In the realm of fantasy and adventure, thenews of Nintendo’s live-actionventure with theLegend of Zeldamovie ignited excitement from fans worldwide. As avid and casual gamers alike eagerly await the franchise making a big screen debut, one burning question remains: who will play the timeless role of Princess Zelda?
As rumors swirl and anticipation builds, we’ve got a list of ten talented actors who could bring the legendary princess to life in ways that would fulfill the expectations of fans and stay true to the character. From stars like Florence Pugh to Zendaya, the possibilities are enchanting.
Florence Pugh
Zelda is a princess known for her wisdom, depth, and devotion to her people, demanding an actress who can seamlessly embody these qualities.Florence Pughis well-known for her versatile performances and stands as an ideal pick for the iconic role. Pugh’s range includes roles with a blend of imagination, solemnity, and seriousness, echoing Zelda’s characteristics.
InLittle Women,Pugh was the dedicated artist Amy March, showcasing her ability to infuse a character with authenticity and depth. As the vengeful Dani inMidsommar, she was able to solidify her capacity to perform a wide range of emotions, from vulnerability to strength. While she hasn’t expressed a desire to play Zelda, these roles mirror the multidimensional nature of Princess Zelda, making her a compelling choice for the character.
In the expansive landscape of potential actresses for the role of Princess Zelda,Zendayaemerges as a strong contender. Known for her dynamic range and charismatic presence, she’s proven her ability to breathe life into characters. Recent roles, like her portrayal of Rue Bennett inEuphoriaand MJ inSpider-Man: Far From Home, capture her capability to convey intelligence, resilience, and vulnerability, which mirror Zelda’s characteristics.
Zendaya has had a journey coming from Disney Channel’sShake It Up, to becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, speaks volumes about her skills as an actress. Like Pugh, she hasn’t expressed a desire to play Zelda, but her fans have not only called for her to play Zelda, but also for her long-timeboyfriend, Tom Holland, to play Link.
Hunter Scahfer
In the quest to find the perfect actress to step into the role of Princess Zelda, the spotlight turns toHunter Schafer, a rising model and actress who has a blend of versatility and talent. Best known for her breakthrough role as Jules Vaughn inEuphoria, Schafer has shown a range that aligns with the complex and deep character of Zelda. Schafer’s portrayal of Jules navigating the challenges of adolescence and identity shows that she has a skill set that’s crucial for bringing the Princess to life – conveying vulnerability, emotional resonance, and strength.
In a recent interview during the premiere of theHunger Gamesprequel with Variety,Hunter Schafer respondedto fan speculation that surrounded her potential casting as Princess Zelda. She openly acknowledged the hype circling the internet, expressing genuine enthusiasm about the prospect. And it’s not the first time she was publicly called on for her resemblance to the Nintendo Princess: During the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, her appearance much-resembled the iconic character.
Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning, younger sister of Dakota Fanning, who has some ethereal charm and versatile acting skills, emerges as another sound choice to don the mantle of Princess Zelda. Playing a princess in a fantasy setting often demands a unique blend of balance and energy, and Fanning’s recent roles, like her portrayal of Princess Aurora inMaleficent, display how she can be graceful, resilient, and magical –– all qualities that embody who Zelda is.
With a career that spans indie films and blockbuster hits, Fanning has a consistent range and the capability to take on diverse characters. Fanning hasn’t expressed any desire to play Princess Zelda, but as a seasoned actress with a captivating on-screen presence, Fanning brings not only a physical resemblance to the character, but also the depth needed to become the legendary Princess.
Why The Legend of Zelda Would Make For a Great Series
One of the latest trends involves adapting video games into film and television series and here is why The Legend of Zelda should go to television.
Amber Midthunder
Another compelling contender for the iconic Princess Zelda role and a rising star who has a diverse range of roles under her belt isAmber Midthunder. She’s known for her dynamic role performances, like in the FX seriesLegionand her regular role on the CW’sRoswell, New Mexico,that highlight her versatility as an actress.
