Bella Ramsey’s Rumored Casting as Tingle in The Legend of Zelda Movie Ignites Fan Passion

“She will bring Ellie energy to Zelda,” a fan proclaimed on X, encapsulating the electric excitement surrounding Bella Ramsey’s rumored casting as Tingle in the highly anticipated live-action The Legend of Zelda movie, slated for release on March 26, 2027. Known for their Emmy-nominated role as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, Ramsey is reportedly joining a star-studded cast that includes Hunter Schafer as Zelda, alongside Terry Crews and Owen Wilson. Directed by Wes Ball and co-produced by Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, the film is poised to adapt the iconic Ocarina of Time. While Ramsey’s casting as the quirky, map-obsessed Tingle remains unconfirmed, the prospect of their fierce, idiosyncratic energy in Hyrule has sparked a wave of reactions—from fervent support to cautious skepticism. As fans debate whether Ramsey can transform the polarizing Tingle into a cinematic standout, this casting rumor is redefining expectations for the Zelda adaptation.

The Rumor: Ramsey as Tingle

Tingle, introduced in The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask and featured in Ocarina of Time’s manga, is one of the franchise’s most eccentric characters. A 35-year-old man obsessed with fairies, Tingle floats on a balloon, sells maps, and speaks in a sing-song chant, often exclaiming, “Tingle, Tingle! Kooloo-Limpah!” His flamboyant personality and odd appearance—green tights, a pointy hat, and a perpetual grin—make him a divisive figure. Some fans adore his quirky charm; others find him grating. Casting Ramsey, a 21-year-old non-binary actor known for intense, grounded roles, as this whimsical character is a bold and unexpected choice.

The rumor surfaced recently, with X posts amplifying speculation that Ramsey would play Tingle, possibly in a reimagined form for the Ocarina of Time-inspired plot. The phrase “She Will Bring Ellie Energy to Zelda” emerged from fans who see parallels between Ellie’s fierce, sarcastic wit in The Last of Us and Tingle’s unapologetic eccentricity. Supporters argue Ramsey’s ability to embody complex, non-traditional characters, like Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones, makes them ideal for a quirky role. However, skeptics on X question whether Ramsey’s dramatic intensity suits Tingle’s comedic tone, with one user joking, “Ellie stabbing infected is not the same as Tingle selling maps.”

Bella Ramsey: A Rising Star

Born in Nottingham, England, in September 2003, Bella Ramsey began acting at age four through Stagecoach Theatre Arts, landing their breakout role as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones at 13. Their commanding performance as the fierce noblewoman earned widespread praise, with critics calling them a “standout star.” Ramsey’s career skyrocketed with The Last of Us, where they played Ellie, a teenage survivor in a post-apocalyptic world. Despite initial fan backlash over their appearance not matching the game’s Ellie, Ramsey’s raw, authentic portrayal won over audiences, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

Ramsey’s versatility extends beyond drama. They voiced Hilda in Netflix’s animated series, played the titular role in Catherine Called Birdy, and starred in the horror short Requiem. Their non-binary identity and fluid approach to gender—“I’m very much just a person,” they told The New York Times—resonate with fans, particularly in the LGBTQIA+ community. However, their casting in The Last of Us faced toxic criticism, with some fans fixating on their appearance or misgendering them. Ramsey’s resilience in the face of such backlash, coupled with their neurodivergent perspective (they were diagnosed with autism at 18), informs their ability to tackle unconventional roles like Tingle.

Tingle: A Character Ripe for Reinvention

Tingle’s role in Ocarina of Time’s manga is minor, involving map-selling and quirky interactions with Link. In Majora’s Mask, he’s more prominent, aiding players with navigation. His exaggerated mannerisms and childlike obsession with fairies make him a comedic foil, but his oddity has sparked debate. Some fans see him as a lighthearted break from Zelda’s high stakes; others find him out of place in Hyrule’s epic tone. Adapting Tingle for a live-action film, especially one aiming for a “grounded and real” aesthetic, requires a delicate balance.

Ramsey’s rumored casting suggests a reimagined Tingle. Fans speculate the character could be younger, perhaps a teenage dreamer inspired by fairies, aligning with Ramsey’s age and ability to portray youthful defiance. The “Ellie energy” fans reference—grit, humor, and vulnerability—could transform Tingle into a more relatable figure. Imagine Ramsey delivering Tingle’s chants with a sardonic edge, blending Ellie’s bite with Tingle’s whimsy. Such a take could make Tingle a fan favorite, much like Ramsey’s Lyanna Mormont elevated a minor Game of Thrones role.

