Ainsworth, who recently appeared as Daeron Targaryen during the House of the Dragon season three press tour, discussed his involvement and early memories of the series during media interviews, offering insight into his fandom and the production's casting approach.
Ainsworth said he cannot disclose many production details, but recalled his first exposure to The Legend of Zelda through The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which launched on Nintendo Switch (and Wii U) on March 3, 2017.
He explained that because he was very young at the time and did not own a Switch, he primarily experienced the game by watching online playthroughs.
The actor noted that playing the role of Link encouraged him to revisit the character's decades-long legacy and its many tonal and vocal interpretations.
Industry context: Breath of the Wild was developed by Nintendo EPD and represented a major evolution for the franchise on Nintendo Switch, attracting a wide, cross-generational audience.
Nintendo’s casting strategy for the film reportedly prioritized young and relatively unknown actors, aligning with the studio’s desire to present a fresh on-screen Link while honoring the source material's long history.
Verified facts about the project are limited publicly, but the release date is official: April 30, 2027.
Ainsworth has confirmed his casting and has discussed his fandom and experience in interviews conducted during his House of the Dragon press commitments.
He also commented that New Zealand is a wonderful place to visit, reflecting the international profile of the production and the global interest in a major Zelda adaptation.
For Nintendo followers, the live-action film represents a high-profile extension of a property that has been central to Nintendo’s identity for over 35 years.
Fans can look to Nintendo’s official channels and major outlets for further production updates and trailers as the April 2027 release approaches.
Meanwhile, Breath of the Wild remains a touchstone entry in the series on Nintendo Switch and a reference point for how the franchise's cinematic translation is being framed.