Why Didn’t Hunter Schafer Get Cast in 'The Legend of Zelda'? One Theory Stands Out

The moment Nintendo dropped the casting news for the live-action Legend of Zelda — revealing Bo Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link — social media went into full-blown Hylian meltdown.

Before the announcement, many fans had their money on Hunter Schafer for the role of Zelda, thanks to months of fan art, fancasts, and wishful thinking. So when her name wasn’t called? Some fans didn’t take it lightly.

"Sorry but we will be boycotting this movie until you cast Hunter Schafer as Zelda" one user wrote bluntly under the official post on X.

宮本です。「ゼルダの伝説」の実写映画は、ゼルダ役をBo Bragasonさん、リンク役をBenjamin Evan Ainsworthさんに演じていただくことになりました。おふたりの出演が今から楽しみです。「ゼルダの伝説」実写映画は2027年5⽉7⽇に劇場公開予定です。もうしばらくお待ちください。 pic.twitter.com/jctWHvvYgi

— 任天堂株式会社 (@Nintendo) July 16, 2025

Others were less dramatic, but just as pointed:

"This is just very average ragebait, but I commend the effort."

Some took the practical route — while also unintentionally flirting with ageism:

"They clearly wanted young actors... Hunter is in her mid-20s and couldn't pass for a teenager."

Of course, there was also the inevitable whiplash of fandom snark:

"Oh no, 1% of society may boycott it as opposed to 50% if they did add some degenerate shit!"

Still, not all comments were critical. Many users praised the youthful and grounded casting, excited to see a fresh take instead of another fan-service fantasy.