Nintendo’s big reveal of the Super Mario movie cast shocked a lot of fans at the time of its release, after many noted that Chriss Pratt would be voicing Mario.
Mario’s original voice actor Charles Martinet, an American of French ethnic background, will have his role replaced by Pratt for the upcoming film, which is now 75% done according to producer Chris Meledandri.
However, general concerns over a non-Italian actor (mind you, Martinet is French) have arisen, seeing as this is the franchise’s first big animated film. However, Meledandri, who is also the CEO at Illumination, has defended his casting choices and believes that his voice as an actor is “phenomenal.”
“Chris was cast because we felt he could give a great performance as Mario. And now that we’ve done about 15 recording sessions, and the movie is three-quarters done, I sit here and say that I love his performance as Mario,” Meledandri stated in an interview with Variety magazine.
“I think we’re gonna be just fine. Especially because (Pratt) he’s given such a strong performance.”
Meledandri explained that he had Italian-American heritage but wasn’t bothered by the casting.
The film will also include Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Seth Rogan, and Keegan-Michael Key as its main cast. It’s set to release sometime in 2023.
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