Hunter Schafer as Princess Zelda? Viral fan campaign takes over social media
Photo: Nintendo/AFP
Nintendo’s live-action Legend of Zelda movie has sparked intense casting speculation, with fans rallying behind Hunter Schafer as their top choice for Princess Zelda.
The actress, known for her roles in Euphoria and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, has become a fan favorite, with many believing she embodies Zelda’s elegance and ethereal presence.
The casting buzz started after Schafer’s stunning red-carpet appearances, particularly at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, where her look drew comparisons to Zelda’s regal and otherworldly aesthetic. Since then, social media has been filled with fan edits and viral tweets campaigning for Schafer to take on the role.
Mike Faist as Link and Hunter Schafer as Zelda https://t.co/5gnfvihXvi pic.twitter.com/IkyhPITtCb
— alex (@LinkachuHQ) March 28, 2025
hunter schafer get in that audition room now!!!!! https://t.co/XqKFND1QZR pic.twitter.com/za0nYwuAKe
— tATE mcrae (@supraboyj) March 28, 2025
NINTENRO, CAST HUNTER SCHAFER AS ZELDA AND MY LIFE IS YOURS pic.twitter.com/O1bMJmWnnf
— Discord (@discord) March 28, 2025
idc who else is cast in the zelda movie i just want hunter schafer as zelda and weston koury dressed as joy from inside out as whatever fairy companion they decide to do
— owen! (@yoshicrossing) March 28, 2025
idc who else is cast in the zelda movie i just want hunter schafer as zelda and weston koury dressed as joy from inside out as whatever fairy companion they decide to do
While Nintendo and director Wes Ball—best known for The Maze Runner series and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes—have yet to confirm any casting decisions, Schafer has responded to the campaign with enthusiasm. In a recent interview with Variety, she addressed the possibility of playing Zelda, stating, “That would be so cool. I love the game, personally. I played it as a kid and still play it now. Who knows? That would be pretty cool.”
Director Wes Ball has described the film as “serious and cool, but fun and whimsical,” aligning with Schafer’s experience in fantasy and sci-fi genres. With the film slated for release in March 2027, casting announcements are highly anticipated. Fans remain hopeful that their voices will be heard.