Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, the young actor cast as Link in the upcoming The Legend of Zelda Movie, told GamesRadar he is excited and honored to take on the iconic role while filming on location in New Zealand.
The conversation adds a new, on-the-record voice to ongoing coverage of the franchise’s move from games to a major screen adaptation.
Background and franchise context
The Legend of Zelda franchise began in 1986 and has become one of Nintendo’s signature series.
The most recent major console entry, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, was developed by Nintendo EPD and released on March 3, 2017 as a launch title for Nintendo Switch and also for Wii U.
Breath of the Wild received widespread critical acclaim and multiple awards, including Game of the Year honors in 2017, and significantly influenced open-world design across the industry.
Ainsworth on Breath of the Wild and playing Link
When asked about his relationship to the games, Ainsworth said he was too young to own a Nintendo Switch when Breath of the Wild launched, so he learned about the title by watching playthroughs on YouTube and streams on Twitch.
He described that experience as a primary way he engaged with the game before taking the role.
On stepping into Link’s shoes, Ainsworth told GamesRadar he feels privileged to portray such a long-standing character.
He spoke about recognizing the series’ decades-long legacy and the many different tones, stories, and vocal interpretations that have shaped Link over the years.
He described filming in New Zealand as an “awesome” experience and said the location has been a highlight of the production, while also noting he cannot disclose additional details about the film at this time.
What this means for Nintendo and fans
Ainsworth’s comments offer a human perspective on the adaptation process and underline how modern games like Breath of the Wild continue to shape player and performer perceptions.
As production continues in New Zealand, Nintendo’s ongoing stewardship of the Zelda IP—led creatively by long-time contributors such as producer Eiji Aonuma and Nintendo EPD on the game side—remains central to how the property is presented across media.
This interview from GamesRadar is an early, verified glimpse into the cast’s engagement with the source material and the practical realities of bringing a storied Nintendo franchise to screen audiences.
The conversation adds a new, on-the-record voice to ongoing coverage of the franchise’s move from games to a major screen adaptation.
Background and franchise context
The Legend of Zelda franchise began in 1986 and has become one of Nintendo’s signature series.
The most recent major console entry, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, was developed by Nintendo EPD and released on March 3, 2017 as a launch title for Nintendo Switch and also for Wii U.
Breath of the Wild received widespread critical acclaim and multiple awards, including Game of the Year honors in 2017, and significantly influenced open-world design across the industry.
Ainsworth on Breath of the Wild and playing Link
When asked about his relationship to the games, Ainsworth said he was too young to own a Nintendo Switch when Breath of the Wild launched, so he learned about the title by watching playthroughs on YouTube and streams on Twitch.
He described that experience as a primary way he engaged with the game before taking the role.
On stepping into Link’s shoes, Ainsworth told GamesRadar he feels privileged to portray such a long-standing character.
He spoke about recognizing the series’ decades-long legacy and the many different tones, stories, and vocal interpretations that have shaped Link over the years.
He described filming in New Zealand as an “awesome” experience and said the location has been a highlight of the production, while also noting he cannot disclose additional details about the film at this time.
What this means for Nintendo and fans
Ainsworth’s comments offer a human perspective on the adaptation process and underline how modern games like Breath of the Wild continue to shape player and performer perceptions.
As production continues in New Zealand, Nintendo’s ongoing stewardship of the Zelda IP—led creatively by long-time contributors such as producer Eiji Aonuma and Nintendo EPD on the game side—remains central to how the property is presented across media.
This interview from GamesRadar is an early, verified glimpse into the cast’s engagement with the source material and the practical realities of bringing a storied Nintendo franchise to screen audiences.
