According to industry insider Daniel Richtman, acclaimed actress and model Hunter Schafer is being eyed for the role of Princess Zelda in the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. While no official casting has been announced, the rumors alone have been enough to ripple across the internet, delighting many fans while, predictably, causing transphobic voices to foam at the mouth, calling the idea “too woke.”
Fans have long seen Schafer, a transgender actress who won critical acclaim for her portrayal of Jules Vaughn in HBO’s Euphoria, as a perfect match for Zelda. Her ethereal looks, praised for mirroring the iconic princess, are only part of the picture. Her acting abilities, fierce yet vulnerable, promise to bring a fresh and powerful interpretation to the beloved character. Schafer herself seems excited by the possibility, telling Entertainment Tonight last year, “That would be so cool. I played that video game a bunch when I was a kid. That’s such a good game.”
For many in the transgender community and their allies, the idea of Schafer donning the royal garb of Zelda feels revolutionary. It’s a chance to see a transgender woman embody a character who has long symbolized courage, wisdom, and grace. It’s a moment of possibility and hope, especially in an industry that has historically erased trans people from mainstream roles.
But of course, the usual crowd of bigots has wasted no time turning this opportunity into another culture war skirmish. Online forums and comment sections are flooded with complaints that Schafer’s rumored casting is “forced diversity” or “too woke.” These tired arguments ignore one crucial truth: transgender women are women, full stop, and Schafer is just as capable of bringing Zelda to life as any other talented actress.
What’s clear is that Schafer’s potential involvement is more than just a casting rumor, it’s a moment that challenges the boundaries of what representation can look like in fantasy media. If she’s ultimately chosen for the role, it would be a powerful signal to transgender fans: you belong in these stories, too.
Schafer isn’t the only name in the running. Patricia Summersett, who voices Zelda in the video games, has expressed her interest in the live-action role. The role of Link is also a hot topic, with many fans hoping to see Percy Jackson star Walker Scobell take on the iconic hero. Meanwhile, the live-action adaptation will be directed by Wes Ball (known for Maze Runner and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), with Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad producing.
Regardless of who ultimately plays Zelda, the rumors surrounding Schafer highlight both the progress and the challenges still faced by trans actors in Hollywood. For transgender fans and allies, seeing someone like Schafer even considered for such an iconic role is a hopeful sign, proof that our stories can have a place in even the most cherished of mythologies.
And for those calling it “too woke,” it’s worth remembering: the magic of The Legend of Zelda lies in transformation, courage, and hope, values that transcend any bigot’s tired complaints.
