Following producer Chris Meledandri’s comments about the “Super Mario Bros.” animated movie earlier this week, the film’s leading man Chris Pratt has now discussed his work on the Illumination Studios title.
Pratt’s casting as the Italian plumber character from the classic Nintendo games has raised eyebrows. Despite having a history of starring in well-regarded animated features, he’s drawn criticism both for having no Italian heritage along with the sheer frequency of animated lead characters he’s played recently.
The big question we’re all awaiting though is how Pratt’s Mario will sound in the film as the voice he intends to use hasn’t been revealed to the public yet. Speaking with Variety, the “Guardians of the Galaxy” star says it’ll be “unlike anything you’ve heard” and that he worked with the filmmakers closely to figure out what worked:
“I worked really closely with the directors and trying out a few things and landed on something that I’m really proud of and can’t wait for people to see and hear. It’s an animated voiceover narrative. It’s not a live-action movie. I’m not gonna be wearing a plumber suit running all over. I’m providing a voice for an animated character, and it is updated and unlike anything you’ve heard in the Mario world before.”
The rest of the cast includes Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike.
Mario’s traditional voice actor, Charles Martinet, will also be involved.
