John Leguizamo's Role in the Mario Movie
John Leguizamo voiced the character Luigi in the Mario movie, a 2023 animated film based on the Nintendo Super Mario Bros. franchise. The movie was produced by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures, with Chris Meledandri and Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto serving as executive producers. The film adapts the long-running video game series into a feature-length narrative, introducing the Mario brothers as Italian-American plumbers transported to a fantasy world. Leguizamo's casting brought a comedic and dramatic presence to Luigi, complementing the lead performance of the Mario character. The project represents a collaboration between Nintendo, Universal, and Illumination, combining game lore with mainstream animation techniques. For more on the production background, see the Universal Pictures overview of the film The Super Mario Bros. Movie official page.
The Mario movie opened in April 2023 and quickly became a box office hit, ranking among the highest-grossing animated films of the year. Leguizamo joined an ensemble voice cast that included other notable performers, with each actor assigned to a distinct character from the game universe. The film's plot centers on Mario and Luigi navigating a vibrant, side-scrolling world while confronting antagonists tied to the source material. Production design drew directly from game assets, and Illumination worked with Nintendo to maintain visual and narrative fidelity. The project is part of a broader trend of adapting legacy video game IPs into major studio releases, with Illumination and Universal leading the effort. Details on box office performance and studio involvement are available in the Forbes coverage The Super Mario Bros. Movie box office report.
Character and Franchise Context
Luigi, the character voiced by Leguizamo, is Mario's younger brother and a central figure in the Nintendo game series. In the film, Luigi is portrayed as loyal, anxious, and determined, reflecting elements of his long-standing game persona while adding new emotional depth. The movie expands on the brothers' relationship, showing how they team up to face threats across multiple worlds. The narrative structure follows a hero's journey, with the Mario brothers progressing through levels inspired by classic game environments. Leguizamo's performance contributed to the film's comedic tone, balancing slapstick with moments of sibling drama. The franchise, which includes dozens of games, spin-offs, and merchandise, generated billions in revenue for Nintendo, and the film adaptation aims to translate that popularity to the box office. Background on the Nintendo franchise and its financial impact can be found in the Nintendo corporate information page Nintendo Investor Relations.
The Mario movie is rated PG and runs approximately 92 minutes, targeting family audiences while incorporating references that appeal to longtime fans of the games. Leguizamo's involvement is part of a deliberate casting strategy to bring recognizable voices to each key character, supporting the film's crossover appeal. The production used advanced animation tools to replicate the colorful, high-energy aesthetic of the source material. Marketing campaigns highlighted the connection to the games, and the film's trailer emphasized the brothers' dynamic and the vibrant world they inhabit. The project is positioned as the first installment in a potential series, with Illumination and Nintendo signaling interest in future adaptations. Updates on sequels and franchise plans are tracked by industry outlets such as Variety Variety Super Mario Bros. Movie