People online have had ambivalent reactions since the announcement ofChris Pratt’s involvement inThe Super Mario Bros. Movie, especially because Pratt—an American—would be lending his voice to the infamous Italian plumber, Super Mario. The character, based on the Nintendo video game, has been the said company’s face for centuries and a part of every Mario fan’s childhood. But while the criticism online was understandable by any means, theGuardians of the Galaxyactor has been proving that he is the right choice for the part, with the film’s directors –Aaron HorvathandMichael Jelenic–saying thatPratt helps bring authenticity to Mario. Just recently, while on a sit-down interview with theBBC’sThe One Show, the actor showcased his Mario impression, withParis Hilton(no less) saying that both Mario and Luigi are “sliving.”
Pratt, along with hisThe Super Mario Bros. Movieco-star,Charlie Day– who voiced Mario’s brother,Luigi– joined Hilton and guest presentersRylanandJermaine Jenasto talk about various topics, including the upcoming animated film that will hit theaters on April 5. On his reason for wanting to deviate fromCharles Martinet’s vocal work as Mario, Pratt told BBC’sThe One Show: “There are only a handful of things we’ve ever heard Mario say. The ‘wahoo!’ A few things like… ‘It’s-a me! Let’s go,’ these types of things,” Pratt said while adding his own Mario flair. “So we were trying to find a way to put that into the movie, but in a way that would be congruent with a storyline of these working class American guys from Brooklyn.”
In Hilton’s own words, the forthcoming film adaptation of the classic video game will be “so iconic and so nostalgic,” and both Mario and Luigi will be “sliving” their best lives, which is a combination of the words “slaying” and “living” all at the same time. Days after the interview,Pratt tweeted a videoof himself preparing for the BBC’sThe One Showwhile carrying his own Mario toy.
Related:‘Super Mario Bros’ Promo Sees Our Hero Taking On the Piranha Plant
Super Mario Is a Nintendo Legacy Character
While some criticisms are uncalled-for, we can understand others who only want the best for the film adaptation, especially considering that Mario, since the 1980s, has not only been Nintendo’s face and staple for the longest time but a part of many fans' core childhood memory. After his first appearance inDonkey Kong, Mario also got his own eponymous game with his brother Luigi calledSuper Mario Bros.in 1985, which has spawned various game iterations, including the 1996Mario 64,Super Mario Sunshinein 2002,Super Mario Galaxyin 2017, and the most recentSuper Mario Odysseyin 2017. Now, the pint-sized Italian plumber will be getting the movie treatment – and based solely on thetrailersreleased, the feature is looking like a wild, nostalgic ride not only for long-enduring fans of the Nintendo video game but also for the new generation of gamers. What’s more, contrary to the game’s usual narrative of Mario saving Princess Peach,Luigi will be the damsel in distress this time, showcasing thePrincess Peach character in a much stronger and independent light.
Along with Pratt and Day playing the iconic brother duo,Anya Taylor-Joyjoins the voice cast as Princess Peach,Keegan-Michael Keyas Toad,Seth Rogenas Donkey Kong, andJack Blackas the monstrous turtle-like Bowser, with a dragon tendency. The rest of the cast includesFred Armisen,Sebastian Maniscalco,Kevin Michael Richardson, andKhary Payton.
You can witness Mario, Luigi, and the rest of the gang “sliving” their best lives when the film hits theaters on April 5. For the time being, check out Pratt’s Mario impression below.
