Audiences at The 2022 Game Awards were given a glimpse at the Mushroom Kingdom, as portrayed in The Super Mario Bros. Movie from Illumination!
The Super Mario Bros franchise previously had a film adaptation back in 1993, starring Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo as the titular brothers. For Nintendo, the 1993 Mario adaptation was an experiment to test the lasting value of the brand, hence why the company provided very little input in the feature. The production troubles, box office failure, and creative liberties from the source material led to the negative reputation of video game film adaptations that lasted for years to come. Since then, Nintendo learned to be more involved in any adaptation of their properties.
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Shigeru Miyamoto’s interest in creating another Mario film adaptation and subsequent meeting with Illumination founder Chris Meledandri initiated the collaborative production of the new film. Although it took years of discussion and searching for the right people to fulfill key roles in the production, the film was officially announced in January 2018. The teaser and official trailers for the feature were released during Nintendo Direct presentations on October 6, 2022, and November 29, 2022, respectively.
Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, known for their work on Teen Titans Go! To the Movies!, are directing the film, with Chris Meledandri and Shigeru Miyamoto as producers. The main voice cast includes Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, and Seth Rogen, with Mario’s regular video game voice actor Charles Martinet having featured cameos.
Mushroom Kingdom, Here We Come!
On December 9, 2022, during The Game Awards, audiences were treated to a glimpse of the Mushroom Kingdom as portrayed in The Super Mario Movie. Mario fans may notice nods to various titles in the franchise, both in the audio and visuals. Video game elements such as the pipes, platforms, and coin blocks are shown to be essential in the lives of the denizens of the Mushroom Kingdom. Before this, Toad’s voice actor, Keegan-Michael Key, addressed the matter regarding his character’s head.
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The Mario franchise has left it ambiguous as to whether or not the Toads are part fungi, but Key clarifies that the top of Toad’s head is a mushroom cap. Since Toad has been shown to wear headgear on top of his cap, it could very well be part of his body.
With the success of newer video game film adaptations such as Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), its 2022 sequel, and Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, prospects look bright for The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The involvement of creators for the source material and filmmakers genuinely invested in the project also helps to ensure that The Super Mario Bros. Movie will continue to salvage the reputation of video game film adaptations.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 7, 2023, in the United States and on April 28, 2023, in Japan.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie Synopsis
A plumber named Mario travels through an underground labyrinth with his brother, Luigi, trying to save a captured princess.
Are you excited for The Super Mario Bros. Movie? What do you hope to see that the trailers have yet to reveal? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow The Illuminerdi on social media to be notified of more Mario news and updates just like this in the future!
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Source: Illumination
