Beloved video game characters are appearing on the big screen in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Based on Nintendo’s Mario franchise, the animated film tells the origin story of Mario (Chris Pratt) and his younger brother, Luigi (Charlie Day), as they start their own plumbing business. While the film begins with the brothers trying to find success with their new professional endeavor, viewers are eventually taken on Mario’s action-packed journey through the Mushroom Kingdom as he sets out to save Luigi after he is captured by Bowser (Jack Black) and his army.
Pratt leads an all-star cast that also includes Anya Taylor-Joy, Keegan-Michael Key,Seth Rogen, Fred Armisen, Sebastian Maniscalco, Charles Martinet and Kevin Michael Richardson.
The cast likely knows that they have big shoes to fill by portraying the fan-favorite characters.
“I was pretty nervous when they offered it to me. I thought, ‘Wow, let’s not screw this up,’” Pratt toldThe Hollywood Reporterabout the pressure he felt to voice the titular character during the film’s L.A. premiere. “People are passionate about this character, and they’ve probably seen some of their favorite IP getting screwed up. It’s kind of a cynical business. People make movies just because a title has reach.”
Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic co-directed the film from a screenplay by Matthew Fogel.
Below,THR takes a look at the Nintendo characters and the actors who are playing them in the 2023 animated film.
Chris Pratt as Mario
Mario is a struggling Italian-American plumber based inBrooklyn, New York. When Luigi is captured by Bowser’s army, he sets out on a mission in Mushroom Kingdom to save his younger brother.
After starring on The WB’s Everwood, Pratt rose to prominence when he portrayed Andy Dwyer on NBC’s Parks and Recreation from 2009-15. While starring on the sitcom, the actor also played supporting roles in the films Jennifer’s Body, Moneyball, Zero Dark Thirty andHer. In 2014, Pratt portrayed Star-Lordin Guardians of the Galaxy and went on to reprise the role in four more Marvel movies. He also played Owen Gradyin theJurassic Worldtrilogyfrom 2015-22. Pratt is no stranger to animation and has lent his voice to characters in The Lego Movie and Onward. His next animated project will feature him voicing the titular character in the 2024 film Garfield.
Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach
As the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, Princess Peach acts as Mario’s guide, mentor and love interest. She has lived in Mushroom Kingdom since she was an infant and was raised by the Toad population within the community.
(Video) Super Mario Movie Character TIER LIST!! #mario #shortsTaylor-Joy previously starred in the horror film The Witch, followed by more movies in the genre, including Split and its sequel, Glass. Her other notable film credits include roles in Last Night in Soho, The Northman, The Menu and Amsterdam. Taylor-Joy also starred as Beth Harmonin theNetflixminiseriesThe Queen’s Gambit and won a Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild Award for the role. The actress will next star in the films Furiosa and The Gorge.
Charlie Day as Luigi
Luigi is Mario’s timid younger brother and business partner. After he is captured by Bowser and his army, Mario sets out on a mission to save Luigi.
Day is best known for playing Charlie Kelly on the long-running FX comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which he also executive produces. Additionally, he co-created Fox’sThe Cool Kidswith Paul Fruchbom and Apple TV+’sMythic Quest with Rob McElhenney andMegan Ganz. The actor has also found success in film, starring in Pacific Rim, Pacific Rim Uprising, Horrible Bossesand Horrible Bosses 2. The Super Mario Bros. Movie isn’t Day’s first animated film. He previously voiced characters in Monsters University and The Lego Movie franchise. Day is set to make his feature-film directorial debut in May 2023 with the film Fool’s Paradise, which he also wrote and acts in.
Jack Black as Bowser
Bowser is King of theKoopas, the ruler of the Dark Lands. In the movie, he steals the powerful Super Star in an attempt to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom. Bowser also plans to marry Princess Peach.
In addition to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Black has lent his voice to several animated projects, including the Kung Fu Pandafranchise, and the video gamesBrutal Legend,Broken AgeandPsychonauts 2. The actor has also appeared in several live-action films, like High Fidelity,Shallow Hal,Orange County,School of Rock,Envy,King Kong,The Holiday,Gulliver’s Travels,Bernie,The House With a Clock in Its Walls, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and theJumanjifilm franchise.
