The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has returned with more than a visual overhaul. Its Nintendo Switch 2 remake also gives several of Hyrule’s most recognizable characters a new English voice cast, including a familiar performer behind Ganondorf.
Released on November 5, 2026, the remake reveals its English cast through the in-game credits. Meanwhile, several actors have celebrated their involvement on social media. Matthew Mercer returns as Ganondorf, Erica Mendez voices both Princess Zelda and Sheik, and Lisa Reimold takes on Navi.
For players revisiting Nintendo’s classic adventure, the casting offers an interesting balance between continuity and a fresh interpretation of familiar characters.
Ocarina of Time brings Matthew Mercer back as Ganondorf
One of the most notable casting decisions involves the King of Evil. Matthew Mercer once again voices Ganondorf, continuing his association with the character after The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment.
This makes his involvement particularly interesting. Rather than introducing an entirely different performer for the remake, Nintendo has retained a voice already associated with Ganondorf in more recent Zelda adventures.
Mercer celebrated the announcement in his personal post on X, expressing his gratitude and describing how honored he felt to bring the original Ganondorf to life again in a game he considers one of the greatest ever made.
There is also a meaningful distinction between the characters he has portrayed. Ganondorf’s appearance in Ocarina of Time belongs to a different chapter of Zelda’s history, even though players may recognize the performer from newer releases.
Consequently, Mercer’s return creates a connection between generations without changing the identity of the adventure being remade. For longtime fans, that familiarity could make the villain’s return especially memorable.
Erica Mendez and Lisa Reimold give two familiar characters new voices
Ganondorf is only part of the story. Princess Zelda and Sheik are both voiced by Erica Mendez, bringing two closely connected identities under the same performer.
The announcement carries personal significance for Mendez. In her announcement on X, she explained that Ocarina of Time was her favorite Nintendo 64 game during childhood. She also expressed disbelief that she was now able to announce her participation in its remake.
That connection adds another dimension to the casting. Mendez is not simply joining a recognizable franchise; she is contributing to a new version of a game that formed part of her own gaming memories.
Meanwhile, Lisa Reimold voices Navi, the fairy who accompanies Link throughout his adventure. Reimold also confirmed her participation through her own post on X.
Navi occupies a very different place in the story from Zelda or Ganondorf. As Link’s companion, she is associated with guidance and exploration rather than royal responsibilities or direct conflict.
Her casting is therefore particularly relevant to the remake’s presentation. Players will encounter Navi throughout their journey, making her voice an important part of how they experience Hyrule.
That connection between characters and exploration extends beyond the performances. Battle4Play has also examined how the remake improves navigation inside the Water Temple, addressing one of the original adventure’s most notorious challenges.
The complete Ocarina of Time cast covers Hyrule’s sages and other memorable characters
Beyond the three actors who publicly celebrated their roles, the game’s credits identify performers for several other important characters.
Here is the complete confirmed English voice cast of the Ocarina of Time remake, as listed in the game’s credits:
- Ganondorf: Matthew Mercer
- Princess Zelda and Sheik: Erica Mendez
- Navi: Lisa Reimold
- Impa: Laura Post
- Nabooru: Cristina Vee
- Ruto: Anne Yatco
- Saria: Suzie Yeung
- Darunia: Josh Petersdorf
- Great Deku Tree: Richard Epcar
- Deku Tree Sprout: Deva Marie Gregory
- Kaepora Gaebora and Rauru: Frank Todaro
- Kotake, Koume and Twinrova: Reba Buhr
The list reveals how widely the English casting extends across Hyrule. It includes central figures in Link’s adventure, characters associated with different regions, and personalities connected to the game’s larger story.
Several performers also handle multiple roles. Erica Mendez voices Zelda and Sheik, while Frank Todaro plays both Kaepora Gaebora and Rauru. Reba Buhr, meanwhile, is credited with Kotake, Koume and Twinrova.
These shared assignments are worth noting because the characters do not all serve the same narrative purpose. Some guide Link, others challenge him, and several help define the places he visits.
The remake’s voice cast adds another reason to revisit Hyrule on Switch 2
The casting announcement arrives at an important moment for Nintendo’s newest console. Ocarina of Time launched on Switch 2 on November 5, the same day several performers shared their excitement about joining the project.
Furthermore, Nintendo’s latest financial results place the release within a rapidly expanding hardware audience. As covered in Battle4Play’s report on Switch 2 reaching 26.35 million consoles sold worldwide, the platform continues building its installed base.
For the remake itself, the significance of its English cast is more personal than commercial. Familiar characters now have credited performers whose interpretations will become part of how returning players remember this version of Hyrule.
Mercer’s return also provides a point of continuity with newer Zelda games. At the same time, Mendez’s childhood connection to the Nintendo 64 original illustrates how the adventure has influenced people who now contribute to its modern incarnation.
Ocarina of Time now has a confirmed English cast spanning Ganondorf, Zelda, Navi, the sages and several other familiar faces. With Matthew Mercer returning and Erica Mendez fulfilling a childhood connection to the original, the remake brings together nostalgia and a new generation of performances.
Which character’s new voice are you most interested in hearing during your return to Hyrule?
Creator of the website, Pokemon trainer by nature. Trying to report on everything related to the world of video games, series and movies. Yu-Gi-Oh is my weakness, collecting cards since the dawn of time.
