Mario Movie Cast Dazzles in Tokyo, Hints at Nintendo Universe

Mario Movie Cast Dazzles in Tokyo, Hints at Nintendo Universe

The stars of the highly anticipated Super Mario Bros. Movie took Tokyo by storm, celebrating the iconic plumber’s Japanese origins and teasing exciting possibilities for the future of Nintendo on the big screen. The cast, including Chris Pratt (Mario), Charlie Day (Luigi), Anya Taylor-Joy (Princess Peach), Jack Black (Bowser), and Keegan-Michael Key (Toad), shared their experiences filming in Japan and their deep connections to the beloved video game franchise.

From Brooklyn to Kyoto: A Journey Home

While Mario may be a plumber from Brooklyn, the characters and the universe they inhabit were born in Japan. Filming in Tokyo, the cast felt a profound connection to the franchise’s roots. “It is crazy that we have Tokyo behind us,” remarked one cast member, emphasizing the surreal experience of being in the city that inspired such a global phenomenon. The journey even took them to Kyoto, the birthplace of Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, where they met the legendary game designer.

A 40-Year Legacy, Reimagined for the Big Screen

The Super Mario Bros. franchise boasts a legacy spanning nearly 40 years, evolving from its early days in Donkey Kong to the expansive worlds of Super Mario Galaxy. The cast marveled at the enduring appeal of Mario, a character who, if he were a person, would now be in his 60s. “It feels like it’s been around even longer than 40 years,” commented one actor. “It’s such a cultural phenomenon. When you think video games, you think Mario.” The film aims to capture this rich history while introducing new elements, including a central theme of family.

Family Ties and Villainous Plans

The Super Mario Bros. Movie explores family dynamics, from the close bond between Mario and Luigi to the father-son relationship between Bowser and his newcomer son, Bowser Jr. Jack Black, who voices Bowser, drew inspiration from his own fatherhood. “Telling stories to my boys at bedtime was one of the best things about about parenting,” he shared. Black felt a strong connection to Bowser’s pride in his son’s ambition to control the universe, noting the deep love and desire for reunion between the two characters.

New Adventures for Familiar Faces

Princess Peach, voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy, embarks on her own quest in the film, discovering her identity and origins alongside her friends. “She gets to go on her own quest with her friends to discover who she is and where she comes from,” explained Taylor-Joy. The character also showcases impressive fighting skills, with a particularly praised casino fight scene. Keegan-Michael Key, returning as Toad, highlighted his character’s close relationship with Peach, describing it as “lovely.”

Introducing Newcomers: Yoshi and Star Fox

The movie also introduces some exciting new characters to the cinematic universe. Donald Glover lends his voice to Yoshi, aiming for maximum cuteness. “I watched a bunch of like Yoshi through the years on YouTube. I was like, just try and be as cute as possible,” he said. Speculation arose about Star Fox, a character not originally from the Mario universe, voiced by Glenn Powell. This crossover has fueled excitement and discussion about a potential Nintendo Cinematic Universe.

The Possibility of a Nintendo Cinematic Universe

The inclusion of characters like Star Fox, who hail from different Nintendo game franchises, has ignited talk of a larger interconnected universe. “There’s so many games. It’s like, it’s an infinite amount of of IP that could be turned into really really great cinema,” one cast member mused. This hints at a future where beloved characters from various Nintendo titles could potentially crossover in future films, much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

A Game Boy Throwback and Fond Memories

The cast engaged in a fun game, performing impressions of various Nintendo characters. The prize for the winner was an original Nintendo Game Boy, a console that evoked strong nostalgic memories for the actors. “I remember this so vividly. Oh my god. Wow. I know. This is a very different one. This is the Game Boy version. I love this one,” one actor exclaimed, clutching the iconic handheld. The event concluded with an invitation to see the Super Mario Bros. Movie and a reminder to stay updated on news via the NBC News app.

What’s Next for Nintendo on Film?

The success and ambitious scope of The Super Mario Bros. Movie have clearly opened the door for further Nintendo adaptations. With hints of a broader cinematic universe and the vast library of IP at their disposal, fans can eagerly anticipate what Nintendo’s next move will be. Whether it’s exploring other beloved franchises or expanding the Mario universe further, the future of Nintendo on film looks bright and full of possibilities.

Source: Previewing ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ with the cast (YouTube)