Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, the young actor set to play Link in the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie, recently admitted he could not play Breath of the Wild when it released in 2017. In an interview with GamesRadar, the now 17-year-old explained that at the time he was only 8 and did not own a Nintendo Switch. A valid excuse for a fan who had to catch up on the legendary series later.
An actor born in 2008 grew up watching playthroughs on YouTube
Born in September 2008, Ainsworth was just 8 years old when Breath of the Wild and the Switch console hit stores in March 2017. Instead of holding the controller, the future hero of Hyrule followed Link's adventures through videos and live streams. "I remember being quite young at the time when it came out," Ainsworth said. "I didn't have a Switch at the time. I was watching gamers play it, and watching playthroughs, essentially." This experience is shared by many young fans, but for him it became a stepping stone to one of the most iconic roles in video game cinema.
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From passive viewing to discovering 40 years of legend
Despite the slow start, Ainsworth has had plenty of time to immerse himself in the series. After landing the role, he delved into "the 40 years of legacy and history" of the franchise, citing "the varied tones, the varied stories, the varied renditions and vocal performances" of Link. Clearly, the actor has become a passionate fan. His preparation includes studying every aspect of the character, from his iconic silence to his many incarnations across the game eras.
The Zelda movie releases on April 30, 2027 amid high expectations
The live-action The Legend of Zelda movie is scheduled for release on April 30, 2027. The film may draw from various sources across the series, including recent installments like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, as well as classic entries. Creators are likely crafting an original narrative that honors the entire franchise. Meanwhile, Ainsworth is already gaining public recognition by playing Prince Daeron Targaryen in House of the Dragon, a fantasy role that, while far from Link, allows him to take his first steps in an epic world.
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For those interested in video game adaptations and casting choices, check out this story about a username typo that sent a gamer to prison, a curious case of digital justice. Also, the focus on mental health and technology usage is increasingly relevant, as shown by the experiment of eliminating artificial light for 14 days. For more details on the film, refer to the original GamesRadar article.
