It’s been a hot minute since Nintendo and Illumination (the unholy juggernaut responsible for Despicable Me) announced that they will be teaming up for an animated feature film directed by our favorite plumber who tramples Goomba and chews mushrooms.
To be fair, however, the idea seemed so crazy that at the time many of us rejected it. Like the abysmal and hilarious equal parts ’93 Mario Flick proved, something so heavy could never get up and walk without falling prone. Well, it turns out we can all kick the rocks off, with Nintendo coming well into the details of the crazy idea, not only locking a release date nearby, but also a confusing and incredibly stacked cast. .
Appearing on this week’s Nintendo Direct, Shigeru Miyamoto arrived quickly with some brief specifics for the Super Mario animated film, confirming that the voice of our charismatic leader will be handled by none other than Marvel’s Starlord himself, Chris Pratt. Anya Taylor-Joy, who we’re sure can’t do anything wrong with, has been cast as Princess Peach.
It’s always nice in Philadelphia Star Charlie Day will play Luigi, and even just reading it should be enough to make you laugh. Everyone’s stoner boyfriend, Seth Rogen, will be voicing Donkey Kong. Key and Peele’s Keegan-Michael Key has been tagged for Toad, and – get ready for this one – the man, myth, and majestic legend himself, Jack Black, will be playing Bowser.
Portlandia/SNL Star Fred Armisen has been confined to the voice of Cranky Kong, as has the booming low voice of actor Kevin Michael Richardson (Invincible, Lilo + Stitch, etc) for Kamek. Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco is where the hype starts to decrease, but we’re sure he will succeed anyway.
Oddly enough, it’s also been confirmed that original Mario and Luigi voice actor Charles Martinet will also be in the film (for those who play at home, Martinet has voiced Wario and Waluigi from time to time as well). Maybe we’re looking at some sort of Nintendo multiverse-type situation (a Nintendoverse, If you want). Hell, everyone does it. but for those who play at home.
The film is slated for a vacation release in 2022, so we can prepare for a solid date somewhere between early November and late December.