‘The Legend of Zelda’ Fans Need To Watch Bo Bragason in ‘Renegade Nell’

For those wondering who Bo Bragason is and how she won the coveted role of Princess Zelda in the upcoming Legend of Zelda, look no further than the historical fantasy series Renegade Nell. Although the highly acclaimed Disney+ original series was canceled after one season, Bragason gives a solid supporting turn opposite award-nominated series lead Louisa Harland.

Renegade Nell is set in an ancient kingdom where the combination of history, fantasy, action, adventure, and the natural world is sure to remind viewers of Hyrule. As such, the similarly themed series has become a must-see for Zelda fans who want to become familiar with the new Princess Zelda, get acquainted with Bragason’s acting style, and understand what producers saw in her work that made them select her for such an iconic role.

What Is ‘Renegade Nell’ About?

Premiering on Disney+ on March 29, 2024, Renegade Nell is a fantasy action-adventure TV series by English writer and creator Sally Wainwright. Set in an alternate version of 18th-century England, the binge-worthy fantasy TV show centers on Nelly Jackson (Harland), a notorious thief and fugitive who becomes the land’s most feared outlaw after being framed for a murder she did not commit.

On the road to salvation, Nell tries to clear her name with the help of Billy Blind (Nick Mohammed), a mystical fairy who grants Nell magical powers. During their sojourn together, Nell learns about her mysterious past and discovers that fate holds a much more important destiny than she ever thought possible. Before she meets Billy, Nell’s family is introduced. Nell’s father, Sam Trotter (Craig Parkinson), welcomes her home after being away fighting a war abroad. Viewers then meet Nell’s two little sisters, George (Florence Keen) and Roxy Trotter (Bo Bragason). Right from the bat, Nell proves her love for Roxy by berating Thomas Blancheford (Jake Dunn), a magistrate’s son who has been harassing Roxy.

After battering Thomas and embarrassing him for his vile acts, Thomas gets bloody revenge on the family by murdering Sam, leaving Nell, George, and Roxy fatherless. This event launches the main plot, sending the young heroines on an epic quest after Thomas frames Nell for the murder of his father, Lord Blancheford (Pip Torrens).

Who Does Bo Bragason Play in ‘Renegade Nell’?

Although Louisa Harland has drawn nearly all the critical acclaim for her titular turn, it’s easy to see why Bo Bragason has been cast as Princess Zelda following her work in Renegade Nell. Once on the run from Thomas and his sister Sofia (Alice Kremelberg), Nell vows to deliver Roxy and George to her uncle’s place to keep them from harm. However, Nell receives advice to team up with her sisters rather than drop them off, putting Roxie and George on nearly equal footing as the heroic series’ protagonist.

From the pilot on, Bragason steals the show with effortless command. Viewers instantly sympathize with Roxy’s plight after Thomas mistreats her, and come to like her even more when she shows her vulnerable side by discussing her romantic crush on Rasselas (Enyi Okoronkwo), a former slave and local stable boy. When an enemy shoots George, Roxy’s deep concern for her sister only reinforces how compassionate and endearing she truly is.

Far from an ineffectual sidekick, Roxy helps George heal after locating an ancient text that presents ingredients needed to make a magical elixir. Watching Roxy gather the requisite supplies and craft a potion isn’t at all far-fetched from how Link acts in search of Princess Zelda. Once Roxy gains magical powers on par with Nell’s by mixing the healing potion, she becomes more of an equal partner than a family assistant.

Why ‘Renegade Nell’ Is Essential for Zelda Fans

Halfway through Renegade Nell, Roxy recedes into the background when Nell drops her and George off at their uncle Jack’s place. Just as it appears that her arc has been completed, Roxy makes a rousing return to the fray when George is kidnapped from Jack’s place by a circus performer named Japhia (Ryan Gage). As the series progresses from here, Bragason gives such a confident and commanding performance as Roxy that, by the end, it’s a no-brainer as to why she was cast as Zelda in the upcoming live-action video game adaptation.

Without giving away the ending, Roxy reunites with Nell to find George, return her to safety, and clear Nell’s name of murdering Lord Blancheford. Meanwhile, Queen Anne of England (Jodhi May) has been summoned to Blancheford’s estate, requiring Nell and Roxy to save her. With her romance with Rasselas to reconcile as well, Roxy emerges nearly as brave, heroic, and sympathetic as Nell. She risks her life to save George and deliver the Queen to safety.

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There’s a remarkable moment in the series finale that gives Roxy the dashing appearance of a royal princess. Between her natural charisma, innate regality, character arc, and standout performance on par with the series lead in Renegade Nell, it’s clear that Bragason has what it takes to bring Princess Zelda to life on the big screen. Those questioning the casting decision ought to tune into Renegade Nell at once.

Bo Bragason’s Previous Track Record Makes Her the Ideal Princess Zelda

Beyond her brilliant turn in Renegade Nell, Bragason’s performance as Queen Gunhild in the 2025 TV series King and Conqueror makes her spot-on casting as Zelda even more understandable. The same goes for her early motion capture performance as Young Luna in Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, another high-profile adaptation of one of the biggest gaming franchises. It’s as if Bragason has been training her whole career for this star-making moment.

Beyond her performative track record, Bragason has the requisite physical stature to play Princess Zelda with credible results. Despite being described as an elf-like Princess, Zelda has long been listed as standing at 5’6″ or 5’7″ and having reddish blonde hair. Bragason fits the bill to a T, standing 5’7″ and having natural strawberry blonde locks. At 20 years young, Bragason also fits Zelda’s youthful likeness as a late teenager.

For such an iconic and universally recognizable character, casting someone who fans can genuinely believe in as Zelda is paramount. Fortunately, Bragason has the proper appearance and acting skills to excel. To fully see why director Wes Ball has put his faith in Bragason to play Princess Zelda in The Legend of Zelda, look no further than Renegade Nell on Disney+.