When it was first revealed that The Super Mario Bros. Movie would be an animated feature from the studio behind the hit Minions franchise, there was an awful lot of scepticism online. Since then, we've seen that - visually, at least - they're definitely not veering too far from the games, but the A-List voice cast continues to be an issue for some.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 star Chris Pratt's take on Mario has been predictably divisive, with many arguing he basically just sounds like...Chris Pratt.
While we'd argue that it's a casting decision that makes far more sense than Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, for example, it feels like the actor has been written off far too soon. After all, he's definitely added a little flair to the hero to bring his take in line with what we're used to hearing in the games.
Charlie Day is going to lend his voice to Luigi, while Anya Taylor-Joy is playing Princess Peach, and all three characters are given the spotlight on some new posters shared by The Super Mario Bros. Movie's Twitter account (via Toonado.com).
The first leans heavily into the franchise's video game roots, showcasing an obstacle course, or sorts, that should instantly bring back memories of those early games (or recent LEGO sets if you're not old enough to remember them). Luigi, meanwhile, looks to be in serious peril as the movie's likely damsel dude in distress, while Peace is living her best Mario Kart life on the Rainbow Road!
From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros.
Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (Teen Titans Go!, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies) from a screenplay by Matthew Fogel (Minions: The Rise of Gru), the film also stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek, and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is set to be released in theaters on April 7, 2023.