Final Trailer and Release Date
The much-anticipated Super Mario Bros. Movie is almost here! With the final trailer released on March 9, fans are getting a sneak peek at Mario’s journey to save his brother, Luigi, from the clutches of Bowser. Originally scheduled for release in December 2022, the movie will hit theaters on April 7, 2023, in the United States, with a Japanese release slated for April 28, 2023. The movie will be available to stream on Peacock 45 days after its theatrical release.
Cast and Crew: Big Names Bring Iconic Characters to Life
The movie boasts an impressive ensemble of Hollywood talent lending their voices to beloved characters from the Super Mario universe. Chris Pratt stars as Mario, while Anya Taylor-Joy brings Princess Peach to life. Charlie Day voices Luigi, and Jack Black takes on the role of Bowser, Mario’s formidable foe. Other notable cast members include Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, and Sebastian Maniscalco as Foreman Spike.
The movie is being directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, known for their work on Teen Titans Go!, with Matthew Fogel as the screenwriter. Produced by Illumination and Nintendo, and distributed by Universal Pictures, the film is poised to be a major success.
The Movie’s Journey: From Concept to Screen
The idea for a new Super Mario film began in 2016, with official production starting in 2020. This movie marks the third feature film adaptation of the iconic video game series, following the 1986 anime Super Mario Bros: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach! and the 1993 live-action Super Mario Bros. starring Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo.
Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, one of the film’s producers, shared that the film’s creation stemmed from the desire to bring more of Nintendo’s content to the screen, allowing the franchise to reach an even broader audience. “With films, the amount of people who would contact our IP would widen, and increase the amount of people engaging with our IP,” Miyamoto explained.
What We Can Expect: A Classic Mario Adventure
Although no full plot details have been officially revealed, the trailer hints at the typical Super Mario adventure. Fans can likely expect a story that features Mario rescuing Princess Peach from Bowser’s grasp, with the help of his trusty brother Luigi and the colorful characters of Mushroom Kingdom. The relationship between Mario and Princess Peach will likely play a significant role, adding depth to the classic rescue mission.
A Star-Studded Ensemble for a Legendary Film
The Super Mario Bros. Movie features an all-star voice cast, with Chris Pratt taking on the lead role of Mario. Pratt, best known for his roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, has been a source of both excitement and controversy after being cast as Mario. Producer Chris Meledandri confirmed that Pratt won’t be using a thick Italian accent, which sparked numerous online discussions.
Other notable stars include Anya Taylor-Joy, who voices Princess Peach, and Charlie Day as Luigi. The cast also features Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, and Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong. Additionally, Super Mario video game veteran Charles Martinet will also have a voice role, contributing to the film’s deep connection with the long-standing franchise.
Behind the Scenes: The Movie’s Development
Since its inception in 2016, The Super Mario Bros. Movie has undergone extensive production, with numerous discussions and creative decisions contributing to its final form. The film’s creators, including the team behind Teen Titans Go!, have kept much of the movie’s details under wraps, making it a highly secretive project.
Charlie Day, who voices Luigi, noted the secrecy around the film’s development in a 2022 interview, describing how the actors were given specific lines and tasked with saying “Mario” in numerous ways to determine the perfect take. “It’s like the Marvel Universe,” he said, noting that the cast knew very little about the film’s overall plot.
The Future of Mario on Screen
Fans of Mario have waited years for this new film, and it seems the Super Mario Bros. Movie is shaping up to be a visually stunning, action-packed adventure. With big names behind both the scenes and in front of the microphone, the movie is poised to be a massive success, continuing the legacy of one of the most beloved video game franchises in history. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Mario or new to the Mushroom Kingdom, this movie promises an exciting ride.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is set to release in theaters on April 7, 2023—mark your calendars!