There is nothing like a good debate about the new voice of an iconic character to get the internet arguing. The reveal of Chris Pratt’s “Mario voice” for the upcoming Illumination film The Super Mario Bros. Movie is one such occasion that has reportedly seen the number of internet searches for the term “Mario accent” increase by over 800% since the first full trailer for the movie dropped. Now, a language expert has broken down the issues with Pratt’s casting in the role.
Since the original casting announcement of Pratt in the role of Mario, there have been many negative comments made, whether they be calling out Illumination for not using an Italian actor or demanding that long-term Mario voice-over artist Charles Martinet be put into the role in place of Pratt. According to learning success manager Amy Pritchett of learning language marketplace Preply, there are a number of reasons why the public has reacted vocally to Pratt’s Mario characterization.
“With searches for ‘Mario accent' having spiked by 838% in the past week, it’s clear to see the huge reaction this casting has caused, and it’s important to remember that the film industry has a huge responsibility to make sure that languages and cultures are protected. Mario is a well-known Italian plumber who is a fan favourite in Nintendo games including Super Mario and Mario Kart. With the new Mario movie, we are seeing the debate of actor over character identity, especially with the accent of Mario.
Dubbing can bring huge challenges for movies, especially in the casting of a native speaker with the correct accent. Searches for ‘Chris Pratt accent’, who is the English voice actor for Mario, have increased by 214% in the past month after the trailer launched with Mario not having the iconic Italian accent that would be expected of the character.
Whilst it’s important that voice actors don’t put on an accent using stereotypes, many Mario fans are questioning why an English-speaking Italian actor wasn’t picked to become the voice and take on the character.”
The Super Mario Bros. Movie Will Still Be a Hit, Despite Voice Controversies
While the debate about the voice of Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Movie is something that will likely continue to rumble on beyond the movie’s release in April 2024, it is unlikely that the film will be anything other than a hit when it arrives in theaters. Coming from Illumination, the studio behind the Despicable Me franchise, there is no denying that the graphics seen in the trailer are pretty flawless, and the movie itself will be a big draw as a family kids movie.
With all the grumbles about Mario’s voice coming from older fans of the Mario franchise, that will not stop those who aren’t as familiar with Mario’s previous screen adventures, or just don’t really care either way, from flocking to see the movie when it is released on April 27, 2023.