The gaming and film worlds collided in a whirlwind of controversy on the morning of August 21, 2025, as rumors swirled that Bella Ramsey, the breakout star of The Last of Us, is being considered to play Link in Nintendo’s upcoming live-action Legend of Zelda movie. The news, breaking at 11:01 AM +07, sent shockwaves through fan communities, igniting a firestorm of disappointment and debate. With the film, set for release on May 7, 2027, already a hot topic under Wes Ball’s direction, the casting rumor has turned excitement into outrage. Social media platforms are buzzing with fans decrying the choice, calling it a “miscast of epic proportions,” while others defend Ramsey’s talent. As the dust settles, the question looms: can this bold move salvage the magic of Hyrule, or has it doomed the project before filming even begins?

The Rumor That Shook Hyrule

The rumor ignited late on August 20, when an insider leak from a Hollywood casting call suggested Ramsey, the 21-year-old English actor known for their fierce portrayal of Ellie, was in talks to embody Link, the silent hero of Nintendo’s iconic franchise. The Legend of Zelda movie, co-financed by Nintendo and Sony Pictures, has been a labor of love since its announcement in November 2023, with Shigeru Miyamoto himself overseeing the vision. Link, the blonde, stoic swordsman who battles Ganon to save Princess Zelda, is a cultural icon, his image etched into the minds of millions from Breath of the Wild to Tears of the Kingdom. The idea of Ramsey—a non-binary actor with a distinct, androgynous look—stepping into those green boots has left fans reeling.

The leak came with whispers of a screen test, where Ramsey reportedly donned a tunic and wielded a prop Master Sword, delivering a performance that impressed producers with its intensity. Yet, the physical mismatch—Ramsey’s short, dark hair and youthful frame starkly contrasting Link’s traditional depiction—has fueled the backlash. By midday on August 21, X was flooded with reactions, ranging from “Bella Ramsey as Link? This is a travesty!” to “Nintendo, what are you smoking?” The disappointment cuts deep, with fans mourning the loss of a “classic Link” and questioning if the film will stray too far from the source material.

Fan Fury and Fractured Hopes

The fanbase’s reaction has been swift and brutal. Longtime Zelda enthusiasts, who’ve followed Link’s journey across 40 years and 20+ games, took to forums and livestreams to voice their dismay. “Link is a symbol of courage and masculinity—Ramsey doesn’t fit,” one X user posted, echoing a sentiment that Link’s silence and heroic stature demand a more traditional casting. Others pointed to Ramsey’s Last of Us role, where their gritty, emotional portrayal of Ellie won Emmys and Golden Globes, arguing it’s ill-suited for Link’s understated heroism. “Ellie was loud and raw; Link is quiet and noble—night and day,” a Reddit thread lamented, racking up thousands of upvotes.

The disappointment isn’t just about appearance—it’s about identity. Ramsey’s non-binary status and past roles, like the fierce Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones, have drawn ire from a vocal minority who see the casting as a “woke” agenda push. “Nintendo’s selling out Hyrule for diversity points,” one fan raged, a view amplified by memes comparing Ramsey’s look to a “punk elf” rather than the Hylian knight. Yet, this isn’t the first time Ramsey has faced such scrutiny—their Last of Us casting sparked similar backlash, only for their performance to silence critics. The Zelda rumor, however, has reignited those tensions, with fans split between loyalty to the games and openness to reinvention.

A Star Under Fire

Ramsey’s rise from a Nottingham theatre kid to a Hollywood contender has been meteoric. Their turn as Lyanna Mormont at age 12 won hearts, and their Emmy-nominated Ellie solidified their status as a versatile talent. But this rumored role has put them in the crosshairs again. Known for their resilience—Ramsey deactivated social media in 2025 amid Last of Us hate—they’ve yet to comment, leaving fans to speculate. Some admire their guts, with posts like “Bella could bring a fresh Link—give her a chance!” Others see a mismatch, arguing their expressive style clashes with Link’s mute, action-driven narrative.

The casting rumor also revives comparisons to Hunter Schafer, the Euphoria star once floated for Princess Zelda. Schafer’s ethereal look and enthusiasm—“That would be so cool,” she told Entertainment Tonight in 2023—won her fans, but her rumored snub has shifted focus to Ramsey. Fans who championed Schafer now decry Ramsey, with one X user quipping, “We lost Hunter’s grace for Bella’s edge—why?” The debate has turned personal, with some attacking Ramsey’s appearance, calling them “too quirky” for Link’s heroic mold, while others praise their ability to defy stereotypes.

Nintendo’s Bold Gamble

Nintendo’s choice, if true, reflects a pattern of bold adaptation. The Super Mario Bros. Movie’s success in 2023—grossing over $1.3 billion—proved the company can reinvent its icons, but Zelda carries a different weight. Link’s silence, a hallmark since 1986, demands an actor who can convey emotion through action, not words. Ramsey’s physicality—honed through Last of Us stunts like horse riding and jiu-jitsu—might suit the role’s demands, with insiders hinting at a darker, post-Tears of the Kingdom Link. Yet, the studio’s silence on the rumor has only fueled speculation, with some suggesting a miscommunication or a deliberate leak to gauge reaction.

Wes Ball, coming off Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, aims for a grounded yet fantastical Hyrule, and Ramsey’s unconventional edge could align with his vision. The film’s May 2027 release gives time to refine the cast, but the backlash suggests Nintendo underestimated fan attachment to Link’s classic image. Comparisons to The Last of Us’s successful game-to-screen leap—where Ramsey thrived—offer hope, but Zelda’s broader, more stylized fanbase poses a tougher challenge.

A Divided Community

The fanbase is fractured. Purists demand a blonde, athletic Link, with names like Tom Holland or Timothée Chalamet floated as alternatives. “Holland could nail the agility,” one fan posted, while another pushed Chalamet for his “ethereal vibe.” Others embrace Ramsey’s potential, citing their Catherine Called Birdy range and arguing, “Link’s silence lets Bella shine through action.” The divide mirrors past controversies, like the Last of Us backlash, where initial hate turned to praise after Season 1’s 2023 debut.

Social media is a battleground. Memes of Ramsey in a green tunic with captions like “Link’s new haircut” flood X, while fan art reimagines them with blonde wigs, sparking both laughs and outrage. Some see a silver lining, noting Ramsey’s chemistry with Pedro Pascal—rumored for a role like Impa—could mirror their Last of Us magic. But the majority lean toward disappointment, with pre-order interest for the film reportedly dipping as fans await official confirmation.

What Lies Ahead?

As of now, the casting remains unconfirmed, with Nintendo and Sony Pictures staying mum. A press conference teased for late August could clarify, but the damage is done—fan trust is shaky. If Ramsey is cast, the film’s success hinges on execution: a compelling trailer, gameplay-inspired action, and a Link that honors the games’ spirit. A recast could soothe purists, though it risks alienating Ramsey’s growing base.

The Legend of Zelda movie teeters on a knife’s edge. For some, Ramsey’s Link could redefine a hero; for others, it’s a betrayal of a 40-year legacy. As Hyrule’s fate hangs in the balance, the gaming world watches, torn between outrage and intrigue, waiting to see if this daring choice will forge a new legend—or crumble under the weight of fan fury.