As the hype ramps up for Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda live-action movie, Google is getting in on the action with a couple of secret messages for anyone looking up either of the movie’s two big stars: Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth.
Nintendo announced the pair of young actors set to portray Link and Zelda in its upcoming film last week. The casting came as a surprise to some, as whilst the actors are certainly not newcomers to acting, they’re relatively unknown when compared to the actors cast in Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. Movie, such as Jack Black and Chris Pratt.
Perhaps unsurprisingly then, there’s been quite a bit of interest in the actors, and it would appear a number of us have Googled the pair to get a rundown on their credits. And, seemingly because this has been a common trend, Google has also jumped onto the hype train.
If you Google Bragason’s name now, “excuse me, Princess” will jump up and down at the top of the results page, complete with an female elf emoji. Ainsworth, on the other hand, gets: “KYAAA! HYAAAAA!” and a male elf.
The former is particularly funny. Though stemming more from the animated Zelda series rather than the games themselves, it makes reference to Link’s numerous responses to the Princess throughout the show (thanks, Eurogamer).
The latter, meanwhile, is of course synonymous with Link’s efforts to chop, stab, and destroy whatever baddies stand in his way — and typically all the character says in most Zelda games.
It follows a similar Easter egg implemented for Oasis fans earlier this month which cheekily corrected any Google search for the term “Oasis tour” or “Rock ‘N’ Roll Star” with “Did you mean: Madferit” and “Did you mean: Rock ‘N’ Roll Staaaaaaaaaar“, respectively. Before that, Google searches for Lewis Capaldi briefly came back with the heartfelt message: “Welcome back Lewis — Someone we love.”
With less than two years to go until The Legend of Zelda opens in theaters, Nintendo is still yet to say anything of the film’s story or setting. Discussing the film in May 2024, however, director Wes Ball said The Legend of Zelda should feel “grounded” and “real,” with as little motion capture as possible.
Curious to read more of Bragason and Ainsworth’s careers so far? We’ve got a guide to everything they’ve been up to, and where you might have seen them already.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
