# Live Action Zelda Movie Actor Was Too Young to Play Breath of the Wild at Launch > Canonical: https://dubaipress.ae/movies/live-action-zelda-movie-actor/ > Source: https://dubaipress.ae/movies/live-action-zelda-movie-actor/ > Category: Movies > Author: Vahideh > Published: 2026-07-29 > Updated: 2026-07-29 ## Summary The live action Zelda movie actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth has revealed why he did not experience one of the most important games in the franchise when it first launched. The actor, who will portray Link in the upcoming live action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, explained that he was still too young to own a Nintendo Switch when Breath of the Wild was released in 2017, while newer generations of players are now experiencing Nintendo titles through platforms like Nintendo Switch 2. ## Article The live action Zelda movie actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth has revealed why he did not experience one of the most important games in the franchise when it first launched. The actor, who will portray Link in the upcoming live action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, explained that he was still too young to own a Nintendo Switch when Breath of the Wild was released in 2017, while newer generations of players are now experiencing Nintendo titles through platforms like **Nintendo Switch 2**. Speaking about his connection with the series, Ainsworth admitted that he discovered Breath of the Wild differently from many longtime fans. Instead of playing the game himself at launch, he watched other players experience the adventure through gameplay videos and online playthroughs. The actor’s situation was understandable considering his age at the time. Born in 2008, Ainsworth was only eight years old when the Nintendo Switch and Breath of the Wild arrived in March 2017. While many children begin playing games at a young age, owning a console at eight depends on each family’s choices and circumstances. ### ### Benjamin Evan Ainsworth’s Zelda Journey Although Ainsworth did not play Breath of the Wild when it first released, he has since had the opportunity to explore the wider history of The Legend of Zelda franchise. After being cast as Link, the actor began looking deeper into the series’ decades long legacy. He highlighted the franchise’s changing styles, different storytelling approaches, and the many interpretations of its iconic hero. Detail Information Actor playing Link Benjamin Evan Ainsworth Birth year 2008 Age when Breath of the Wild released 8 years old Breath of the Wild release March 2017 Zelda movie release date April 30, 2027 Previous major role Prince Daeron Targaryen in House of the Dragon   ### Will Breath of the Wild Influence the Zelda Movie? It remains unclear how much inspiration the live action Zelda movie will take from Breath of the Wild. The Legend of Zelda timeline contains many different versions of Link, Zelda, and Hyrule, meaning the film could combine elements from multiple games instead of directly adapting one specific story. The movie is expected to create its own interpretation of the franchise while respecting the themes and mythology that have defined Zelda for decades. Official details about the plot remain limited, but set photos and production information suggest that the adaptation will draw from the broader world of the series. ### A New Generation of Zelda Fans Ainsworth’s experience highlights how The Legend of Zelda continues to reach new generations of players. While many fans grew up with classic titles like Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, or Breath of the Wild, younger audiences are discovering the franchise through newer games, videos, and upcoming adaptations. For the actor playing Link, understanding the history behind the character appears to be an important part of preparing for the role. Rather than simply recreating a version of Link from one game, Ainsworth is exploring the different personalities and meanings the character has represented throughout the series. ### ### Final Thoughts The fact that the live-action Zelda movie actor was too young to play Breath of the Wild at launch is a reminder of how quickly gaming generations change. Ainsworth may not have experienced Nintendo’s landmark adventure on day one, but he has since embraced the franchise’s long history ahead of bringing one of gaming’s most recognizable heroes to the big screen. The upcoming adaptation also joins a growing list of successful **movies based on video games**, showing how gaming franchises continue expanding beyond interactive experiences. With The Legend of Zelda movie arriving in 2027, fans will soon see how a new generation interprets Link’s legendary journey.