Some days before  E3 2017, we’ve reached out Patricia Summersett, the  voice  behind Princess Zelda in Breath of the Wild, for a little talk, about her job, her videogames  tastes and something more. Find out  yourself what we’ve asked down here.
 
 
Breath of the Wild is the first episode of the saga to have real voice acting. How did you get the role of Zelda? What can you tell us about the casting process?

The casting process was pretty standard in that I submitted materials to casting directors and was

ph by Andrea Hausmann

invited to audition in studio. We then had callbacks several weeks later. I discovered weeks after the callback that I had landed a role, though I didn’t know what the actual role was until we were about to record. 

 
How did you feel being the first voice of Zelda? 
When I discovered what the role was, it blew my mind. And it came at a time when I had made a big leap in my career to be based more permanently out of LA, so it was a great symbol for me that I was making the right leap. From more than just a career standpoint, this role itself is so special. I have layers of appreciation for this experience!
 
Do you hope that in the future you will be able to voice Zelda again?
Of course I do, but I also never take these things for granted and it’s not for me to decide. I focus on enjoying the present opportunities, meeting people, and celebrating with those involved in the game’s success (including the fans). Worrying about the future in that regard would be overwhelming and I’m already too earnest!
 
In Breath of the Wild, Zelda is more human than ever: she fails in her purpose, then waits for 100 years and later joins Link in the final battle. Do you have a special memory of the time you spent portraying this character?
Outside of the studio, I had a very special moment — last September— mid-recording. I visited my parents in Upper Michigan; I was tired from travel, but got to spend a very special 10 days at our family camp, which borders Lake Superior. We were visiting some dear life-long friends (my parents age) in the middle of the woods and they asked me about my career. I told them I was doing some video game work and their response was “Oh we don’t really know much about video games, the only one we play is Zelda! We love the Zelda games!”. That moment for me (in complete secrecy) was very intense. It was a colliding of two impossible worlds. It filled all of my heart containers!
 
In every Zelda game the princess is different: yours is the first one with a voice. Did Nintendo give you any tips to assist you when voicing her?
What I auditioned with was pretty close to what the vision for it ended up being. So much of the decision making about the general aesthetic was decided upon before the recording began. There was always the intent that she would be regal, mature and self-possessed. Definitely not a victim. 
 
 
Have you played Breath of the Wild? Did you like it? What is your favorite part?
I am playing BotW, yes! Slowly but surely… I think in general one of my favorite things is simply the sense of humor at every turn with any human and animated object interaction. There are so many reasons to chuckle and be delighted. I also definitely like mixing fish into different dishes, and blowing up stones to find gems. I get a little carried away!
 
Do you play videogames? What is your favorite one? Did you ever play The Legend of Zelda series before Breath of the Wild?  
I play video games but I’m more of a casual gamer My old school favorite game would be Mario. I was just introduced to the indie game “Never Alone” which made me quite emotional to play! I played the original LoZ, Ocarina of Time, and some Twilight Princess.
 
If you could give your voice to another character in the Zelda universe, who would be?
A drunken Korok!
 
Is there something no one has ever asked you in an interview that you would like to say?
I find it funny when people are surprised that I’m a nice person! 
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