When Nintendo announced they were making a movie with Illumination, the internet basically had a collective meltdown. People were skeptical. Why? Because the cast of Super Mario Bros. sounded like a fever dream. Chris Pratt as Mario? It felt like a weird meme that somehow became a multi-million dollar reality. But once the movie actually hit theaters, those doubts mostly evaporated into the Mushroom Kingdom's atmosphere.
It’s actually kinda wild how well it worked.
The Chris Pratt Gamble as Mario
Let’s be real. Nobody expected the guy from Guardians of the Galaxy to step into the shoes of the world’s most famous plumber. Mario is a character defined by a very specific, high-pitched "It's-a me!"—originally perfected by the legendary Charles Martinet. When the trailer dropped, everyone was listening for the accent. Was it going to be a full-blown Italian caricature? Would he just sound like Star-Lord in a red hat?
Pratt ended up doing something a bit more grounded. He gave Mario a Brooklyn-lite accent that felt human rather than cartoonish. It was a choice. Some fans still miss the squeaky energy of the games, but for a 90-minute narrative, having a voice that doesn't grate on your ears actually makes sense. Honestly, the movie is more of an origin story, so seeing Mario as a struggling plumber in New York gives the voice a context it never had in the games.
Anya Taylor-Joy Reimagines Princess Peach
Forget the "damsel in distress" trope. The cast of Super Mario Bros. needed a Peach who could actually lead an army, and Anya Taylor-Joy delivered that vibe. She doesn't spend the movie waiting in a cage. Instead, she’s the one teaching Mario how to navigate the obstacle courses.
Taylor-Joy has this naturally ethereal but commanding voice. It’s a sharp departure from the high-pitched, sugary sweetness we’ve heard in Mario Kart or Super Mario Party. In this version, Peach is a ruler who actually cares about the logistics of protecting her Toad subjects. It’s a more modern take. It feels earned.
Jack Black Stole the Entire Show
If there is one person who carried the emotional (and comedic) weight of this film, it’s Jack Black. As Bowser, he wasn't just a generic monster. He was a lovelorn, ego-maniacal turtle with a penchant for power ballads.
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The song "Peaches" wasn't just a viral moment; it was a testament to Black’s specific brand of chaotic energy. He brought a vulnerability to Bowser that we haven't really seen before. Bowser is usually just "the bad guy," but here, he's a bad guy with a heavy metal heart and a serious crush. Black’s vocal range—from deep, guttural roars to that soft, piano-playing falsetto—is probably the highlight of the entire movie.
Charlie Day and the Luigi Dynamic
Luigi is often the overshadowed brother. In this film, he’s separated from Mario for a huge chunk of the runtime. Charlie Day, known for his high-strung energy in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, was a perfect fit for a character defined by anxiety.
- He captures that "scared but loyal" essence perfectly.
- His chemistry with Pratt (even when they aren't on screen together) feels like actual brotherhood.
- The "Luigi’s Mansion" vibes during his solo scenes in the Dark Lands were a nice nod for the fans.
It's actually pretty funny that Day and Pratt have such a history in the Lego movies together. That rapport translated well here, even if they spent most of the movie in different castles.
Seth Rogen’s Donkey Kong: Exactly What You’d Expect
Seth Rogen didn't really "do a voice" for Donkey Kong. He just played Seth Rogen as a giant ape. And you know what? It worked.
The rivalry between Mario and DK in the arena was a highlight because it leaned into DK's vanity. He’s a bit of a frat boy. He wants his dad’s approval. He thinks he’s much cooler than he actually is. Rogen’s signature laugh fits the character so well it’s almost suspicious that Nintendo hadn't thought of it sooner.
Keegan-Michael Key and the Toad Evolution
Toad is usually just a shrill voice that tells you your princess is in another castle. Keegan-Michael Key turned him into a brave, slightly eccentric adventurer.
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Key is a vocal chameleon. He’s so unrecognizable in this role that many people didn't even realize it was him until the credits rolled. He brought a level of enthusiasm to Toad that prevented the character from being annoying, which is a very difficult line to walk given the source material.
The Unsung Heroes and Cameos
We have to talk about Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong. He plays the character as a grumpy, unimpressed grandfather who hates everything Mario does. It’s a great foil to Seth Rogen’s DK.
Then there’s Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek. As Bowser’s right-hand wizard, he provides the perfect "straight man" to Bowser’s theatrical outbursts. Richardson is a veteran voice actor, and his presence adds a layer of professional polish to the comedic beats.
A Nod to the Legend: Charles Martinet
Even though he didn't voice Mario or Luigi in the lead roles, Charles Martinet was included in a way that felt respectful. He voiced Giuseppe—a character in the punch-out bar who sounds exactly like the game version of Mario—and also voiced Mario and Luigi’s father.
It was a passing of the torch. It acknowledged that while the cast of Super Mario Bros. was moving in a new direction for Hollywood, the roots were still there.
Why This Cast Worked Despite the Backlash
Initially, people were mad that "real" voice actors weren't used for the main roles. This is a valid criticism in the industry. Voice acting is a specific skill, and often "celebrity casting" is just a marketing gimmick.
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However, in this specific case, the actors seemed to genuinely care. They didn't just phone it in.
- The script allowed for their specific personalities to shine through the pixels.
- The animation was timed to their specific vocal tics.
- The musical numbers (specifically Bowser's) required the specific talents of the actors involved.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for the Mushroom Kingdom?
With the massive box office success, a sequel is a given. We’ve already had the mid-credits tease for Yoshi.
If you're looking to dive deeper into how this cast came together or want to experience the performances yourself, the best thing to do is watch the "behind the scenes" featurettes on the physical or digital releases. Seeing Jack Black in the recording booth in a full Bowser-themed tracksuit is an experience everyone deserves.
For those interested in the technical side, check out the interviews with the directors, Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic. They’ve discussed at length why they chose this specific cast of Super Mario Bros. to ground the fantastical world of the Mushroom Kingdom.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Watch the "Peaches" music video on YouTube to see the range Jack Black brought to the role.
- Compare the vocal tracks by playing a few minutes of Super Mario Odyssey and then watching a clip from the movie to see how the characterizations differ.
- Keep an eye out for casting news regarding the sequel, specifically who will be voicing Yoshi, as that will be the next major fan debate.