Zelda Voice Actress Patricia Summersett Shares Influences Behind Princess Zelda in Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, redefined one of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises with its open-world gameplay, innovative mechanics, and a rich cast of characters.

A key part of the game’s revitalization was the introduction of voice acting to the Zelda series, a milestone that brought new depth to the protagonist, Princess Zelda.

Canadian actress Patricia Summersett, widely recognized as the voice behind Zelda, recently discussed her approach to the role and the inspirations that shaped her portrayal. In a recent interview with Axios, Summersett reflected on her influences when voicing Princess Zelda.

She explained that her performance was inspired by women she describes as "strong, intellectual, and accustomed to positions of royalty," as well as characters who display "a passion for learning and a lively intellect." Specifically, she mentioned drawing inspiration from actresses such as Emilia Clarke from Game of Thrones, Emma Watson from the Harry Potter series, and Mia Farrow's portrayal in The Last Unicorn. Summersett’s thoughtful interpretation played a significant role in shaping the emotional nuance and depth of Princess Zelda in both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its 2023 sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Her approach blends traditional regal composure with modern curiosity, aligning with Zelda’s narrative arc as a determined scholar and leader facing immense responsibility. “The characters that influenced Princess Zelda for me are those who bring strength and intelligence to their roles, yet remain grounded in their royal status," Summersett told Axios.

“It’s about channeling a zeal for discovery and an energetic intellect.” Despite her integral role in the Zelda franchise, Summersett revealed she has never met long-time Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma in person.

Discussing her personal history with the franchise, she recalled her fondness for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which she played during high school—a game often lauded as one of the greatest of all time and a touchstone for many in the gaming community. Since its launch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling Nintendo Switch titles and earning numerous Game of the Year accolades.

The sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, launched in May 2023 and continues to captivate both new and veteran players with its expansive world and innovative gameplay. Patricia Summersett’s impactful voice work underscores a new era for The Legend of Zelda series, enriching the narrative and deepening the connection between players and one of Nintendo’s most enduring icons.

As voice acting becomes more prevalent in the industry, performances like Summersett’s set new standards for character development in flagship franchises.

Her contributions to the Zelda series highlight not only the evolving role of voice talent in video games but also the timeless appeal of Nintendo’s legendary adventures.

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