Fan Reactions: A Divided Hyrule

The casting rumor has ignited passionate discourse. On X, supporters celebrate Ramsey’s versatility, with one user writing, “Bella’s Ellie was fierce and funny—perfect for a weird character like Tingle.” Others draw parallels to their Last of Us journey, noting how Ramsey overcame skepticism to embody Ellie. “If they can make Ellie iconic, they can make Tingle unforgettable,” a fan posted. However, detractors argue Tingle requires a purely comedic actor, citing Ramsey’s dramatic roles as a mismatch. Some reference the Last of Us backlash, with one X post claiming, “Bella didn’t look like Ellie, and now Tingle? Hollywood’s trolling.”

The debate echoes broader tensions in video game adaptations. Fans often demand fidelity to source material, yet Ramsey’s casting as Ellie proved that performance trumps appearance. Showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, who cast Ramsey after auditioning over 100 actors, praised their “preternatural wisdom” and ability to embody Ellie’s contradictions. Similar logic may apply here: Ramsey’s knack for nuanced, unconventional characters could redefine Tingle, just as Hunter Schafer’s rumored Zelda casting has sparked both excitement and bigotry.

The Film: A High-Stakes Adaptation

The Legend of Zelda movie, announced in 2023, is a collaboration between Nintendo and Sony Pictures, with Wes Ball directing and Derek Connolly writing. Miyamoto’s involvement ensures fidelity to the franchise, while Ball’s VFX expertise promises a visually stunning Hyrule. Rumored to adapt Ocarina of Time, the film will likely follow Link’s quest to stop Ganondorf, with Zelda, the Sages, and the Triforce at its core. Tingle’s inclusion, though minor, could add levity to the epic narrative, especially if Ramsey infuses the role with their signature intensity.

The cast, though unconfirmed, includes heavyweights. Schafer’s ethereal presence suits Zelda, while Crews as Navi and Wilson as Link (or a mentor) suggest a mix of humor and heart. Ramsey’s Tingle could serve as a quirky ally, perhaps aiding Link with maps or comic relief. Filming is set to begin in New Zealand from November 2025 to April 2026, leveraging the country’s landscapes for Hyrule’s vistas.

Challenges and Opportunities

Casting Ramsey as Tingle carries risks. Tingle’s exaggerated persona could clash with the film’s grounded tone, and Ramsey’s dramatic background may not translate to broad comedy. Fans protective of Zelda’s legacy, like those who criticized Ramsey’s Ellie casting, may resist a non-traditional Tingle. Yet, Ramsey’s ability to blend humor and depth, as seen in Catherine Called Birdy, offers a chance to make Tingle a standout. Their autism diagnosis, which they say “massively” shapes their performances, could bring a unique perspective to Tingle’s obsessive quirks.

The Last of Us experience prepares Ramsey for scrutiny. Despite initial hate, they won over fans, with Ellie’s original voice actress, Ashley Johnson, praising their “incredible” performance. If Ramsey can channel Ellie’s tenacity into Tingle, they could silence doubters again. The film’s success will hinge on balancing Ocarina’s epic stakes with characters like Tingle, and Ramsey’s casting signals a willingness to take risks.

Why It Matters

Ramsey’s rumored role as Tingle is more than a casting choice—it’s a statement about embracing bold, inclusive storytelling. Their journey from Game of Thrones to The Last of Us shows a knack for defying expectations, and Tingle could be their most daring role yet. For fans, the “Ellie energy” promise is a call to trust Ramsey’s talent, regardless of preconceived notions about Tingle. For the industry, it’s a step toward prioritizing performance over appearance, challenging the toxicity seen in reactions to Ramsey and Schafer.

As The Legend of Zelda approaches, Ramsey’s Tingle could become a cultural touchstone, proving that even Hyrule’s oddballs deserve a spotlight. Whether they’re chanting “Kooloo-Limpah!” or adding grit to Tingle’s whimsy, Ramsey is poised to make the role unforgettable. Join the debate and see why this casting is Hyrule’s hottest topic.