The Legend of Zelda franchise has captured the hearts of millions of fans globally. The beloved hero, Link, is an enduring character recognized for his courage, determination, and iconic green tunic. Given the significance of this role, fans are naturally invested in who will bring the character to life in the Zelda live-action adaptation.
We have heard, via @DanielRPK, that Sony is “looking [for a] very young” actor to play Link in the live-action ‘LEGEND OF ZELDA’ movie.
In other words, “No Tom Holland”. pic.twitter.com/S4jzxycSvI
— The Streamr (@The_Streamr) November 7, 2023
Why the Backlash?
The concerns expressed by those opposing the casting of Tom Holland as Link are multifaceted. The primary point of contention is that Holland may not fit the image that fans have developed of Link over the years. Link, with his timeless design, is often imagined as a more stoic and heroic figure, while Holland’s previous roles have leaned toward a more youthful and comedic persona.
Fans are concerned that the casting may result in a tone that doesn’t match the serious and epic themes of the Legend of Zelda series, known for its rich lore. They’re eager for an adaptation that stays true to the essence of the games.
A Plea to Nintendo
As the debate over Tom Holland‘s potential casting continues to gain momentum, many fans are now reaching out to Nintendo, imploring them to consider other actors who might better embody the spirit of Link. Suggestions and fan-casting lists have flooded social media and fan forums, offering a wide range of interpretations and preferences for the cast.
A New Twist in the Casting Rumors
In a surprising twist, a new casting rumor has surfaced on X. It suggests that Michael Cera might play Ganondorf in the upcoming live-action Legend of Zelda movie. Although this rumor lacks official confirmation, it’s fueling lively discussions among fans.
BREAKING: Michael Cera has been cast as Ganondorf in the newly announced live-action Legend of Zelda movie. pic.twitter.com/IBmfZ92Ca8
— Ben Bertoli! (@SuperBentendo) November 7, 2023
Exploring Fan-Casted IMDb and Reddit Lists
In addition to the Tom Holland casting debate, fans have taken to IMDb and Reddit to share their own fan-casted lists for the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie. These lists provide unique perspectives on who should fill the roles of beloved characters in the film adaptation. Two such lists include:
- Garrett Hedlund as Link
- Natalie Portman as Zelda
- Hugo Weaving as Ganondorf
- Christopher Lee as the King of Hyrule
- Jeff Bridges as Rauru, Sage of Light
- Brian Steele as Darunia, Sage of Fire
- Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Saria, Sage of Forest
- Olivia Wilde as Princess Ruto, Sage of Water
- Rosario Dawson as Impa, Sage of Shadow
- Halle Berry as Nabooru, Sage of Spirit
Reddit Fan Casting List:
- Tom Holland as Link
- Emma Watson as Zelda
- Idris Elba as Ganon
- Maisie Williams as Saria
- Sadie Sink as Malon
- Danny DeVito as Tingle
- Jameela Jamil as Urbosa
- Meryl Streep as Twinrova
- Gemma Chan as the Great Fairy
- Steve Buscemi as Dampe
Comments from the Fan Community (Twitter/X and Reddit)
- The Streamr (Twitter/X): “We have heard, via @DanielRPK, that Sony is ‘looking [for a] very young’ actor to play Link in the live-action ‘LEGEND OF ZELDA’ movie. In other words, ‘No Tom Holland.'”
- Suggesting that some fans don’t want Tom Holland as Link, favoring a very young actor for the role.
- Hector Navarro (Twitter/X): “Please, for all that is sacred. DO NOT CAST TOM HOLLAND AS LINK in The Legend of Zelda movie.”
- Expressing a strong opposition to Tom Holland playing Link in the movie.
- Terry Penguin/SuperMarioFan65 (Twitter/X): “Tom Holland as Link in the Legend of Zelda movie will be real as I’m calling it now.”
- Indicating support for Tom Holland’s potential casting as Link.
- Spike (Twitter/X): “If Tom Holland was Link in the upcoming The Legend of Zelda movie, he would have already spoiled it.”
- Expressing skepticism about Tom Holland’s ability to keep the role a secret.
- Josh Bieker (Twitter/X): “Wait, so the Legend Of Zelda movie is going to be live action this time and not animated like the Super Mario Bros. film was? I’m even more interested in this project if they end up casting Tom Holland as the role of Link in this movie. lol.”
- Showing openness to the idea of Tom Holland playing Link and finding it intriguing.
- Samuel Blank (Twitter/X): “If you suggest Tom Holland for Link for the Legend of Zelda movie, you don’t know Zelda at all.”
- Strongly opposing the idea of Tom Holland as Link.
- Spider-Kloud (Twitter/X): “A live action film of The Legend of Zelda is officially happening & the reception has been mixed, which is unsurprising. I mean, I can’t say anything good or bad since we haven’t seen anything of it yet. But if this movie casts Tom Holland as Link, many people will be pissed. 😂”
- Acknowledging the mixed reception to the live-action adaptation and speculating that Tom Holland’s casting might anger some fans.
- Calvin (Twitter/X): “Tom Holland in talks to star as Link in Nintendo’s upcoming live action ‘The Legend of Zelda’ film.”
- Rob Keyes (Twitter/X): “The Legend of Zelda movie is happening! Unleash the Tom Holland fan casts (it’s a Sony movie after all!)”
- Sapphire (Twitter/X): “Ever since the Mario movie cast reveal, I have joked about ‘Tom Holland to play Link in upcoming The Legend of Zelda film,’ and now I am genuinely terrified I may be a prophet.”
- Playfully mentioning Tom Holland as Link and being surprised it might become a reality.
- Ethan Lewis (Twitter/X): “As much as I love Tom Holland and don’t really care about Legend of Zelda, get someone who at least looks like him 😭.”
- Reddit User “vexaph0d” (Reddit): “Dang Holland would actually make a great Zelda.”
- This comment humorously suggests Tom Holland would be better suited for a different role, that of Zelda.
As fans share their thoughts and enthusiasm for The Legend of Zelda adaptation, we’d like to know: Who do you think should play Link in the upcoming film?
