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Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, 17, cast as Link; was eight when Breath of the Wild launched

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, now 17, is playing Link in the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda film. He was eight in March 2017 when Breath of the Wild and the Nintendo Switch released, did not own a Switch then, and watched playthroughs instead. Since winning the role he has studied the franchise's roughly 40-year history and calls himself a fan; he also appears as Prince Daeron in House of the Dragon. The film opens April 30, 2027, and leaked and official set photos indicate it will draw elements from multiple Zelda entries while adding new material.

• Benjamin Evan Ainsworth was born September 2008, is 17, and is cast as Link in the live-action The Legend of Zelda movie.
• Ainsworth was eight in March 2017 when Breath of the Wild and the Nintendo Switch launched; he did not own a Switch at the time and watched playthroughs instead of playing the game.
• He has studied the franchise's roughly 40-year legacy since gaining the role and identifies as a series fan; he currently appears as Prince Daeron Targaryen in House of the Dragon.
• The Legend of Zelda movie is scheduled to open on April 30, 2027, and leaked and official set photos indicate it will combine elements from multiple games rather than adapt a single title.