Super Mario Bros. Movie’s Chris Pratt Defends Dubbing Decision

In interviews with Extra TV, Charlie Day and Chris Pratt both talked about the upcoming Super Mario Bros. movie, and the ongoing criticism it has received over its casting choices (thanks NintendoLife). Namely, Chris Pratt.

Unless you’ve been living under some kind of giant rock for the past few months, you’re well aware that the marketing for the Super Mario Bros. movie has begun. From Mario-themed Amazon packaging to collaborations with LUSH, Mario truly knows it all.

That said, you’re probably also well aware of the backlash against dubbing the Super Mario Bros. movies. It all started with Chris Pratt saying his voice as Mario was “unlike anything you’ve ever heard,” and ended with the reveal that Pratt voiced Mario. It was, and still is, Pratt’s voice.

Tara Strong spoke out on the matter, stating that Charles Martinet should have been cast in the role of Mario, further fueling criticism.

When asked about the film’s casting and the criticism it received, Chris Pratt said, “You know, come see the movie. Go see the movie and then we’ll talk.”

“It’s a passionate fanbase, which makes sense. I get it, I’m a part of it. It’s the soundtrack to your youth. You don’t want someone to show up and cynically ruin it as a cash grab. I know you don’t This happens. There are so many souls and minds dedicated to making sure it doesn’t – doesn’t – happen,” he continued.

Chris Pratt added: “This movie is really a homage to video games. It’s a homage to the world of Mario, and it’s very promising for what we can expect in the next 10 years, like the whole universe of these kinds of movies. They’re super Nostalgic, they’re really funny. It’s lighting, so they know what they’re doing, which is great.”

While I’m not my favorite Chris Pratt playing Mario (who is?), I do enjoy hearing they’re thinking about the future. After all, I’m here waiting for a Luigi’s Mansion movie starring Charlie Day. This would be great.

As for the rest of the Super Mario Bros. movie cast, we have Anya Taylor Joy as Princess Peach, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogan as Donkey Kong, and more.

Seth Rogan also stated that his voice for Donkey Kong was just his normal voice (thanks to ComicBook). While a little rougher might have hit the mark better, there’s no denying that the stoner comedy giant is a better fit for DK’s role than Chris Pratt is for Mario.

Alas, whatever one may think of Pratt’s casting, the film’s latest trailer is epic. Ride down the Rainbow Road with Jack Black on the tail of Mario? The Super Mario Bros. movie deserves a solid chance for all of us.

After all, there’s no question it’ll be better than the 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie…