The original voice of the video game Mario and Luigi will have a cameo in the new film!
Get your coin-collecting, cart-racing selves ready because Illumination has just dropped the final Super Mario Bros. movie trailer. The animated film, which hits theaters on Apr. 5th, looks to be a ride through a thrilling new universe based on the classic ’80s Nintendo game that had kids guiding two Italian plumbers through the toadstool world of Princess Peach and Bowser.
In this new, animated version, Brooklyn plumbers Mario and Luigi are working on a water main when they’re transported to a magical world via a mysterious pipe. When the two are separated, Mario sets off on a quest to find his brother. He’ll team up with well-known characters in the battle against Bowser and his Koopa Troop. The star-studded cast includes Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, and Seth Rogen (who’s been all over the animated world as of late) as Donkey Kong.
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The first Super Mario Bros. movie trailer had everyone talking about how different it was from the ’90s live-action version
While the video game is one of the most popular of all time, unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the disastrous 1993 film that is easily one of the worst movies ever made—and that’s according to the film’s director! Things are about to turn around for Mario and Luigi, however, as their story has landed in the magical hands of Illumination.
“I like that this was not done well the first time,” producer Chris Meledandri told Variety. “I think that’s more exciting or more worthy than simply making another version of a film that was done incredibly well, to begin with.”
Melendandri also explained that he planned to work closely with the game’s creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, on developing the film. The 1993 version did not involve Miyamoto at all, and Melendandri believes that was a huge mistake. The new Super Mario Bros. Movie is a true collaboration, as Miyamoto is listed as a co-producer of the film and worked with Melendandri for over six years on the project. If the trailer is any indication, it’s clear that this one won’t miss the mark.
—with additional reporting by Sher Warkentin