Keegan-Michael KeyasToad
Toad, who is a member of the Toad species, is a resident of Mushroom Kingdom who aspires to go on an adventure.
(Video) Guess The Mario Characters By Their Voice...! 🍄🍄 #2Key has had a successful career in both television and film. He co-created and starred on Comedy Central’s Key & Peele from 2012-15, while he also starred on USA Network’s Playing House from 2014-17, Netflix’s Friends from College from 2017-19 and Hulu’s Reboot in 2022. In addition to having recurring roles on Fargo and Parks and Recreation, Key has had supporting roles in the films Horrible Bosses 2,Pitch Perfect 2,Don’t Think Twice, Dolemite Is My Name and The Prom. The actor has also acted in several animated films, including The Lego Movie, theHotel Transylvaniafranchise, Storks,The Angry Birds Movieand Toy Story 4. He is currently starring as Josh Skinner on AppleTV+’s Schmigadoon!
Seth RogenasDonkey Kong
Donkey Kong is a powerful anthropomorphic gorilla and heir to the throne of the Jungle Kingdom. The brothers encounter King Donkey during their journey through Mushroom Kingdom, while Mario and the heir even fight in an epic battle.
Rogen is best known for his comedic roles and has appeared in films including Knocked Up, Neighbors and Long Shot. The actor has starred in and co-written movies likeSuperbad, Pineapple ExpressandThis Is the End, while he also wrote, produced and acted in the R-rated animated film Sausage Party. Additionally, he showed off his dramatic acting abilities in Take This Waltz, Steve Jobs and The Fabelmans.On the television side, Rogen previously starred on Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared and Pam & Tommy.
Fred Armisenas KingCranky Kong
Cranky Kong has several responsibilities as the ruler of the Jungle Kingdom, including acting as the commander of the Kong Army. He is also Donkey Kong’s father.
After starring on Saturday Night Live from 2002-13, Armisen co-created and starred in IFC’s Portlandia from 2011-18. The actor went on to co-create theIFC mockumentary seriesDocumentary Now!(2015–present) and theShowtimecomedy Moonbase 8(2020–present). Armisen served as the band leader of the 8G Band on Late Night With Seth Meyers, while he has also made guest appearances on several shows, including 30 Rock,Parks and Recreation,Brooklyn Nine-Nine,New Girl,Broad City,Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,Difficult People andThe Last Man on Earth. He most recently appeared on Netflix’s 2023 series Unstable as Leslie.
Sebastian ManiscalcoasSpike
Spike is Mario and Luigi’s former boss from the Wrecking Crew. He becomes upset with the brothers when they leave the company to start their own business.
(Video) Every Voice Actor You Need to Know for The Super Mario Bros. MovieManiscalcohas found success as both a stand-up comedian and actor. While his film credits include supporting roles in Green Book, The Irishman and Spinning Gold, he has starred in six stand-up specials, including Sebastian Live, What’s Wrong With People?, Stay Hungry and Is It Me? Maniscalcoco-wrote and will star in the upcoming comedy film About My Father, while he will also star in the upcoming HBO Max comedy series How to Be a Bookie.
Charles Martinetas Mario and Luigi's Father/ Giuseppe
Martinet takes on two roles inThe Super Mario Bros. Movie. He lends his voice to Mario and Luigi’s father, as well as Brooklyn resident Giuseppe. While playing Giuseppe, Martinet speaks with an accent that is similar to the one the brothers use in the games.
The actor is best known for voicing the characters of MarioandLuigiin theSuper Mariovideo game series since 1991. He has also lent his voice to the characters of Parthurnaax in the 2011 video gameThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrimand Magenta in 2021 video gameDragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
Kevin Michael RichardsonasKamek
Kamek, a Koopa sorcerer, serves as Bowser’s adviser and informant as he tries to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom.
Richardson has voiced characters in several animated films, including Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge, theLilo & Stitchfranchise andThe Matrix Revolutions. On the television side, the actor has worked withSeth MacFarlane on many of his shows, includingFamily Guy,The Cleveland Show andAmerican Dad! He has also lent his voice to several characters on The Simpsons. Richard has received critical acclaim for his voice acting and earned twoDaytime Emmy Awardnominations for voicing theJokerin Cartoon Network’sThe Batman from 2004–08.
