Super Mario Movie

In September 2021, it was announced that Illumination, the animation studio behind hit movies like Despicable Me and Minions, is partnering with Nintendo to create a brand new animated Super Mario movie. The film, which is set to be released in theaters on December 21, 2022, is being produced by Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri and Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario.

As a fan of both the Super Mario franchise and Illumination's movies, I couldn't be more excited about this announcement. In this blog post, I'll be discussing everything we know so far about the Super Mario movie and what we can expect from it.

First of all, it's worth noting that this is not the first time that Super Mario has appeared on the big screen. In 1993, a live-action Super Mario movie was released, and it was widely panned by both critics and fans. However, this new movie is going to be entirely animated, which should allow for much more creativity and flexibility in terms of the visuals and storytelling.

In terms of the plot of the movie, not much has been revealed so far. However, we do know that it's going to be a completely original story and not based on any specific Super Mario game. This means that the filmmakers have a lot of freedom to create their own unique take on the characters and world of Super Mario.

One thing that has been confirmed is the voice cast for the movie, and it's an impressive lineup. Chris Pratt has been cast as Mario, which was a surprising choice for many fans. Pratt is primarily known for his live-action roles in movies like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, so it's interesting to see him take on a voice acting role in an animated movie.

Anya Taylor-Joy, who recently won critical acclaim for her role in The Queen's Gambit, has been cast as Princess Peach. Charlie Day, best known for his role in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, will be voicing Luigi. Jack Black has been cast as Bowser, and Keegan-Michael Key and Seth Rogen will be playing Toad and Donkey Kong, respectively.

The voice cast has been met with some mixed reactions from fans. While many are excited to see such talented actors take on these iconic roles, others have expressed concern that the casting choices don't necessarily match up with how they envision the characters sounding.

It's also worth noting that the voice cast is primarily made up of American actors, which has led to some criticism from fans who feel that the characters should have more distinct accents. In the Super Mario games, for example, Mario and Luigi are known for their Italian accents, while Princess Peach has a distinctly British accent.

However, it's important to remember that the Super Mario movie is not necessarily aiming for strict accuracy to the games. It's a creative interpretation of the characters and world of Super Mario, and the voice cast is just one part of that.

One aspect of the movie that I'm particularly excited about is the animation. Illumination has a distinctive visual style that is both colorful and charming, and I think it's a perfect fit for the world of Super Mario. The Super Mario games are known for their whimsical and imaginative environments, and I can't wait to see how those are brought to life on the big screen.

Of course, the success of the movie will ultimately depend on more than just the animation and voice cast. The plot and writing will be key factors in whether or not the movie resonates with audiences. As a completely original story, there's a lot of potential for the filmmakers to create something truly memorable and exciting.

One potential concern, however, is that the movie may try to pack in too much of the Super Mario universe into one film. The Super Mario franchise is known for its vast array of characters, power-ups, and locations, and it could be tempting for the filmmakers to try to include as much of that as possible in the movie.

However, trying to do too much could result in a cluttered and unfocused story. It will be important for the filmmakers to strike a balance between incorporating elements of the Super Mario universe that fans love while also telling a coherent and engaging story.

One thing that could work in the movie's favor is that it's being produced by Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario. Miyamoto has been involved in every mainline Super Mario game, and he's known for his meticulous attention to detail and creative vision. Having him involved in the movie's production could help ensure that it stays true to the spirit of the games while also being its own unique thing.

Overall, I'm cautiously optimistic about the Super Mario movie. The combination of Illumination's animation style and the beloved characters and world of Super Mario has the potential to be something really special. However, there are also plenty of ways that the movie could go wrong, and there are definitely some concerns to keep in mind.

Ultimately, though, I think the most important thing is to approach the movie with an open mind and a willingness to embrace whatever creative direction the filmmakers have chosen. Super Mario has been entertaining gamers for over three decades, and I think there's a good chance that the Super Mario movie will be just as fun and enjoyable.

As we get closer to the release date, I'm sure more details about the Super Mario movie will be revealed. It will be interesting to see how the filmmakers balance the nostalgia and charm of the Super Mario games with the demands of a modern blockbuster movie. I'm also curious to see how the new voice cast will interpret the characters, and how the story will be received by both longtime fans and newcomers to the Super Mario universe.

Regardless of how the movie ultimately turns out, it's exciting to see Nintendo branching out and exploring new avenues for the Super Mario franchise. The Super Mario games have always been a beloved part of gaming culture, and it will be fascinating to see how they translate to the big screen in this new animated movie.

In conclusion, the Super Mario movie has the potential to be a delightful and entertaining addition to the Super Mario universe. While there are certainly some concerns and potential pitfalls, there's also plenty of reason to be excited about this new take on one of gaming's most iconic characters. As December 2022 draws closer, I'll definitely be keeping an eye on any new developments and eagerly anticipating the release of the Super Mario movie.