The Legend of Zelda movie’s Link actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth has shared some thoughts on Breath of the Wild, revealing why he didn’t play the game when it was released. Since debuting in 1986, The Legend of Zelda has been one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises, thanks to landmark games like A Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time. Despite existing for four decades, the live-action movie will mark the first time the series has been brought to the big screen.
Since launching alongside Nintendo Switch in 2017, Breath of the Wild has become one of the most well-regarded games in the Zelda series. Breath of the Wild has even been called the greatest game ever by some.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth Shares His Breath of the Wild Experience
In an interview with GamesRadar+, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth shared his initial encounters with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Breath of the Wild has earned many fans over the last nine years, but Ainsworth was too young to play the game when it came out. Instead, the future Link actor followed the game via playthroughs online. That might concern some fans about Ainsworth’s familiarity with the source material, but the actor went on to say that he’s become “a big fan” of the series since.
“I can’t speak too much on the film itself, but I remember vividly when Breath of the Wild came out – and it might show my age – but I remember being quite young at the time when it came out, and so I didn’t have a Switch at the time,” said Ainsworth. “And so, I was watching gamers play it, and watching playthroughs, essentially.”
“And then, 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 continued. “Yeah, I’m a big fan, and just really excited, because it was an awesome thing to shoot. New Zealand is a wonderful place. But yeah, can’t say too much more.”
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It’s unclear what Zelda games the movie will adapt, but there’s a good chance that elements from Breath of the Wild could end up in the film. The game has sold more than 34 million copies, breaking a record for the series. That means more fans probably associate Breath of the Wild more with Zelda compared to any other game, and director Wes Ball might want to take advantage of that association. Game adaptations rarely pull from one source though, so fans can likely expect references to other favorites from the series.
Little has been revealed about Sony’s live-action adaptation of the Nintendo series. The Zelda movie arrives in theaters on April 30, 2027, and will also star Bo Bragason as the Princess herself. With the movie set to be released in less than a year, it’s a safe bet that more details will be announced in the near future. Some Zelda fans have speculated that there could be a Nintendo Direct focused on the 40th anniversary of the series, which could be the perfect opportunity to reveal the first trailer. Nintendo has done similar things with the Mario movies from Illumination in the past.
Nintendo has kept a lot of secrecy around its Zelda projects. An Ocarina of Time remake is coming to Switch 2, and no gameplay has been shown despite the fact that the game is slated to be released by the end of 2026. A presentation focused on both the game and the upcoming movie would give fans a lot to be excited about, and an Ocarina of Time gameplay reveal has been rumored for September. It remains to be seen whether that rumor will pan out, but Nintendo Direct presentations have often been released in that same timeframe.
- Released
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March 3, 2017
- ESRB
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E for Everyone: Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
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Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo
