The release date of The Super Mario Bros. Movie is approaching just as quickly as the 2D levels in the franchise that has celebrated decades of success. The Mario franchise is adored by millions, and Nintendo and Illumination have teamed up to bring both the titular character and the universe that binds him to the big screen.
With the announcement of the cast for The Super Mario Bros. Movie, many did not know what to expect with the likes of Chris Pratt and Seth Rogen in charge of these famous video game characters. The first look at The Super Mario Bros. Movie gives fans somewhat of an insight into what they can look forward to.
10 Chris Pratt As Mario
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When The Super Mario Bros. Movie was announced, speculation began with a frenzy on who would play the man himself, Mario. Mario had been voiced by Charles Martinet since 1992 and has been a fan favorite for his talents. It was soon revealed that Mario would be played by Chris Pratt in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, much to the shock and confusion of many.
However, some remained optimistic about Chris Pratt as Mario, and the teaser trailer did not show much of the voice. However, it seems like Chris Pratt is keeping his voice, with a hint of Italian. It awaits to be seen how strong Chris Pratt’s Mario voice is in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
9 Charlie Day As Luigi
Often regarded as one of the best casting choices for not only The Super Mario Bros. Movie but all animated films is Charlie Day as Luigi. Luigi is often seen as frantic, erratic, and skittish. He’s a fan-favorite character, and Charlie Day has a great voice to bring that to cinema screens.
Charlie Day is loud, with a fun tone in his voice when he begins ranting or screaming. It’s a voice that many can’t wait to hear come from Luigi. In the teaser for The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Luigi is frightened by an army of Dry Bones but has not spoken yet.
8 Anya Taylor-Joy As Princess Peach
Princess Peach is the regal sort and rules with compassion over the Mushroom Kingdom. She’s entirely sweet and has a strong adoration for pink. Princess Peach may often be seen as the damsel-in-distress, but she is more than capable of taking care of herself and the Toads and Toadettes that live in the Mushroom Kingdom.
The love interest of Princess Peach is Mario, and it could be interesting to see how Anya Taylor-Joy brings her to life. She’s quite a talent, with many great films and shows under her name. Her voice could bring the calming compassion that many expect from Princess Peach.
7 Jack Black As Bowser
Another great casting to come out of The Super Mario Bros. Movie is Jack Black as Bowser. Jack Black is famed for his musical, film, and comedic talent, and has great charm to his person. His personality shines through the films he does, even when playing a panda in Kung-Fu Panda. It makes him no stranger to animated characters.
Fans have already had their first look at Bowser, and many celebrate the fact that the animators for The Super Mario Bros. Movie have managed to fit Jack Black’s signature grin onto Bowser’s face. There’s a lot of charisma in Jack Black’s voice and energy, which will make for a fun yet powerful Bowser.
6 Keegan-Michael Key As Toad
The high-pitched voice of Toad is a notable aspect of the character. As notable as Toad’s mushroom head. Many debates whether Toad’s head is his head or a hat, and perhaps The Super Mario Bros. Movie will answer that. Even if it does not, fans can rest easy knowing that Keegan-Michael Key is providing a great voice for Toad.
Keegan-Michael Key is known for his great entry into comedy and brings the hilarity of his voice to Toad, a character famed for his croaky and high-pitched voice. It’ll be interesting to see if Keegan-Michael Key voices all of the Toads, or just one.
5 Kevin Michael Richardson As Kamek
Kevin Michael Richardson is no stranger when it comes to animated characters. He’s been a prolific voice actor for decades and will give voice to Kamek in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Kevin Michael Richardson has a great talent in his voice and can change pitch and tone at ease. His Kamek voice is different from his own.
Kamek is a high commanding officer in Bowser’s army and introduces the King of the Koopas in The Super Mario Bros. Movie teaser trailer. It’s unknown how villainous of a role Kamek will play, but the character is very loyal to Lord Bowser.
4 Sebastian Maniscalco As Foreman Spike
Little is currently known about Sebastian Maniscalco’s casting of Foreman Spike. The stand-up comedian has a range of physical comedy and roles in acclaimed films like The Irishman. It’s expected that Foreman Spike does not have the largest role in the film, as the character does not have a long career in the franchise.
What is known about Foreman Spike is that he was a construction worker, and rival to Mario and Luigi. Perhaps Foreman Spike tries to run Mario and Luigi out of their business and teams up with Bowser to ensure their defeat once and for all.
3 Fred Armisen As Cranky Kong
There’s a good level of range in Fred Armisen’s roles. Usually, Fred Armisen shines in his comedic roles, and Cranky Kong could be another character under his belt. Cranky Kong is Donkey Kong’s grandfather and often makes jokes about how old he is.
Cranky Kong is usually seen rocking in his chair and waving his walking stick. His beard is long and ragged, and he talks of the good old days. Cranky Kong is the original Donkey Kong from the arcade games which featured Mario in his first game.
2 Khary Payton As Penguin King
A powerful and booming voice belongs to that of a king. Thankfully, Khary Payton voices such a king with his performance as the Penguin King. This character has not been in the Mario franchise before, and this will be the first appearance of the Penguin King.
The trailer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie sees Khary Payton’s King Penguin under attack from Bowser and his forces. He brings a great comedy to the role, as the King Penguin seems unaware that his snowball attacks are useless.
1 Seth Rogen As Donkey Kong
Seth Rogen is an often celebrated producer, actor, and writer of mostly comedic pieces of media. Not only is he famed for his roles in comedies, but his iconic and deep infectious laughter. Seth Rogen has been cast as Donkey Kong for The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the king of swing.
It’s a casting that many could see happening, as Seth Rogen has quite a distinct voice that could fit rather well with Donkey Kong. His professional attire of being naked with a red tie awaits to be seen and heard in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is scheduled to be released on April 7, 2023.