Bo Bragason: The Rising Star Set to Shine as Princess Zelda

Bo Bragason, a 21-year-old English actress, has recently captured the spotlight with her casting as Princess Zelda in Nintendo and Sony’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, set for release on May 7, 2027. This major role marks an important turning point in her burgeoning career, positioning her as a talent to watch in both film and television. Bragason, possessing a diverse background and an impressive resume for her age, is rapidly gaining recognition. This article explores her journey, recent achievements, and the excitement surrounding her latest role.

Early Life and Background

Born in 2004 in Chichester, West Sussex, England, Bo Bragason grew up in a culturally rich environment, spending parts of her childhood in Luxembourg and southwestern France. Her trilingual upbringing—fluent in English, French, and Luxembourgish—has given her a unique perspective that she brings to her performances. Bragason’s passion for acting emerged early, with her first role at just three years old in the 2007 French-language film Hidden Love. She honed her craft through local theater groups, including Knutsford Little Theatre and the National Youth Theatre, and attended Knutsford Academy for her secondary education.

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough Roles

Bragason’s early career was marked by a nearly decade-long hiatus after her debut, but she returned to the screen in 2016 with motion capture work for the character Young Luna in the Japanese animated fantasy film Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV. Her breakthrough came in 2017 with a serious role as Rachel Winshaw in the BBC One miniseries Three Girls, which earned her critical recognition for her emotional depth. This role showcased her ability to tackle complex, dramatic characters, setting the stage for her future projects.

In 2024, Bragason gained wider attention for her role as Roxy Trotter in Disney+’s historical fantasy series Renegade Nell. Despite the show’s cancellation after one season, it developed a passionate fanbase and highlighted Bragason’s versatility in fantasy-driven narratives. That same year, she appeared in several other projects, including the mystery series The Jetty, the dark comedy film The Radleys as Clara Radley, and the TV series Moving On as Lyn. She also took on the role of Queen Gunhild in the upcoming historical drama King and Conqueror, further demonstrating her range across genres.

The Legend of Zelda: A Career-Defining Role

On July 16, 2025, Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto announced via social media that Bo Bragason would portray Princess Zelda in the live-action The Legend of Zelda film, with Benjamin Evan Ainsworth cast as Link. The announcement, accompanied by images of the actors in costume, sparked widespread excitement among fans of the iconic video game franchise, which has captivated audiences since its debut in 1986. Directed by Wes Ball (The Maze Runner, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) and co-produced by Miyamoto and Avi Arad, the film promises to bring the beloved world of Hyrule to life.

Bragason’s casting as Zelda is her first leading role in a major Hollywood production, marking a significant leap from her previous supporting roles. Fans and critics alike have noted her suitability for the role, given her experience in fantasy projects like Renegade Nell and her ability to portray strong, nuanced characters. The film’s release date of May 7, 2027, gives Bragason ample time to prepare for what is expected to be her highest-profile project yet.

Fan and Industry Reactions

The casting announcement generated significant buzz on social media, with fans expressing enthusiasm for the fresh, young talent chosen to embody Zelda and Link. Posts on X highlighted Bragason’s rising star status, with users like @MTVUK celebrating her casting and @PeladoDelSEO detailing her filmography, which includes Censor (2021) and The Radleys (2024), alongside her television roles. However, not all reactions were universally positive, as some fans had anticipated A-list actors for the iconic roles. Nintendo’s stock reportedly dipped by 0.84% on July 16, 2025, following the announcement, possibly reflecting mixed investor sentiment about the casting of relatively unknown actors.

Despite this, industry insiders have praised the decision to cast young, rising stars, drawing comparisons to the successful approach taken with other recent video game adaptations like The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The collaboration between Nintendo and Sony, rivals in the gaming industry, adds an intriguing layer to the project, with expectations high for a box office hit following the success of other game-to-film adaptations.

Other Recent Projects

Beyond The Legend of Zelda, Bragason’s 2024 projects have solidified her reputation as a versatile actress. Her role in The Jetty earned her praise at a June 20, 2024, photocall in London, while her performance in the vampire comedy The Radleys showcased her comedic timing. Her involvement in King and Conqueror as Queen Gunhild further underscores her ability to tackle historical and dramatic roles. These projects, combined with her early theater experience, highlight her readiness to take on the iconic role of Zelda.

What’s Next for Bo Bragason?

As The Legend of Zelda film progresses toward its 2027 release, Bragason is poised to become a global star. Her previous work in fantasy, drama, and comedy genres demonstrates her ability to embody the multifaceted Princess Zelda, a character known for her wisdom, strength, and grace. With the film’s production backed by industry heavyweights like Miyamoto and Arad, and directed by the accomplished Wes Ball, Bragason’s performance is expected to be a defining moment in her career.

In addition to her film commitments, Bragason’s growing presence in television suggests she will continue to take on diverse roles. Her trilingual background and international upbringing could potentially lead to global projects, especially in European cinema, where her early career started. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates on her preparation for The Legend of Zelda and any new projects she may take on in the interim.

Conclusion

Bo Bragason’s journey from a child actress in local theater to the star of The Legend of Zelda is a testament to her talent and determination. At just 21, she has already built an impressive resume, with roles in critically acclaimed series and films that showcase her versatility. Her casting as Princess Zelda has sparked excitement and debate, setting the stage for what could be a landmark performance in a highly anticipated film. As she continues to rise in the entertainment industry, Bo Bragason is undoubtedly a name to watch, with a bright future ahead in both Hollywood and beyond.