Hunter Schafer, known for her breakout role in Euphoria, is reportedly a top contender to play Princess Zelda in Nintendo’s upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda film, set to hit theaters on March 26, 2027. The casting rumor, fueled by industry insider Daniel Richtman, has fans buzzing with excitement and some detractors voicing concerns. Here’s the latest on Schafer’s potential role and the film’s development.
Hunter Schafer as Princess Zelda?
According to a report Schafer, 25, is being considered for the iconic role of Zelda, the ethereal princess of Hyrule, due to her striking resemblance to the character and her proven acting chops. Schafer gained fame as Jules Vaughn in HBO’s Euphoria with her performance in the third and final season set to air in 2025, earning critical praise. She also starred as Tigris Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) and led the horror film Cuckoo (2024). Her enthusiasm for the role she told Entertainment Tonight in 2023, “That would be so cool. I played that video game a bunch when I was a kid. That’s such a good game” has only amplified fan support.
ans on X have long championed Schafer for Zelda, with posts like “She’s literally Zelda” highlighting her blonde hair and delicate features. However, some Reddit and X users, argue the casting may not align with Nintendo’s rumored preference for a younger Link, suggesting Zelda’s age could skew older. Others have expressed transphobic backlash due to Schafer’s identity as a trans woman, though supporters have pushed back calling her a “decent pick” who “looks like Zelda.”
The Legend of Zelda Movie Buzz
Directed by Wes Ball (The Maze Runner, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), the film is produced by Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad, with a script by T.S. Nowlin. Ball has teased a “live-action Miyazaki” vibe, aiming for a whimsical yet grounded fantasy adventure. While no official casting has been confirmed, rumors also swirl around Percy Jackson star Walker Scobell for Link, though he expressed hesitation in 2023, per Variety. The film, announced in November 2023 after the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, is slated for a New Zealand shoot, potentially as part of a trilogy, per Nintendo Life.
