Patricia Summersett, the voice actress who has brought Princess Zelda to life in English-dubbed versions of the beloved Nintendo franchise since 2017, reveals the organic process behind creating the character's now-iconic voice. Summersett explains that she developed the voice for 'Breath of the Wild' without knowing she was auditioning for Zelda, working from script specifications. "I knew that my regular voice was too low for a young princess character, so I sort of pitched it up," she tells Variety, adding a "classic English" quality to fit the fantasy world.
Surprisingly, voicing Princess Zelda is one of the most physically comfortable experiences in Summersett's career. She describes feeling a "deep relaxation" after recording sessions, attributing it to the soft, relaxed nature required for Zelda's voice, even when portraying a thoughtful character. "Holding your center of energy at a sort of young, wide-eyed, youthful place that has a big heart is a pleasant feeling," she notes.
As 'The Legend of Zelda' marks its 40th anniversary, Summersett reflects on being a part of the franchise for a quarter of its existence. She expresses appreciation for the project's longevity amidst a world of constant change and innovation, finding joy in the consistency of these "wonderful stories and characters."
Her journey to becoming Zelda began at a pivotal moment in her career, shortly after moving to Los Angeles. The audition process for 'Breath of the Wild' was shrouded in secrecy, presented as a generic RPG fantasy game. Summersett recalls going "balls to the wall" to make a good impression, experiencing an "adrenaline rush" akin to skydiving when she finally learned the role was Princess Zelda.
Though not a "die-hard fan," Summersett grew up familiar with Nintendo, having played the original 'Zelda' and 'Ocarina of Time,' alongside being a dedicated 'Mario' player. This existing connection deepened once she officially joined the franchise.
Her relationship with the 'Legend of Zelda' fandom is now a defining aspect of her experience. Through comic cons and global travels, she witnesses the universal love for the story, with fans often approaching her to play 'Zelda's Lullaby.' Summersett emphasizes her professional approach to embodying the character: respecting the existing legacy but focusing on the script and director's vision, trusting that her inherent essence was what the creators sought.
Beyond Hyrule, Summersett is currently involved in several undisclosed video game projects. She also shared her excitement about returning to music with her band and embarking on new writing endeavors, including essays. Her artistic pursuits reflect a desire to explore the intersection of nature, untapping from technology, and diving into interactive tech like Mi.Mu gloves.
Regarding the upcoming 'Ocarina of Time' remake, Summersett expresses excitement as a fan but remains tight-lipped about any potential involvement, citing the unreleased status of the game. Similarly, when discussing the live-action 'Zelda' movie slated for 2027 with Bo Bragason as Princess Zelda, Summersett defers to the filmmakers' expertise. She maintains an open mind about different interpretations of the character, acknowledging the challenges of video game adaptations while celebrating recent successes in the genre. Though she couldn't confirm her involvement, she hopes that voice actors from the games will be incorporated into such film and TV projects in the future.