Who Should Play Link in the Upcoming 'Zelda' Movie?

With the success of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," Nintendo has decided to put another one of their classic franchises on to the movie screen. The recent announcement that "The Legend of Zelda" would be getting a live-action adaptation received mostly positive reactions. Nintendo doesn't let anyone mess with their properties, and game creator Shigeru Miyamoto watched closely while the animation studio Illumination made the "Mario" film. This surely means "Zelda" will also have a great chance of success, but the fantasy video game series relies much more heavily on atmosphere, storytelling, and adventure than any other Nintendo title.

The casting of the protagonist, Link, will give the film a great first impression. Link remains silent throughout most of the games, but players know everything about how the green-clad hero thinks, feels, and interprets his environment. The Hollywood star who gets the opportunity to gallivant through Hyrule needs youthful exuberance and skilled facial expressions. These are the actors we think should play Link (and a special shoutout to one potential Zelda actress)!

Troye Sivan

The Australian singer is on top of the world right now after his song "Got Me Started" off his new album "Something to Give Each Other" went viral. He not only has the look of Link with shining golden locks, but he exudes fantastical energy with an ethereal set of dance moves and stage presence. Link doesn't dance or sing, but Sivan has acting experience in the critically-panned HBO show "The Idol." Playing Link would give the talented performer a chance to redeem himself and garner even more LGBTQ+ fans to a franchise that already provides a safe space and comfort to "gaymers" worldwide.

Finn Wolfhard

Millie Bobbie Brown is the most famous young actress on "Stranger Things," but Finn Wolfhard has arguably achieved the grandest filmography of the young cast members in Netflix's science fiction phenomenon. Wolfhard gives off heroic vibes after playing Mike Wheeler, the de facto alpha dog of the kids in the show. He also has movie star credentials, with roles in "Ghostbusters" and "It." Fantasy fans would absolutely love the pedigree behind this choice, and an easy dye job to give Wolfhard Link's signature blond locks should solve any issues behind the actor's aesthetic.

Timothee Chalamet

Chalamet makes this list primarily based on age and name value. As the most famous actor under 30 in Hollywood, he already has an Academy Award nomination for "Call Me By Your Name" and is currently heading big-time franchises like "Dune" and "Wonka." The conflict of interest with his time may be an issue, but if Nintendo comes calling, expect Chalamet to seriously consider playing Link in this most beautiful world of high fantasy. He might just have a new magnum opus that finally wins him that coveted Oscar!

Jace Norman

An unconventional pick could be Jace Norman. The blond heartthrob could pass as the tunic-garbed video game protagonist with ease, but he has a dearth of dramatic film experience. Being a novice may help the former "Henry Danger" star enter the movie with a clean slate, as only Nickelodeon fans would have heard his name in the last half-decade. He won several Kids Choice Awards for his starring turn on the children's sitcom, so Gen Z would love to see Norman again in the biggest job of his career.

Will Poulter

The ultimate representation of social media glow-up, Will Poulter has come a long way since his humble beginnings as the nerd on "We're the Millers" with Jennifer Aniston. Poulter has movie-star sex appeal, with a chiseled body and trim jawline. He would bring a more traditionally masculine approach to Link, and he already has mega franchise experience with the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3."

Ben Platt

One of the most prodigious stage actors of the last decade, Ben Platt has appeared in roles in "Dear Evan Hansen" and "Pitch Perfect," the former for which he won a Tony Award. Platt's ability to sing and perform on stage gives him an extra flair for the dramatic, which would help him play Link, especially when we don't yet know how Nintendo wants the character to be depicted. As we said, Link is typically a silent protagonist, but he could become much the opposite in a live-action film role.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Link has his fair share of feminine qualities. Keiynan Lonsdale would imbue Link with the type of flamboyance and energy that no other actor on this list would be capable of. There's no mention anywhere that Link can't be Black, so much like with the ignorant discussions around a Black actor playing James Bond, it's a non-factor. Lonsdale would cast a magical charm on the character. He previously starred in "Love, Simon" and "The Flash," alongside having an outstanding music career.

Potential Zelda: Hunter Schafer

The discussion about who should play Princess Zelda is just as fun, so let's throw out a potential candidate: Hunter Schafer. One of the most famous trans actresses in the world, Schafer has careened into living rooms worldwide with her performance as Jules in "Euphoria." She bears a striking resemblance to Zelda, and would become a barrier breaker and a beautiful addition to the character's history. She even recently said the idea of starring as the iconic character "would be so cool."