Nathan T. Rousseau (Director, writer, Link)
Nathan is currently a full time actor at Sight & Sound theaters. Nathan takes on many roles in this film both in front and behind the camera. Audiences will recognize him as Link, but the cast recognizes him as the creator of Rising Darkness. Throughout filming he has jumped from his place as Link, to a place at the camera guiding the shots and promting actors. He is also a very proud director and gives his most heartfelt thanks to his wonderful cast and crew for making this movie a reality. Nathan has been involved in many film projects through the years, but this is his first feature length film. It has been a welcomed challenge for him to keep his character work consistant while also taking on the responcibilities of a director. "I wear a lot of hats, Link's is my favorite, but it's not the only one I wear."
Sarah Hurley (Princess Zelda)
Sarah is majoring in acting at the University of New Hampshire. Sarah plays the role of the lovely princess Zelda. When first approached with the role, she was hesitant because she was already involved in three theater productions at once. She dedicated hours to her role as Zelda and her passion and enthusiasm kept filming running smoothly, despite schedule set-backs. While her scenes did not entail crossing vast terrains and fighting hoards of Moblins, she still portrayed Zelda as the strong and heroic leader that she should be. She also gives Zelda a graceful presance that truely makes her a character familier to fans of the series. Her interactions with Link are moving and often heartbreaking. We are very thankful to have such a talented actress playing the titular role in Zelda: Rising Darkness.
Helaine Hall (Impa)
Helaine Hall is majoring in physics at Boston University. She was one of the first actors cast in Rising Darkness, with her first test footage being filmed in the winter of 2011. She has dedicated many days throughout the years to this film, while also balancing high-school and now attending college. She has batteled her way through exhausting days of filming, all the while maintaining the character's rough and tough composure. She has worked on various other film projects herself, and has enjoyed the experience of filming as Impa. As one of Link's companions, Impa gets herself into many dangerous situations. Helaine was able to protray Impa in these situations as strong and in control. Despite living two hours away, Helaine was still willing to comute and stayed many times late into the night until the scenes were finished. We are incredibly greatful to all that she has done on this project.
Owen Hale (Faronu)
Owen is a scientific illustration major at Arcadia University. He is considered our (not so) resident Indiana Jones, with his schooling taking place many times over seas and around the world. Like Helaine, Owen's first time in character was during the 2011 test footage. Since then he has deditated much of his time and resources to Rising Darkness. In addition to participating as an actor, Owen also provided many of the props for the film. We knew whenever Owen was at a shoot that there would be more weapons than usual. Owen has the difficult challenge of giving life to a character that was created from scratch for the movie. He certainly breathed his own life into the character and gave Faronu the passion and sometimes rash desire for battle that he needed. Owen made filming a pleasure, and his expertise in combat increased the overall quality of the fights and stunt work in Rising Darkness.
Somerset Young (Valdrick)
Somerset is an Acting Major at Point Park University. He is one who we only wish we had been able to work with longer. He played the part of Ganondorf's right hand man Valdrick. He also had the difficult challenge of protraying an original character, although, his was based off of other Zelda baddies. Like many in the project, he had to undergo intensive make-up before every day of filming. He also stayed many times late into the night to finish his scenes just days before leaving for college. He brought his own ideas to his character and portrays him as cold and mad, as all villians should be, but with an edge of true danger about him. This character was truely brought to life by Somerset and we are thankful to have worked with him in Rising Darkness.
Justin Haase (Ganondorf)
Justin Haases is an Environmental studies major at St. John's university. We're all expecting him to become the next crocodile hunter. He was cast relivively late in the process because his acting skills were unknown to many, including himself, until later in his highschool career. Once his talent was seen, he became the perfect fit for the Dark Lord Ganondorf. Jusin is very involved in the sports world and has always been known for his strength and endurance. He certainly needed both of those for his role as Ganondorf. He had to endure hours of make-up in the morning, and hours in rigid armor for the rest of the day. He delivers a chilling portrayal of Ganondorf through his often calm demenor. His strength is apparent, but what makes Justin's character truly terrifying is his ability to hold back his anger. You never know when he is going to snap and obliterate you. Out of character Justin is kind, and a pleasure to work with. After a 12 hour shoot he stayed until morning to help tear down the set at make sure that everyone got all the help that they needed.
Photos of the Cast
