Why Hunter Schafer may not play Zelda in The Legend of Zelda movie
It feels like everyone wants Hunter Schafer to play Hyrule’s titular princess inThe Legend of Zelda movie, but there’s already been a hint that it won’t happen.
After the success of The Super Mario Bros Movie (it’s one of thehighest-grossing filmsin history), a Zelda movie was inevitable. However, unlike its Illumination-produced predecessor,Nintendois working on a live-action adaptation of the iconic video game franchise.
Here’s what we know: it’ll be directed by Wes Ball (The Maze Runner, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) and it’s been delayed until August 18, 2025. “We will take the extra time to make the film as good as it can be,” Shigeru Miyamoto said in a statement.
We don’t know which game it’ll be based on, nor has any casting been confirmed. However,Schaferis easily the most popular fan-cast for Zelda.
Hunter Schafer may be too old for The Legend of Zelda movie
Ever since The Legend of Zelda movie was announced, Schafer (best known for playing Jules in Euphoria) has been the top pick among fans to play Zelda.
Amazingly, according to an earlier report frominsider Daniel Richtman, Schafer was “being eyed” to play Zelda in the film. Since then, there have been thousands of comments on the actress’ Instagram page from fans hoping to see her portray the princess on-screen.
“Hunter if you’re not Zelda I’m not watching it,” one comment reads. “Nintendo, don’t [f**k] it up. You have your Zelda RIGHT HERE,” another user wrote. “Be our Zelda, you’re perfect for that role,” a third commented.
Unfortunately, the latest update from Richtman doesn’t bode well for Schafer’s chances.
“For the live-action Legend of Zelda movie, casting is underway for the two leads (Zelda and Link), with the studio looking for actors between the ages of 16 and 23,” he wrote.
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Schafer is 26 years old, and she’d be 27 by the time the movie comes out. That’s not to say it definitely won’t happen (many have speculated that Nintendo is waiting for her to finish work onEuphoria Season 3, hence the delay), but if they’re casting within that age bracket, she may be out of luck.
There has been another rumor: according toThwipT on X/Twitter,How to Train Your Dragonstar Mason Thames is being considered to play Link. Thames is currently 17 years old, so he’s the perfect age for the role, especially if –as Richtman earlier reported– the project is being planned as a trilogy with all major roles signed on for three films over six years.
In the meantime, check out our list of thebest video game moviesand find out what else is dropping this year with our2025 movie calendar.
