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Universal and Illumination Entertainment have released the first look at its highly-anticipated Super Mario Bros. Movie, which looks to hit theaters spring of next year. The upcoming theatrical adaptation of the emblematic Nintendo video game hoped to premiere in late December during the holiday season. However, its winter release suffered a minor delay to take advantage of the returning family demographic and their usually strong attendance during Easter weekend.
Not much was revealed about The Super Mario Bros. Movie when Nintendo game director, Shigeru Miyamoto, announced the arrival of the film last September at the Nintendo Direct streaming event. The direction of the narrative driving the iconic collection of characters was uncertain, but Nintendo introduced audiences to the tremendous cast assembled to bring the film to life, which includes Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Seth Rogen, and Keegan-Michael Key.
Universal and Illumination revealed the Mario movie trailer during an exclusive Nintendo Direct streaming event centered strictly around the upcoming film. The footage mirrors the notable artistic style associated with Illumination Entertainment, which has given audiences films such as The Secret Life of Pets and Minions: The Rise of Gru. The beauty of the world captured in the Mario movie trailer is vibrant and filled with several notable elements audiences will recognize from classic video games. The introduction of Bowser sets the stage for the adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom and the hilarity that will make the film enjoyable.
However, what will presumably be the most discussed element from this brand-new Mario movie will be the official reveal of Chris Pratt's voice as the beloved video game character. Many expressed concerns about Pratt's casting as the Italian plumber because of his non-Italian background and the unintended offensiveness that could arise from him trying to replicate the character's accent. However, Pratt's voice work as Mario was labeled "phenomenal" by Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri, with Pratt even describing his work as something the audience had heard before in the world of Mario.
Alongside Pratt, audiences officially heard how the other notable animated characters would be brought to life by the talented collection of stars voicing the iconic characters. Opinions will undoubtedly circulate around what works and fails to meet expectations, but audiences felt a similar sentiment with the arrival of Sonic The Hedgehog. The film now stands as one of the most successful video game adaptations, which is an atmosphere The Super Mario Bros. Movie hopes to enter. It will be interesting to see how audiences respond to the voice work and if it will impact the film's reception until its release.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie will hit theaters on April 7, 2023.