Time to taking on divine powers in Breath of the Wild, she’s more than a royal in distress—she’s a warrior, a scholar, and a symbol of resilience.
Hunter Schafer, with her blend of vulnerability and strength, could be exactly what’s needed to bring that version of Zelda to life. If the film chooses to focus on Zelda’s internal struggles—balancing duty with independence, intellect with action—it may become one of the more thoughtful and layered video game adaptations in recent years.
Nintendo’s High-Stakes Bet on Live-Action
For Nintendo, this project is a gamble. The Super Mario Bros. movie set a new gold standard for animated video game adaptations, raking in over $1.3 billion worldwide. But The Legend of Zelda is an entirely different beast. It’s darker, more mythic, and far more story-driven. That makes the stakes higher—but also presents a massive opportunity.
The franchise has captivated gamers for nearly four decades. Translating that magic to the big screen is no small feat. Everything from set design to music to dialogue will need to strike the right balance between fantasy epic and emotional journey. And, of course, the cast must embody these iconic roles in a way that respects the source material without becoming mere cosplay.
What’s Next?
As of now, there’s no official word from Nintendo or the film studio confirming Schafer’s involvement. But with casting reportedly underway, and the buzz growing stronger online, it may only be a matter of time before announcements start to roll out.
If Schafer is confirmed as Zelda, expect the internet to explode in reaction. Some will be thrilled. Others, skeptical. That’s par for the course with beloved franchises. But one thing’s for sure: The Legend of Zelda movie is no longer just a rumor—it’s real, it’s happening, and the pieces are starting to fall into place.
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