FAQs
Who should voice Mario in the movie? ›
Jack Black, who voices the villainous Bowser in the blockbuster, is already thinking ahead, telling GameSpot that Pedro Pascal is his pick to voice Wario should the sequel bring in a new villain.
Who voices the blue star in Mario movie? ›That title goes to Lumalee (voiced by Juliet Jelenic), the most adorably depressing nihilist ever featured in a family-friendly animated movie.
Who are the characters in the Mario movie? ›Fanboy extraordinaire Kevin Michael Richardson, 58, will play Kamet, a wizard Koopa who helps Bowser. Kamet is one of the main antagonists in the Yoshi games and also appears in the Mario Kart and Mario Party series.
Who is Waluigi's girlfriend? ›Waluigi. Walgina dated Waluigi in Seasons Two and Three, but they broke up some time in The Movie because of the dangers she would find herself in. Following Season Five, Waluigi departed to resume his relationship with her.
Who is the main character in the Mario movie? ›Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach
Anya Taylor-Joy went full gamer. She told Digital Spy that she “1,000%” played the Mario video games in order to prep for voicing Peach in the movie.
Character Information
Princess Rosalina is a major character in the Mario series. She is a intergalactic princess who is the "mother" of the Lumas. Her duty is to watch over and protect the cosmos and command the Comet Observatory.
Unlike Super Sonic, Lumalee was not censored or labeled as a "surprise toy" for some reason in the McDonald's promo, Lumalee was revealed in the final trailer of The Super Mario Bros Movie. The King Penguin refers to Lumalee as a "he", proving Lumalee is male in the movie.
Who is Mario characters girlfriend? ›
| Princess Daisy | |
|---|---|
| Mario character | |
| Daisy, as depicted in her promotional artwork for Super Mario Party | |
| First appearance | Super Mario Land April 21, 1989 |
| Created by | Gunpei Yokoi |
| Mario | |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Plumber |
| Family | Luigi (brother) |
| Significant other | Princess Peach Pauline (ex-girlfriend) |
Charles Martinet: Mario's Dad, Giuseppe
Jump to: Quotes (2)
Magikoopa – A wizard Koopa capable of casting magic spells, turning blocks into foes, power-ups, or coins. Magikoopas first appeared in Super Mario World.
Is Yoshi in the Mario movie? ›The lovable dinosaur-like creature often serves as Mario and Luigi's sidekick, but was nowhere to be found in his usual green form in the animated flick. Other colors have been offered as options to play in multiplayer games, since the word Yoshi also refers to the wider species, and not just one character.
Is Waluigi Luigi's dad? ›Character Info
Waluigi is Wario's skinny brother. He really loves Luigi's wife, Daisy, that's why Luigi and Waluigi are enemies. He is sometimes Wario's sidekick, because he helps him out from time to time. He is also an expert at tennis.
Daisy and Luigi have been portrayed as a couple since NES Open Tournament Golf where Daisy takes the role of being Luigi's caddie.
Who is Mario's daughter? ›...
Rosalina (Mario)
| Rosalina | |
|---|---|
| First appearance | Super Mario Galaxy November 1, 2007 |
| Created by | Yoshiaki Koizumi |
Uncle Tony is the uncle of Mario and Luigi, appearing in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. He is brothers with Papa Mario and Uncle Arthur.
Is Bowser Jr a girl? ›...
| Bowser Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Alias | Junior |
| Species | Koopa |
| Gender | Male |
| Title | Prince of the Koopas |
What animal is Yoshi? ›
Yoshi is a fictional dinosaur who appears in video games published by Nintendo.
Who is older Mario or Luigi? ›Luigi is portrayed as the taller, younger brother of Mario, and is usually seen dressed in a green shirt, dark blue overalls, and a green hat with a green "L" insignia.
Who is Spike in the Mario movie? ›Spike appears in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, marking his first physical appearance in over 21 years since Mobile Golf. He is voiced by Sebastian Maniscalco in the film's English version, according to whom Spike serves as the former boss of Mario and Luigi in the movie, and Yasuhiro Mamiya in the Japanese version.
