The Legend of Zelda Movie: Hunter Schafer, Bella Ramsey, Terry Crews, and Owen Wilson Lead Rumored Cast

“This would be so cool,” Hunter Schafer said in 2023, responding to fans clamoring for her to play Princess Zelda in the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie. Now, rumors suggest she’s secured the iconic role, joined by an eclectic ensemble including Bella Ramsey, Terry Crews, and Owen Wilson. Set to premiere on March 26, 2027, the film, directed by Wes Ball and co-produced by Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, has fans buzzing with excitement and curiosity. While the casting remains unconfirmed, the prospect of these stars bringing Hyrule to life has ignited fierce debate and wild speculation. From Schafer’s ethereal fit as Zelda to quirky guesses about Ramsey as Tingle, Crews as Navi, and Wilson as Link, this rumored lineup promises a bold take on a beloved franchise. Here’s why this casting news is setting the internet ablaze.

The Rumor: A Star-Studded Cast Emerges

The Legend of Zelda movie, announced in November 2023, marks Nintendo’s ambitious leap into live-action following the billion-dollar success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Helmed by Wes Ball, known for The Maze Runner and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and written by Jurassic World scribe Derek Connolly, the film aims to capture the high-fantasy essence of the iconic video game series. With production reportedly starting later in 2025, casting rumors have taken center stage.

Hunter Schafer, best known for her role as Jules in HBO’s Euphoria, emerged as a fan favorite for Zelda shortly after the announcement. Her striking resemblance to the Hylian princess, coupled with her expressed love for the games—“I played it as a kid and I still play it now”—has made her a top pick. Industry insider Daniel Richtman recently claimed Schafer is being eyed for the role, though neither Nintendo nor Sony Pictures has confirmed this.

Recent buzz on X has added fuel to the fire, with posts suggesting Bella Ramsey, Terry Crews, and Owen Wilson are also part of the cast. One viral post humorously proposed Ramsey as the eccentric Tingle, Crews as the fairy companion Navi, and Wilson as the heroic Link, though these roles remain speculative. Other X posts have mentioned Ramsey as Zelda herself, highlighting the fluidity of these rumors. While unverified, the combination of these names has sparked a mix of excitement, skepticism, and amusement among fans.

Hunter Schafer: The Perfect Zelda?

At 26, Hunter Schafer brings a magnetic presence to the table. Her roles in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and the horror film Cuckoo showcase her versatility, while her ethereal look aligns with Zelda’s divine femininity. Fans have long pointed to her 2022 Vanity Fair Oscars party appearance, with long blonde hair and elven vibes, as proof of her suitability. Schafer’s enthusiasm for the role, expressed in multiple interviews, adds credibility to the rumor. “I’m honored that they even think of me for that,” she told Entertainment Tonight in 2024, noting her lifelong connection to the series.

However, Schafer’s potential casting has not been without controversy. As a trans woman, she’s faced online backlash, with some critics questioning her fit despite her visual and acting credentials. Supporters argue this mirrors the hypocrisy seen when Bella Ramsey was criticized for not “looking like” Ellie in The Last of Us, pointing out that Schafer’s resemblance to Zelda undercuts such objections. Fans on X have rallied behind her, with one user stating, “She looks the part more than anyone I can think of.” If confirmed, Schafer’s casting could be a defining moment, allowing her to break free from typecasting and redefine Zelda for a new generation.

Bella Ramsey: Tingle or Something Else?

Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old non-binary star of The Last of Us, is no stranger to video game adaptations. Their Emmy-nominated performance as Ellie proved their ability to embody complex characters, making their rumored involvement in The Legend of Zelda intriguing. X posts have floated Ramsey as Tingle, the quirky map-seller known for his flamboyant personality, though others speculate they could play a younger Zelda or a supporting role like Impa.

Ramsey’s inclusion would align with the film’s apparent aim to blend established stars with rising talent. Their experience navigating fan backlash over their The Last of Us casting equips them to handle similar scrutiny here. While Tingle seems like a playful fan theory, Ramsey’s dramatic chops suggest they could tackle a more grounded role, adding emotional depth to Hyrule’s world. Their presence, whether comedic or serious, would undoubtedly draw attention.

