Entertainment
Exciting Announcement: Nintendo Reveals Main Cast of ‘Super Mario Bros.’ Movie
The iconic character of Nintendo, the endearing plumber and adventurer Mario, has been depicted by various individuals throughout the years. Charles Martinet has been the longtime voice actor for Mario in most video game appearances. Nevertheless, Mario’s character has also been portrayed by the late professional wrestler known as Captain Lou Albano in the animated series “The Super Mario Bros. Super Show,” and by the late actor Bob Hoskins in the 1993 live-action film. As of recent news, the identity of the new Mario actor has been revealed with unexpected surprise.
During the recent Nintendo Direct presentation, the creator of Super Mario, Shigeru Miyamoto, made a formal announcement regarding the upcoming theatrical release date of the animated film “Super Mario Bros.” produced by Illumination, the studio behind “Despicable Me.” The film is scheduled to premiere on December 21, 2022, just in time for the festive season. Alongside the release date, Miyamoto disclosed the lead cast for the movie.
Stepping into the shoes of Mario is Chris Pratt, renowned for his role in “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Pratt shared on Instagram that his childhood dream was to portray Mario, inspired by his arcade gaming experiences in a coin-operated laundromat. Joining Pratt is Anya Taylor-Joy from “The Queen’s Gambit” as Princess Peach, Charlie Day from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” as Luigi, and the fantastic casting choice of Jack Black as King Bowser. Additional roles include Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, and Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, among other talented individuals. While Charles Martinet will not voice Mario in this production, he will make cameo appearances in the film.
The Super Mario Bros. Animated Film movie is arriving in North American theaters on 12/21/22!
Explore the voice cast for the upcoming movie below ? pic.twitter.com/Xj31P6hk6y
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 23, 2021
The casting decisions have sparked some controversy, given that neither Pratt nor Day are of Italian descent. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the only Italian actor to portray Mario or Luigi was Lou Albano; and Charles Martinet, despite being the enduring voice of Mario, has French heritage. In the past, this aspect hasn’t stirred any commotion.