Who is princess in Mario movie? ›Note: This page talks about Princess Peach in the Illumination The Super Mario Bros. Movie. For her original counterpart click here.
Who did Mario marry? ›Mario is not married, but Mario did try to propose to Peach in Super Mario Odyssey.
Who married Peach? ›This culminates in many more kidnapping attempts by Bowser, and Mario ultimately defeats the Koopa king and rescues Peach. In later games, Bowser is revealed to have romantic feelings for Peach, and his motives shift to winning her hand in marriage.
Who is Rosalina boyfriend? ›6 Rosalina Is The Only Princess In The Mario Universe Without A Boyfriend.
Who is Mario Toad sister? ›Toadette, who has appeared in other spin-off games since her first appearance, was stated to be Toad's sister in an official Prima strategy guide for Mario Kart Wii (though this relationship between Toad and Toadette has yet to be confirmed by Nintendo itself).
Who is the little mushroom guy in Mario? ›...
| Goomba | |
|---|---|
| Mario character | |
| Goomba, as depicted in promotional artwork for New Super Mario Bros. U | |
| First appearance | Super Mario Bros. (1985) |
Frank Welker is the voice of Yoshi in Super Mario Bros.. Movie: Super Mario Bros.
Is Rosalina related to Peach? ›
Speculation on the internet suggested that Peach is Rosalina's mother since the depiction of Rosalina's mother in Rosalina's storybook resembles Peach. This was proven false as the developers told the character's back story through a book in the Comet Observatory's library.
How old is Mario right now? › Why isn t Daisy in the Mario movie? ›Since Daisy doesn't live anywhere near the Mushroom Kingdom, The Super Mario Bros. Movie could easily avoid her, but the story presents the film with an easy way of including her regardless. According to the trailers, Bowser poses a threat to multiple kingdoms.
Who is Mario's old girlfriend? ›...
Pauline (Nintendo)
| Pauline | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Mayor of New Donk City Singer |
| Significant other | Mario (ex-boyfriend) |
| Origin | New Donk City |
Melee states that Yoshis reproduce asexually, meaning that they reproduce without a mate and are neither male nor female.
Who was Mario's first GF? ›She was Mario's first love interest. After a long absence, Pauline reprises her damsel-in-distress role in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series. In Super Mario Odyssey, she plays a prominent supporting role, being the mayor of New Donk City, as well as singing the theme song of the game, "Jump Up, Super Star!"
Is Toad a girl? ›Nintendo has revealed that long-serving Super Mario ally Toad, assumed to be male, is in fact genderless, and possibly not even a mushroom.
Is Kirby a female? ›...
Kirby (character)
| Kirby | |
|---|---|
| Species | Kirby |
| Gender | Male (in localizations) Unknown (in Japan) see below |
| Home | Dream Land, Planet Popstar |
| Height | 8 inches (20 centimeters) |
Is “Mario” the brothers' last name? That would make Mario's full name “Mario Mario” and it would make Luigi's name “Luigi Mario.” That's a little Koopa-kooky, but that's exactly the choice that was made in the 1993 live-action movie Super Mario Bros.
Is Mario Peaches dad? ›King Toadstool is a seldom-seen ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, and the father of Princess Peach Toadstool. Although he is said to rule alongside his daughter, he is a figure that hasn't appeared in the actual games.
Who is Baby Mario's mom? ›
Mama Mario (referred to as Mama and Mama Mia by her children, maiden name Rigassi) is the mother of Mario and Luigi and a recurring minor character in the Mario franchise and its spin-offs, particularly in The Super Mario Bros.
Who is Luigi's dad? ›Papa Mario is the father of Mario and Luigi, making only a few appearances throughout a variety of media. Papa Mario lives with the brothers' mother, Mama Mario, in all of his appearances, and The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!
Who is Mario evil twin? ›The name "Wario" is a portmanteau of "Mario" with the Japanese adjective warui (悪い) meaning "bad"; hence, a "bad Mario" (further symbolized by the "W" on his hat, an upside down "M"). Official Nintendo lore states that Wario was a childhood rival to Mario and Luigi who became jealous of their success.
Who is the evil Luigi? ›Waluigi is a fictional character in the Mario franchise. He plays the role of Luigi's arch-rival and accompanies Wario in spin-offs from the main Mario series, often for the sake of causing mischief and problems.
