The Nintendo Direct last night has logically been the scene of many announcements about upcoming games on Switch. But, to everyone’s surprise, the Japanese giant took the opportunity to give news of the upcoming Super Mario movie. This time, it was about the casting of the film. And the information he disclosed about her was just as surprising.
Shigeru Miyamoto in person intervened during the Nintendo Direct to announce the distribution of the new film Super Mario. And it is clear that this casting is astonishing to say the least. Nintendo and Illumination have indeed chosen actors who do not necessarily come to mind when we think of an adaptation of the adventures of Mario.
Charles Martinet, the actor who has played Mario in games since Super Mario 64, leaves his place here. It is Chris Pratt, the interpreter of Starlord in the films of Marvel Studios, who will lend his voice to Mario. Princess Peach will be played by Anya Taylor-Joy, more recently seen in the series The Lady’s Game.
Mario feat. Cranky kong
Charlie day, actor accustomed to comedies like How to kill your boss, Luigi will play in the animated film. Jack Black, the musician / actor seen in the last two Jumanji, will play Bowser. Another unexpected choice, comedian Keegan-Michael Key will lend his voice to Toad in Super Mario.
Even if it is above all a film Mario, the universe of Donkey Kong will also be represented there. Indeed, Shigeru Miyamoto revealed that Seth Rogen will play Donkey Kong in this adaptation. Also used to comedies and dubbing, he recently played Pumbaa in the latest adaptation of The Lion King.
To round out this three-star cast, Nintendo revealed the cast of a handful of other roles. Fred armisen, best known for appearing on Saturday Night Live, will be Cranky Kong in this new film.
Kevin michael richardson, a regular dubbing series and animated films, will lend his voice to Kamek. And as we told you several weeks ago, the comedian Sebastian maniscalco Spike will camp.
It’s not a-me Mario!
To finish, let’s come back to the case of Charles Martinet. Nintendo certainly felt that the absence of Mario’s historic voice could generate a bad buzz among gamers. Nintendo and Illumination have therefore entrusted “surprise cameos“to the voice actor made famous by his interpretations of Nintendo characters.
The latter will therefore certainly have to content himself with brief interventions. Should we expect brief appearances from Wario and Waluigi in the film? Impossible to say at the moment.
Shigeru Miyamoto also took the opportunity to reveal that the Super Mario movie will be released for the holiday season 2022 in North America. The French release date of the film, however, has not yet been mentioned. Note in passing that, according to the account Twitter from the American site Variety, the title of the film will simply be “Mario. ”
As previously stated, the identity of the director of the Super Mario film has not yet been formalized. A recent leak, however, suggests that the duo Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic will be behind the virtual camera. The animated feature Super Mario is produced by Illumination (the studio behind The Minions), in collaboration with Nintendo.
What do you think of these announcements? Are you satisfied with this casting? What do you think of the treatment reserved for Charles Martinet? Do you plan to go see this movie? Tell us all in the comments below.