Pulling from these recent roles, she has a mesmerizing combination of emotional range, strength, and intricacy that suggests she would be able to align well with the legendary princess. Her career includes roles in both television and films and positions her as an actress who’s capable of bringing a new and fresh perspective to Princess Zelda.
Millie Bobby Brown
In the pursuit to find the best Princess Zelda,Millie Bobby Brown’s name comes up not only because she’s a fan favorite, but also an actress with formidable talent. Best known for her breakout role as Eleven inStranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown stands out as another excellent and fitting choice to portray Princess Zelda. She’s demonstrated an exceptional ability to jump into fantasy worlds and convey an impressive range, even at a young age.
Brown also played Princess Elodie in the Netflix movie,DAMSEL. Her role as a princess in this series adds potential to her portrayal of Zelda, highlighting her ability to command the screen and her comfort in embodying the role of a princess. With ease, Millie Bobby Brown has shown she can inhabit roles across genres and would easily embody the wisdom and noble bearing Princess Zelda carries.
McKenna Grace
Beginning her acting career at the age of five,McKenna Gracequickly made a mark in the industry with her natural talent and dedication. She initially started on the Disney Channel before heading to the soap operaThe Young and the Restless, which demonstrated her versatility even in the earliest stages of her career. When she moved to the horror genre, she was dubbed a “scream queen” for her performances inThe Bad Seed,The Haunting Of Hill House, andAnnabelle Comes Home.
Her ability to command attention in suspenseful and dramatic narratives sets her apart from others in the industry. Drawing from her extensive acting experience that spans genres and her ability to immerse herself in complex and mature roles, she stands out as a captivating choice for Princess Zelda.
How Video Games Took Over Movies
After years of games lavishly emulating movies, it’s time for Hollywood to return the favor. They could sure use the boost.
Dafne Keen
In the area of potential contenders for the coveted role of Princess Zelda,Dafne Keenis another standout choice, armed with her exceptional acting talent and her diverse range of performances. She is widely recognized for her breakout role as Laura, aka X-23, inLogan, and has proven herself as a young actress who can drop into strong and resilient characters. WithLoganfeaturing intense action, she showed she was able to handle physicality and engage in dynamic scenes, which could transfer well for the live-actionLegend of Zelda.
Keen is also multilingual with an international background that addresses the diverse and expansive world of Hyrule, where characters from various backgrounds coexist. Having navigated the superhero genre in previous roles, allows her to be extremely comfortable transitioning into a fantasy setting with magical elements.
Patricia Summersett
When considering who to put in the Princess Zelda position, the spotlight falls over toPatricia Summersett— an intriguing choice who has a connection to the iconic character. Not only is she a seasoned actress, but she’s also the voice behind Princess Zelda in the video game,The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Her familiarity with the nuances of the character combined with her acting talent makes her a plausible choice to bring the princess to life on the big screen.
Her extensive experience in voicing the character has earned her praise for knowing the emotional depth of the character and all of her essential characteristics. Summersett’s connection to the character adds a layer of authenticity and continuity to the casting, giving fans a seamless transition from gaming to film. Her reprising her role offers a unique opportunity to witness the character in a new and visually captivating dimension.
Thomasin McKenzie
Last but not least on our list is the talentedThomasin McKenzie. Widely recognized for her standout performances in movies likeLeave No TraceandJoJo Rabbit, McKenzie has proven herself able to embody characters that demand emotional depth and complexity, like our beloved Princess Zelda. InJoJo Rabbit, McKenzie showcased her acting talents by playing Elsa, a Jewish girl hidden by a German family during WWII.
With the film being a mix of satire and drama, she displayed her adaptability to different tones. McKenzie’s performancesoften reflect the maturitybehind her years, enabling her to connect with audiences emotionally, which is a crucial element for playing Princess Zelda.