Who is Luigi's main villain? ›King Boo is the leader of the Boos and ghosts, the main antagonist of the Luigi's Mansion series, and the arch-nemesis of Luigi. He is also an ally of Bowser and has aided him in his various schemes. He has succeeded in capturing Mario in the Luigi's Mansion games, as well as capturing Toads, Professor E.
Can Luigi ride Yoshi? ›First Appearance
Luigi is a major character in the Yoshi series, ally and lifelong friend to Yoshi and younger twin brother of Mario. Yoshi likes it when Luigi rides on him.
The "original" Yoshkins was born around 1991 on Yoshi Island and adopted by Mama Luigi, who had not gone insane yet and raised his son to be good. Sadly, that didn't really change anything since Brooklyn Mario was still around.
Is Bowser a Yoshi? ›...
| Bowser | |
|---|---|
| Artwork of Bowser | |
| Species | Koopa |
| Homeworld | Koopa Kingdom |
| Affiliation(s) | Koopa Troop |
Charles Martinet as Mario and Luigi's Father/ Giuseppe
Martinet takes on two roles inThe Super Mario Bros. Movie. He lends his voice to Mario and Luigi's father, as well as Brooklyn resident Giuseppe. While playing Giuseppe, Martinet speaks with an accent that is similar to the one the brothers use in the games.
Miyamoto wanted to use Popeye as the protagonist, but when he could not achieve the licensing rights, he created Mario instead. Miyamoto expected the character to be unpopular and planned to use him for cameo appearances; originally called "Mr. Video", he was renamed to Mario after Mario Segale.
Is Chris Pratt a good Mario voice? ›
While Pratt was criticized for his Mario voice early on, it doesn't actually do the movie a huge disservice. If anything, it's just a little boring and sounds a little bit too much like Chris Pratt to be considered really good, but it's not that bad.
Who should play Waluigi in the Mario movie? ›Danny DeVito And Nick Offerman Would Be Great As Wario and Waluigi, For Different Reasons. With his aggressive style of reading comedic lines, DeVito would be the perfect person to voice the character of Wario, the treasure-hungry antagonist featured in video game titles like Mario & Wario, Wario Blast and Wario Land.
How old is peach? ›One wiki would have you believe she's 37 years old, but that's only if you count the release date of the original game as her birthday. When she first debuted, it's commonly held that she was 15/16 years old. Beyond that, it's never been defined – mainly because it isn't important.
Who is the suicidal star in Mario movie? ›That title goes to Lumalee (voiced by Juliet Jelenic), the most adorably depressing nihilist ever featured in a family-friendly animated movie. Lumalee steals every scene they are in by making us question the value of existence in itself in a hilarious way.
Is Mario Luigi's Father? ›...
| Papa Mario | |
|---|---|
| Papa Mario's appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie | |
| Full name | Papa Pio Mario |
| Species | Human |
| First appearance | Super Mario Issun-bōshi (1989) |
Is “Mario” the brothers' last name? That would make Mario's full name “Mario Mario” and it would make Luigi's name “Luigi Mario.” That's a little Koopa-kooky, but that's exactly the choice that was made in the 1993 live-action movie Super Mario Bros.
Why is Mario's voice different? ›Chris Pratt and Charlie Day were asked to change their original voices for The Super Mario Bros Movie because they were “a little New Jersey”. The pair voice Mario and Luigi in the new film, an animated adaptation of the hit Nintendo game.
How many times is Mama Mia said in the Mario movie? ›"Mamma mia" is Mario's most iconic catchphrase, making it strange that he only says it twice in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Is Waluigi evil Mario? ›Waluigi is a recurring antagonist and occasional anti-hero in the Mario franchise. Introduced in Mario Tennis in 2000, he serves as the primary compatriot of Wario and as an "anti-Luigi" in much the same way Wario serves as the reverse of Mario.
What is Waluigi to Luigi? ›Waluigi is Luigi's lanky rival and Wario's partner. Waluigi made his debut in Mario Tennis, and since then, he has made playable appearances exclusively in the Mario franchise's spin-off titles. He makes an appearance as a playable character in all but one game in the Mario Tennis series.