A Detailed Look at His Career, His Casting as Link, and Why He’s One of the Most Watched Young Actors in Entertainment
The name benjamin evan ainsworth has surged across entertainment headlines in 2025 as the young actor steps into his biggest role yet—the live-action portrayal of Link in the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie. With filming now underway and the first official images released, U.S. audiences are taking a deeper interest in his background, career path, and what makes him uniquely suited to lead one of the most iconic fantasy franchises of all time.
This expanded news feature takes a comprehensive look at who he is, how he got here, and why his casting has become one of the most discussed developments in the entertainment world this year.
Table of Contents
Who Is Benjamin Evan Ainsworth?
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth is a British actor born on September 25, 2008, in Nottingham, England. Though young, he has already built a strong reputation for dramatic range and emotional nuance in both film and television. His training began early through the Northern Lights Drama Theatre School, where he developed stage presence, movement skills, and the confidence needed for major screen roles.
By 2025, he has become one of the fastest-rising talents in the international acting scene.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Benjamin’s earliest credits include work in British television, where he gained experience performing under tight production schedules. His first widely recognized breakthrough came in 2020.
Notable Early Roles
- Miles Wingrave in The Haunting of Bly Manor
His performance captured intense emotional depth and earned praise from audiences and critics alike. - Flora & Ulysses (2021)
A family adventure film that helped introduce him to U.S. streaming audiences. - Voice of Pinocchio in Disney’s live-action Pinocchio (2022)
A major voice-acting achievement, further expanding his range. - Recurring role in Son of a Critch (2022–present)
Showcased his comedic timing and character consistency.
Each of these roles contributed to his growing versatility—an important skillset for portraying a complex, largely silent video-game hero like Link.
How Benjamin Evan Ainsworth Was Cast as Link
The announcement that Benjamin Evan Ainsworth would play Link marked a major milestone in the development of the live-action Legend of Zelda film. His casting was revealed in mid-2025 and immediately sent waves of excitement, debate, and anticipation across both the gaming and entertainment communities.
Why He Was Selected
- Youthful appearance matching Link’s traditional image
- Proven emotional depth from dramatic roles
- Ability to handle physically demanding parts
- A rising trajectory that suggests long-term franchise potential
Nintendo and Sony Pictures selected him as the face of the film after extensive auditions, aiming to anchor the franchise with a young, talented actor capable of sustaining multiple films if the series expands.
First Official Images Reveal His Look as Link
In late 2025, the first official images of Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link were unveiled. These photos immediately gave fans a glimpse into the tone and style of the movie.
What the Photos Show
- A green tunic styled with realistic fabrics and stitching
- A rugged outdoor setting consistent with classic Hyrule landscapes
- A youthful but determined expression that matches Link’s spirit
- Costume details that balance game inspiration with live-action authenticity
The images confirmed that the film is leaning toward a grounded fantasy aesthetic rather than a hyper-stylized one, and Benjamin’s portrayal appears aligned with that tone.
What This Casting Means for the Zelda Franchise
A live-action Zelda adaptation has been highly anticipated for decades, making the selection of Benjamin Evan Ainsworth especially significant.
Impact on U.S. Audiences and Fans
- Younger viewers get a relatable hero with genuine on-screen charisma.
- Long-time fans see a Link who resembles modern interpretations from recent games.
- General moviegoers are introduced to a rising actor with growing mainstream appeal.
This role is likely to define his career for years, particularly if the movie succeeds and expands into sequels or a larger cinematic universe.
Career Milestone: Leading a Major Fantasy Franchise
Landing the role of Link is not just another acting credit—it represents a pivot point in Benjamin Evan Ainsworth’s professional life.
What This Role Demands
- Physical training for combat and stunt sequences
- Emotional range to portray a traditionally minimal-dialogue character
- Adaptability for large-scale action, green screen, and complex scenes
- Maintaining character continuity in promotional events and potential future films
Taking on such a role at 17 positions him among the youngest actors to head a major fantasy franchise in modern cinema.
Timeline of Key Career and Zelda-Related Events
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Early career start with U.K. television work |
| 2020 | Breakthrough with The Haunting of Bly Manor |
| 2021 | U.S. mainstream exposure with Flora & Ulysses |
| 2022 | Voiced the lead in Pinocchio |
| 2023–2025 | Continued success with Son of a Critch |
| 2025 | Officially cast as Link in the live-action Zelda film |
| 2025 | First production images released |
| 2027 | Scheduled U.S. theatrical release for the film |
This timeline highlights how rapidly his career has progressed and how the Zelda role serves as a major new chapter.
Public Response and Fan Sentiment in 2025
Reaction to Benjamin Evan Ainsworth’s casting has been significantly positive. Fans appreciate the balance of youthful authenticity and acting experience he brings to the role. Some discussions revolve around how he will portray the character’s traditionally quiet nature, but early visuals suggest the adaptation is shaping Link in a way that’s faithful yet cinematic.
Many longtime fans have also expressed excitement at the film’s realistic tone—something that aligns with Ainsworth’s dramatic strengths.
Final Thoughts
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth’s rise to international attention represents a major shift in the worlds of gaming and film. His role as Link in the live-action Zelda movie solidifies him as one of the most exciting young actors to watch, and U.S. audiences have every reason to anticipate a breakthrough performance when the film reaches theaters.
If you’re excited to see Benjamin Evan Ainsworth bring Link to life—or have thoughts on his casting—share your perspective below and join the conversation.