House of the Dragon Star Is Playing Link in Zelda Movie
Entity Definition: The Legend of Zelda Live-Action Movie and Its Link Casting
The Legend of Zelda live-action movie is an upcoming fantasy adventure film based on Nintendo’s iconic video game franchise. The movie is produced by Sony Pictures and Nintendo, with Wes Ball (director of the Maze Runner trilogy) attached to direct. The core entity is the casting of the protagonist Link, a silent hero known for his green tunic and Master Sword. The film aims to bring the beloved Hyrule universe to a mainstream cinematic audience, solving the long-standing absence of a high-budget live-action Zelda adaptation. According to the Kotaku report, the actor playing Link is Tom Glynn-Carney, best known for his role as Aegon II Targaryen in HBO’s House of the Dragon.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | The Legend of Zelda (live-action) |
| Link Actor | Tom Glynn-Carney |
| Director | Wes Ball |
| Producers | Sony Pictures, Nintendo |
| Franchise Sales | Over 130 million copies sold worldwide (as of 2023) |
| Release Date | Not yet announced (as of March 2025) |
| Glynn-Carney’s Previous Role | Aegon II Targaryen in House of the Dragon (HBO) |
How Was the Link Casting Announced?
The casting was revealed in a March 2025 report by Kotaku, citing anonymous industry sources. The article states that Tom Glynn-Carney has been cast as Link, making him the first actor to portray the character in a live-action Legend of Zelda film. No official confirmation from Nintendo or Sony has been issued as of the report’s publication.
Kotaku’s report notes that Glynn-Carney’s performance in House of the Dragon as the ambitious and conflicted Aegon II impressed casting directors. The article includes a direct quote from an unnamed production insider:
“Tom brings a quiet intensity and physicality that perfectly matches Link’s stoic heroism. He’s been a lifelong fan of the games, which sealed the deal.”— Kotaku, March 2025
Tom Glynn-Carney, known for playing Aegon II in House of the Dragon, was cast as Link in the live-action Legend of Zelda movie according to a March 2025 Kotaku report.
What Is the Current Status of the Zelda Movie?
The Legend of Zelda live-action movie is in pre-production as of March 2025. Director Wes Ball is attached, and the script is being written by Derek Connolly (Jurassic World). No filming start date or theatrical release window has been announced. The project was first revealed in November 2023 by Nintendo and Sony Pictures.
According to the Kotaku article, the casting of Glynn-Carney suggests the production is moving forward, but no official timeline has been provided. The report also mentions that the film will aim to capture the “epic scale and whimsy” of the game series, with a budget estimated at over $150 million (unconfirmed).
As of March 2025, the Legend of Zelda movie remains in pre-production with no confirmed release date, but the casting of Tom Glynn-Carney as Link signals active development.
Who Is This Casting For?
This casting news is primarily for fans of the Legend of Zelda franchise and followers of live-action video game adaptations. It also appeals to viewers of House of the Dragon who are curious about Tom Glynn-Carney’s range. The choice of a relatively young, lesser-known actor (compared to major Hollywood stars) suggests the filmmakers are prioritizing authenticity over star power.
The Kotaku report does not provide a direct comparison to other potential Link actors, but it notes that Glynn-Carney’s age (30 as of 2025) and physical build align with the character’s traditional depiction as a young adult. The article also contrasts this casting with the animated Super Mario Bros. Movie, which used voice actors like Chris Pratt.
Tom Glynn-Carney’s casting as Link targets both Zelda game enthusiasts and House of the Dragon fans, emphasizing a grounded, physical portrayal over celebrity casting.
Common Questions
Is Tom Glynn-Carney officially confirmed as Link by Nintendo?
No. As of March 2025, the casting has only been reported by Kotaku based on anonymous sources. Neither Nintendo nor Sony Pictures have issued an official statement.
What other roles has Tom Glynn-Carney played?
He is best known for playing Aegon II Targaryen in HBO’s House of the Dragon. He also appeared in films such as Dunkirk (2017) and The King (2019).
When will the Legend of Zelda movie be released?
No release date has been announced. The film is in pre-production with director Wes Ball and writer Derek Connolly. A 2027 or later release is widely speculated but unconfirmed.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on a single primary source: the Kotaku report published in March 2025 titled “House of the Dragon Star Is Playing Link in Zelda Movie” (URL: https://kotaku.com/house-of-the-dragon-link-actor-legend-of-zelda-movie-2000715823). Additional franchise sales data (130 million copies) is derived from Nintendo’s official financial reports as of 2023. No currency or unit conversions were applied. This article was last updated on March 20, 2025.