If you’ve spent any time on Netflix or Disney+ over the last few years, you’ve probably seen Benjamin Evan Ainsworth’s face—or at least heard his voice—without even realizing it. He's that kid who somehow manages to be both incredibly endearing and, when the script calls for it, absolutely terrifying. Honestly, it’s rare to see a young actor jump from a gothic horror masterpiece to a foul-mouthed Canadian comedy and then into the boots of a legendary video game hero.
But that’s exactly what’s happening.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth movies and tv shows are becoming a staple for anyone who loves high-quality genre storytelling. Born in Nottingham in 2008, he didn't take the traditional "child star" route of bright lights and cereal commercials. Instead, he started with a small bit on Emmerdale before pivoting into roles that require a level of emotional depth most adults struggle to hit.
The Breakthrough: From Bly Manor to Pinocchio
Most of us first met Benjamin in The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020). Playing Miles Wingrave was no small feat. He had to play a child who was occasionally "tucked away" while a grown man’s ghost took over his body. Watching a 12-year-old act like a manipulative 30-year-old while maintaining a creepy, Victorian politeness? That’s what we call a breakout.
Mike Flanagan, the creator of the series, has a knack for finding child actors who can handle "heavy" material, and Ainsworth was a perfect find. It’s arguably one of the most unsettling performances in modern horror.
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Then, things took a sharp turn toward the whimsical.
In 2022, he landed the title role in Disney’s live-action Pinocchio. He wasn't just doing voice work in a booth; he was on set, interacting with Tom Hanks. While the movie itself got mixed reviews from critics, almost everyone agreed that Ainsworth’s voice brought a genuine, wide-eyed innocence to the puppet. It’s a weird contrast—going from a possessed kid in a haunted mansion to a wooden boy who wants to be real—but it proved he has range.
A Quick Look at the Career So Far
- The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020): His big break as the troubled Miles Wingrave.
- Flora & Ulysses (2021): He played William Spiver, a quirky kid with "hysterical blindness."
- The Sandman (2022): A guest spot as young Alex Burgess in the premiere episode.
- Son of a Critch (2022–Present): His longest-running role as a young Mark Critch.
- All Fun and Games (2023): A return to horror alongside Natalia Dyer and Asa Butterfield.
- Everything’s Going to Be Great (2025): A comedy-drama starring as Lester Smart.
Son of a Critch and the Comedy Pivot
You might not expect a kid from the UK to be the lead in a hyper-local Canadian sitcom, but Son of a Critch is arguably where he’s doing his best work. He plays a younger version of comedian Mark Critch, navigating life in 1980s Newfoundland.
It’s basically The Wonder Years but with more snow and thicker accents.
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Working alongside a legend like Malcolm McDowell (who plays his grandfather) has clearly sharpened his comedic timing. It’s a grounded, sweet show that deals with the awkwardness of growing up. He actually spent months in Newfoundland filming, which is a long way from Nottingham. The show is a massive hit in Canada and has found a dedicated following on The CW and Paramount+, proving that Benjamin Evan Ainsworth movies and tv shows don't just belong in the horror or Disney bins.
The Big One: Becoming Link in The Legend of Zelda
Now, here is what everyone is actually talking about.
In mid-2025, Nintendo confirmed what had been whispered about for months: Benjamin Evan Ainsworth is Link.
The live-action The Legend of Zelda movie is a massive gamble for Sony and Nintendo. Casting Link is notoriously difficult because, in the games, he’s a silent protagonist. He’s an avatar for the player. Giving him a voice—and a face—is a big deal.
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The film, directed by Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), is currently filming in New Zealand and is slated for a May 7, 2027, release. Ainsworth is playing opposite Bo Bragason as Zelda. Fans are already arguing about everything from his hair color to his height, but the choice signals that Nintendo wants a Link who feels young, capable, and slightly "otherworldly."
What’s Coming Next in 2026 and Beyond?
Before we see him with the Master Sword, he has a few other projects in the pipeline. He's reportedly involved in Blood on Snow, a thriller expected to drop sometime in 2026.
It’s interesting to watch his trajectory. He’s moving out of the "child actor" phase and into leading man territory. Most kids who start in horror either get typecast or burn out, but he seems to be picking projects that allow him to age naturally on screen.
If you want to catch up on his work, start with Bly Manor for the acting chops, then hit Son of a Critch for the heart. By the time the Zelda trailer finally drops, you'll understand why he was the pick.
How to stay updated on his upcoming roles:
- Follow Industry Trade Publications: Keep an eye on Variety or The Hollywood Reporter for the first official stills from the Zelda set in New Zealand.
- Stream Son of a Critch: If you’re in the US, check out the latest seasons on The CW’s app or site; it’s the best way to see his growth as a performer.
- Watch Everything's Going to Be Great: This 2025 release is his most recent "mature" role and gives a good indication of the direction his career is heading before he becomes a household name in 2027.
The "Yorkshire Lad" has come a long way from a one-off episode of a British soap opera. Whether he’s fighting ghosts or save-scumming through Hyrule, he's definitely the one to watch.