Chris Pratt‘s announcement as the voice of Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Movie brought both sides of debates and excitement upon its announcement to fans globally.
Given that the character remains one of the most iconic faces in gaming, lots of people wondered why this particular casting choice was picked, especially with Pratt commonly known through Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World.
This article talks about why this casting decision was done, what the fans have said, and how Pratt’s voice will affect the famous character.
Why Did Chris Pratt Voice Mario?
The decision to cast Chris Pratt came down to several factors:
1. Star Power and Marketability
Chris Pratt is a household name in Hollywood, and involvement with popular franchises such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World made him the ideal candidate to attract an international audience.
The studio wanted to reach die-hard Mario fans, along with the casual audience who would be familiar with Pratt’s name and talent.
2. A Fresh Take on Mario
Traditionally, Mario’s voice has been provided by Charles Martinet, known for his high-pitched, exaggerated Italian accent.
While this style is iconic in the games, it might not translate well to a feature-length film. Chris Pratt was chosen to bring a fresh perspective to the character, offering a more nuanced and approachable voice for the movie’s storytelling.
3. Director and Producer’s Vision
The directors and producers wanted to reimagine Mario’s voice in order to fit the broader world of cinema they were dealing with. Chris Pratt’s talent as an actor and his ability to seamlessly mold himself into different character types aligned with this goal.
Fan Reactions: Mixed but Intriguing
When the casting was announced, fans had mixed reactions.
1. Supportive Fans: Some fans were excited about Pratt’s involvement, citing his comedic timing and charisma as a good fit for Mario’s adventurous personality.
2. Skeptical Fans: Others were concerned that Pratt’s voice might not be the right fit for the iconic character. Others questioned whether his performance would honor Mario’s Italian roots.
This skepticism dissipated somewhat when fans heard Pratt’s voice in the movie trailers and clips.
Chris Pratt’s Approach to Mario
Chris Pratt said in interviews that he worked closely with the directors to develop a voice respectful of Mario’s roots but made him relatable to a wider audience.
Instead of doing a direct impersonation of the voice in the game, Pratt aimed for a middle ground that honored the character’s playful nature and heroic spirit.
The Impact on Mario’s Character
Pratt’s voice gave Mario a cinematic element that wasn’t really touched on before. He added a lot of depth and relatability to the character, making him feel fresh but still retaining that charm fans love.
This also showed how such iconic characters could be rebooted for new formats, like movies, without losing their core identity.
Conclusion
Chris Pratt’s voice casting for Mario was, in fact, a step to merge nostalgia with contemporary storytelling. His stardom, versatility in acting, and fresh take on Mario helped bridge the gap between gaming and cinema.
However, opinions may vary; undeniably, his performance introduced Mario to a more massive audience and ensured that this plumber remains a cultural icon for generations to come.
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