Main Cast and Character Assignments
The animated film features Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, and Keegan-Michael Key as Toad. The voice cast was confirmed through official studio announcements and interviews. The project is produced by Nintendo and distributed by Universal Pictures. The film adapts the long-running video game franchise into a feature-length animated format.
Chris Pratt was cast as Mario after the original voice actor Charles Martinet transitioned away from the role in the mainline games. The casting choices reflect a blend of mainstream Hollywood actors and gaming veterans. The film aims to introduce the Mario universe to a broader cinematic audience while maintaining core franchise elements.
Production and Release Timeline
Illumination, the animation studio behind the Despicable Me franchise, is producing the film. The project was officially greenlit after years of development talks between Nintendo and Universal Pictures. The film is scheduled for theatrical release in 2023. The production team includes directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri has confirmed the film is a priority project for the studio. The animation process uses modern 3D rendering techniques to replicate the colorful game environments. The film is designed to appeal to both longtime fans and new viewers unfamiliar with the source material.
Supporting Characters and Additional Voices
The supporting cast includes Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong and Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong. Other notable roles include Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike and Charles Martinet in a cameo role. The film features a large ensemble of characters from the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond.
The voice recording sessions were completed ahead of the animation phase. The film includes both original story elements and adaptations of classic game scenarios. The cast reflects a mix of A-list Hollywood actors and performers with strong ties to gaming culture.