Bringing a legendary video game icon to the big screen requires an exact balance of nostalgia and fresh storytelling. When illumination and Nintendo teamed up for the animated hit, they assembled a massive ensemble of comedic and dramatic talent to populate the Mushroom Kingdom, Brooklyn, and the Dark Lands.
Knowing who brings each character to life enhances the viewing experience. Let's break down the main voice cast, their specific roles, and the behind-the-scenes production facts that shaped the film.
Main Cast and Character Guide
Every central figure in the adaptation carries traits from decades of gaming history, re-engineered for a feature-length narrative arc.
Mario - Chris Pratt
The plumber from Brooklyn starts out trying to build his independent contracting business with his brother before getting sucked into warp pipes. Chris Pratt voices Mario with an grounded, everyday-guy tone rather than the high-pitched cartoon cadence of the video games. Co-directors tailored the character to fit a blue-collar hero archetype with plenty of heart.
Luigi - Charlie Day
Luigi serves as Mario's timid younger brother and business partner. Charlie Day lends his signature energetic anxiety to the role, capturing Luigi's vulnerability when he gets separated from Mario and trapped in the volcanic Dark Lands ruled by Bowser.
Princess Peach - Anya Taylor-Joy
Instead of playing the traditional damsel in distress, this version of Princess Peach rules the Mushroom Kingdom as a fierce, hyper-competent monarch preparing her people for an impending Koopa invasion. Anya Taylor-Joy gives her a determined, action-oriented edge.
Bowser - Jack Black
Jack Black dominates the screen as Bowser, the terrifying yet oddly romantic King of the Koopas. Black brought his musical background directly into the recording booth, helping write and perform the breakout viral ballad "Peaches," which charts his obsessive devotion to the monarch.
Toad - Keegan-Michael Key
As an eager, brave resident of the Mushroom Kingdom, Toad accompanies Mario on his quest to find Luigi. Keegan-Michael Key experimented with various vocal pitches to find the right energetic register, even improvising musical moments during recording sessions.
Donkey Kong - Seth Rogen
The heir to the Jungle Kingdom throne shares a fiercely competitive, reluctant-ally dynamic with Mario. Seth Rogen uses his familiar, booming laugh and laid-back comedic delivery to shape this stubborn gorilla.
Supporting Voice Roles
Beyond the headliners, the movie features an extensive supporting cast rounding out the expanded Nintendo universe.
- Cranky Kong (Fred Armisen): The grumpy ruler of the Jungle Kingdom and Donkey Kong's father, who looks down on outsiders.
- Kamek (Kevin Michael Richardson): Bowser's snarky, magic-wielding advisor and informant who orchestrates many of the villain's plans.
- Spike (Sebastian Maniscalco): The brothers' abrasive former boss from the video game Wrecking Crew.
- Lumalee (Juliet Jelenic): A surprisingly nihilistic blue Luma held captive in Bowser's dungeon, providing some of the film's darkest comedic relief.
- The Penguin King (Khary Payton): The fierce ruler who tries to defend his icy domain from Bowser's initial assault.
Behind-the-Scenes Production Facts
The creation of the film involved years of secret development, Easter eggs, and clever casting choices rooted in gaming heritage.
The Charles Martinet Legacy
Charles Martinet, who has voiced Mario, Luigi, and other characters in Nintendo games since 1991, didn't voice the lead roles this time. Instead, he made cameo appearances as Giuseppe—an arcade patron who looks like classic Mario and shouts "Let's-a go!"—and as the brothers' father.
Sebastian Maniscalco's Original Audition
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco initially auditioned for the role of Mario. He attempted an imitation of the iconic video game voice, hoping his Italian heritage would land him the part. While the studio chose a different direction for the lead, they cast him as Spike instead.
Animation and Easter Eggs
Produced by Illumination (Despicable Me) in partnership with Nintendo, the film's visual design heavily mirrors actual gameplay physics, kart handling mechanics, and classic sound effects. Eagle-eyed viewers can spot dozens of deep-cut references, from classic arcade cabinets in Brooklyn apartments to obscure enemy types from the NES and SNES eras.
You can read more about the production history and studio collaboration on Nintendo's official site. For broader cinematic context and box office data, check out Variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't Chris Pratt use the classic video game voice?
The directors felt that hearing the high-pitched, caricature-heavy video game voice for 90 minutes straight would become exhausting in a feature-length narrative film. They opted for a grounded, blue-collar performance to make Mario a relatable protagonist.
Who sings the song "Peaches" in the movie?
Jack Black voices Bowser and co-wrote the viral romantic ballad "Peaches." He recorded the track specifically for the film, and it became an unexpected chart hit following the movie's release.
Are there post-credits scenes?
Yes, the movie includes two distinct stingers: a mid-credits scene featuring a singing Bowser, and a post-credits scene teasing a familiar green egg in the sewers of Brooklyn.
Which video games influenced the plot most?
While drawing from the entire history of the franchise, the film heavily incorporates elements from Super Mario 3D World, Mario Kart, and Donkey Kong Country.
