When it was announced in September 2021 that Chris Pratt would be voicing Mario in the upcoming Super Mario Bros. movie, fans of the gaming franchise had mixed reactions. Some were excited to see the beloved video game character come to life on the big screen, while others were disappointed by Pratt’s casting as the lead.
One of the reasons for the disappointment was that Pratt was chosen over Charles Martinet, who voices Mario in the video games. Fans were also wary of Pratt’s past controversies, and felt that the role should have gone to an actor who was less divisive.
In June 2021, Pratt fueled the chatter around his casting by telling Variety that Mario’s voice had been “updated” for the movie, and that he would be putting out a performance “unlike anything you’ve heard in the Mario world before.”
As the movie’s release date draws near, Pratt has addressed the public’s concerns for the first time. In a recent interview, he admitted that he understands the backlash and why fans are protective of the beloved character.
“There’s a passionate fanbase, and I’m one of the fans. I get it. Mostly, people don’t want something like this to get screwed up,” Pratt said. “They’re precious about it. They’re careful.”
Pratt also defended the Super Mario Bros. movie as a passion project, with “so many hearts and souls” dedicated to making sure it wasn’t just a “cash grab.” He encouraged fans to watch the movie before making judgments and engaging in debates.
“Watch the movie first, then we can discuss,” Pratt suggested.
Despite the mixed reactions, the Super Mario Bros. movie has already made headlines for its star-studded cast, which includes Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, and Anya Taylor-Joy. The movie also promises to be a visually stunning and entertaining adventure, with elements from the video games that fans will surely appreciate.
In conclusion, while the casting of Chris Pratt as Mario may have caused some backlash, it’s important to remember that the Super Mario Bros. movie is a passion project for many involved. Fans should give the movie a chance before making any judgments, and perhaps they will be pleasantly surprised by what they see. After all, as Pratt himself says, “there are so many hearts and souls” dedicated to making the movie a success.