Terry Crews: Navi’s Larger-Than-Life Energy?

The idea of Terry Crews as Navi, the fairy companion who famously says “Hey, listen!” in The Ocarina of Time, has sparked both laughter and excitement. At 56, Crews is a powerhouse known for Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Everybody Hates Chris, and action roles in The Expendables. His larger-than-life charisma and physicality make him an unexpected but entertaining choice for a CGI or motion-capture role like Navi. Fans on Reddit have previously suggested Crews for roles like Ganondorf, but Navi’s high-energy vibe suits his comedic flair.

Crews’ casting, if true, would signal the film’s willingness to take risks. Navi, though small, is a pivotal guide for Link, and Crews could bring humor and heart to the role, transforming a character often seen as annoying into a fan favorite. His involvement would also broaden the film’s appeal, drawing in audiences beyond gaming circles.

Owen Wilson: Link or a Curveball?

Owen Wilson as Link, the silent protagonist of Hyrule, is perhaps the most surprising rumor. The 56-year-old actor, known for Wedding Crashers, Midnight in Paris, and voicing Lightning McQueen in Cars, brings a laid-back charm that contrasts with Link’s stoic heroism. Some fans speculate Wilson could play a comedic version of Link, while others suggest he might take on a mentor figure like the King of Hyrule or a shopkeeper. His signature “Wow” catchphrase has already inspired memes about how it could fit into Hyrule’s dialogue.

Wilson’s casting raises questions about the film’s tone. Will it lean into high fantasy, as Ball’s Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes suggests, or embrace a lighter, more accessible vibe? While Link traditionally has minimal dialogue, Wilson’s expressive style could redefine the character, though it risks alienating purists who prefer a faithful adaptation.

The Bigger Picture: Hyrule Comes to Life

The Legend of Zelda series, created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka in 1986, is a cornerstone of gaming, with titles like Ocarina of Time and Breath of the Wild defining the action-adventure genre. The film, co-financed by Nintendo and Sony, aims to translate this legacy into a live-action epic. Miyamoto’s involvement ensures a commitment to the source material, while Ball’s VFX expertise promises a visually stunning Hyrule.

Fan reactions are mixed. Some embrace the rumored cast for its diversity and star power, while others worry about “celebrity slop” akin to The Minecraft Movie. Posts on X reflect this divide, with excitement for Schafer tempered by skepticism about Crews and Wilson. The backlash against Schafer, in particular, echoes broader debates about representation in gaming adaptations, with supporters arguing that talent and vision should outweigh superficial criticisms.

Challenges and Opportunities

Casting iconic characters like Zelda, Link, and Navi is no small feat. The film must balance fidelity to the games with cinematic appeal, a challenge given the series’ minimal dialogue and open-world storytelling. Schafer’s potential as Zelda offers a chance to highlight a strong female character, while Ramsey, Crews, and Wilson could add unexpected flair. However, the lack of official confirmation keeps these rumors in limbo, with other names like Walker Scobell for Link and Patricia Summersett for Zelda still circulating.

The film’s success will hinge on its ability to capture the spirit of Hyrule—its sense of adventure, mystery, and heart. If Schafer, Ramsey, Crews, and Wilson are indeed involved, their diverse talents could create a dynamic ensemble, provided the script and direction honor the source material. Fans are also curious about who might play Ganondorf, with names like Christopher Judge floated on Reddit.

Why It Matters

The Legend of Zelda movie is more than a video game adaptation—it’s a cultural milestone. The rumored cast, from Schafer’s poised elegance to Crews’ boisterous energy, suggests a bold vision that could redefine how we see Hyrule. For fans, it’s a chance to see beloved characters breathe in a new medium. For newcomers, it’s an entry point into a legendary franchise. As debates rage online, one thing is clear: this film is already sparking conversations about representation, creativity, and the power of storytelling.

Whether these casting rumors hold true or evolve, the excitement surrounding The Legend of Zelda is undeniable. Schafer’s “so cool” dream of playing Zelda may be the first step toward a cinematic adventure that captures hearts worldwide. Keep an eye on Hyrule’s horizon—this is one journey you won’t want to miss.