Chris Pratt, who lends his voice to Mario in the upcoming animated film Super Mario Bros, assures that the character’s voice is unlike anything we’ve ever heard.
Chris Pratt is definitely everywhere! Currently starring in Jurassic World: The World After and in the casting of the Prime Video series The Terminal List from July 1, the actor confided in variety on the dubbing of the animated film Super Mario Bros.
The Guardians of the Galaxy actor will indeed lend his voice to the famous plumber in the animated film by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic inspired by Nintendo video games.
As a reminder, Charlie Day will voice his brother Luigi while Anya Taylor-Joy will be Princess Peach. Jack Black will voice Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key will be the Mushroom Toad, and Seth Rogen will voice Donkey Kong.
During the announcement of the casting, many Internet users criticized the choice of Chris Pratt due in particular to the fact that Mario is supposed to have an Italian accent and that Chris Pratt is not of Italian origin.
The film’s co-producer Chris Meledandri (boss of Illumination Entertainment) recently tried to reassure fans by saying Chris Pratt’s voice work is “phenomenal”.
He adds to the microphone of Deadline : “When people hear Chris Pratt’s performance, the criticism will evaporate. Maybe not entirely, because people like to express their opinions, but the majority. Having myself of Italian origins, I feel that the film will not offend anyone”.
A Mario without an Italian accent?
For his part, the actor explained to variety, that Mario’s voice had been updated.
“I worked closely with the directors. I tried several things and we settled on a version that I’m really proud of. I can’t wait for people to hear.
It is an animated film. It’s not an action movie. I’m not going to wear a plumber’s suit and run around. I’m doing the voice of an animated character. It’s current and unlike anything you’ve heard in the Mario world before.“
Mario and Luigi’s accent should therefore be very light, if not non-existent. Co-produced by Universal and Illumination, to whom we owe The Minions, Super Mario Bros will be released in theaters on March 29, 2023.