An unhinged X (Twitter) user has shared a deeply disturbing tweet aimed at The Legend of Zelda franchise creator Shigeru Miyamoto. The post came shortly after Miyamoto announced the casting of Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Princess Zelda and Link in the upcoming live-action adaptation. Taking to X on July 16, Miyamoto wrote:
“This is Miyamoto. I am pleased to announce that for the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda, Zelda will be played by Bo Bragason-san, and Link by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth-san. I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen. (1/2)”
宮本です。「ゼルダの伝説」の実写映画は、ゼルダ役をBo Bragasonさん、リンク役をBenjamin Evan Ainsworthさんに演じていただくことになりました。おふたりの出演が今から楽しみです。「ゼルダの伝説」実写映画は2027年5⽉7⽇に劇場公開予定です。もうしばらくお待ちください。 pic.twitter.com/jctWHvvYgi
— 任天堂株式会社 (@Nintendo) July 16, 2025
Zelda Discourse Has Erupted Online
While many fans welcomed the news—praising the relative obscurity and striking resemblance of the two leads—others were furious that Hunter Schafer, known for Euphoria and Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, was not cast.
The trans actress had been widely “fan-cast” in the role of Zelda in recent years, though there’s no indication she was ever actually considered. Now, things have escalated into toxicity, with pro-trans fans and anti-trans fans hurling disgusting remarks at one another.
Related: First Look at Princess Zelda in Live-Action Sparks Online Backlash From Fans
One Fan Has Targeted Miyamoto
But one post in particular sparked outrage. The user @rakuyo_vlblood, operating under the display name “Rosaria’s Middle Finger,” shockingly tweeted: “hunter schafer should be allowed to kill miyamoto.” The tweet was quickly removed, and the account has since disappeared from the platform, but not before it was captured and condemned by others.
“This Hunter Schafer discourse has gotten out of hand,” one user responded. “They are not obligated to make your fan casting reality.”
“That's some stable behavior right there!” another user sarcastically tweeted.
Similarly, another said, “No no we should listen to people who send death threat, am sure they have a good justification…”
“What gets me is that it wasn’t even a real rumor,” one fan points out, adding, “It was put out by the talent agency Schafer works for currently. Schafer was most likely NEVER being considered. And since they’ve gone with unknowns, they were probably going that direction from the beginning of the project.”
The Super Mario Bros. Movie Paved the Way for Zelda
Nintendo’s decision to move forward with a live-action film came hot off the heels of The Super Mario Bros. Movie’s success, which pulled in over $1.3 billion globally in 2023.
Now, The Legend of Zelda is in development under Sony Pictures and is being directed by Maze Runner and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes filmmaker Wes Ball.
The Legend of Zelda hits theaters May 7, 2027.
Are you excited about The Legend of Zelda? What do you think about all the controversy? Let us know in the comments down below!
