Grab your mushrooms and fire flowers, gamers—it’s time to level up with The Super Mario Bros. Movie! This action-packed film brings our favorite Nintendo characters to life in a way we’ve never seen before. Before you grab your popcorn and settle in for the ultimate gaming adventure, check out these 5 fascinating facts about “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” that you definitely don’t want to miss!
1. A Stellar Voice Cast
Familiar Faces Behind Iconic Characters
The “Super Mario Bros. Movie” boasts an incredible lineup of talented actors lending their voices to our beloved characters. Chris Pratt brings Mario to life, while Anya Taylor-Joy portrays Princess Peach. Charlie Day voices Luigi, Jack Black takes on Bowser, and Keegan-Michael Key lends his voice to Toad. Donkey Kong is voiced by Seth Rogen, with Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong. Additionally, Sebastian Maniscalco plays Spike, and Kevin Michael Richardson stars as Kamek. The voice cast members are all fans of the franchise and have worked closely with the filmmakers to create authentic, memorable performances for their characters.
2. A Long-Awaited Reboot
A Gaming Classic’s Second Chance
Die-hard fans might remember the 1993 live-action “Super Mario Bros.” movie, which didn’t quite hit the mark for audiences and critics. However, the 2023 animated adaptation promises to be a game-changer (pun intended). Produced by Illumination, the studio behind global blockbusters like “Despicable Me,” “Minions,” “Sing,” and “The Secret Life of Pets,” and co-financed by Universal Pictures and Nintendo, this reboot is the result of over six years of collaboration between Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario. With the release of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” the duo aims to redefine Mario and Luigi’s cinematic legacy, and captivate audiences worldwide.
3. Gaming Easter Eggs Galore
A Treasure Trove for Fans
What’s a video game movie without Easter eggs? “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is filled with subtle nods to the beloved franchise, from familiar power-ups to iconic sound effects. Keep your eyes peeled and ears open as you venture through the Mushroom Kingdom—you never know what gaming gems you might find along the way!
4. Brian Tyler’s Musical Magic
Orchestrating a New Chapter in Mario Music
For the score of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” the filmmakers enlisted the talents of renowned composer Brian Tyler. Known for his work on films like “F9,” “Transformers: Prime,” “Iron Man 3,” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” Tyler’s passion for Nintendo games and experience in video game scoring made him the perfect choice.
Drawing inspiration from the grand-sized orchestra at the heart of many classic films, Tyler masterfully blended traditional orchestral elements with the iconic 8-bit sounds from the original Mario games. Collaborating closely with Nintendo’s Koji Kondo and producer Shigeru Miyamoto, Tyler crafted a score that pays homage to the original themes while introducing new melodies to represent Mario in this fresh cinematic adaptation.
5. A Platform for Future Nintendo Films?
Leveling Up the Cinematic Landscape
With the release of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” one can’t help but wonder if this could pave the way for more Nintendo properties to hit the silver screen. If Mario and Luigi’s cinematic adventure proves to be a box office hit, we might see other beloved characters like Zelda, Donkey Kong, or even Samus Aran from “Metroid” making their way to theaters in the future. Fingers crossed for a Nintendo cinematic universe!
Bonus Film Fact: Bowser’s Unexpected Musical Background
Jack Black Sings as Bowser
Jack Black voices Bowser, the ultimate power-hungry villain and King of the Koopas, in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” The film reveals a vulnerable, silly side to Bowser by giving him a musical background. Bowser sings a piano ballad about his love for Princess Peach called “Peaches.” The idea was conceived by the film’s writers and directors, who wanted to convey Bowser’s feelings in a fun, sweet, and humorous way.
Black, an accomplished singer and musician, collaborated with the writers and his longtime collaborator, John Spiker, to create the song. Black’s favorite scenes in the movie are those with his character alongside his trusty assistant, Kamek, voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson.
This bonus film fact showcases the creative collaboration and the multi-dimensional characters that make “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” a unique and entertaining experience.
Ready to warp into the world of The Super Mario Bros. Movie? These 5 facts offer an enticing preview of the thrill awaiting fans of the iconic gaming franchise. With its star-studded cast, fresh take on a classic story, and loving attention to detail, this film promises to be a must-watch for gamers and movie lovers alike. So gear up, grab your popcorn, and dive into the Mushroom Kingdom’s latest cinematic adventure!
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Buy your tickets here.
