When Illumination and Nintendo released The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the transition of iconic platforming pixels into a cinematic universe relied heavily on a star-studded ensemble. Audiences wanted to know which actors stepped into the recording booth to bring the Mushroom Kingdom to life, especially given the decades-long legacy of the original video game voice talent.
The main voice cast features Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Jack Black as Bowser. Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic balanced household names with veteran voice actors to craft an adaptation that broke box-office records.
Let's break down the complete voice cast, the character dynamics, and how this ensemble shaped the animated hit.
The Principal Cast: Heroes and Villains of the Mushroom Kingdom
Every great cinematic adventure requires a core duo, a monarch to protect, and a formidable villain driving the plot forward.
Chris Pratt as Mario
Stepping into the red cap and overalls, Chris Pratt voiced the titular plumber. Pratt, known for The Lego Movie and Guardians of the Galaxy, brought a grounded, working-class Brooklyn persona to Mario rather than relying on a continuous cartoon accent. In the film, Mario starts as an ambitious local contractor trying to get his plumbing business off the ground with his brother before getting sucked into the warp pipe network.
Charlie Day as Luigi
As Mario's taller, more anxious twin brother, Charlie Day (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) provided the voice for Luigi. Luigi serves as the emotional catalyst for the narrative after he gets separated from Mario in the Dark Lands and captured by Bowser's army, forcing Mario on a rescue mission across strange new worlds.
Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach
Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen's Gambit) voiced Princess Peach, reimagining her from a traditional damsel in distress into a proactive, battle-ready monarch who defends the Mushroom Kingdom with a halberd and incredible agility. Peach acts as Mario's mentor as he trains to navigate the obstacles of her realm.
Jack Black as Bowser
Jack Black delivered a scene-stealing performance as Bowser, the lovesick, piano-playing King of the Koopas. Black infused the villain with theatrical flair and comedic desperation, most notably through the viral original song "Peaches", which charted on the Billboard Hot 100 following the film's release.
Supporting Characters and Kong Family Dynamics
Beyond the core quartet, the film expands into Nintendo's broader catalog, pulling in classic arcade characters and trusted Mushroom Kingdom residents.
Keegan-Michael Key as Toad
Keegan-Michael Key voiced the hyperactive, brave little Mushroom Kingdom resident known simply as Toad. Key improvised portions of his vocal delivery to give Toad a frantic, endearing energy as he guides Mario through the brick-laden landscapes.
Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong
Seth Rogen brought his signature laid-back, boisterous comedic style to Donkey Kong. As the arrogant heir to the Jungle Kingdom throne and a strained ally to Mario, Rogen's dynamic with Pratt added an adversarial buddy-comedy element to the second act.
Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong
Fred Armisen voiced Cranky Kong, Donkey Kong's stern father and ruler of the Jungle Kingdom. Cranky sets the conditions for Mario to receive the Kong army's help against Bowser's impending invasion.
Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek
Veteran voice actor Kevin Michael Richardson voiced Kamek, the conniving Magikoopa advisor who assists Bowser in planning his global domination and wedding to Princess Peach.
Cameos and Deep-Cut Voice Roles
The movie included several nods to gaming history and prominent comedic actors in smaller roles.
- Charles Martinet: The legendary voice actor who voiced Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi in Nintendo games for decades made two special cameo appearances: as Giuseppe (an arcade patron in Brooklyn who plays jumpman) and as Mario and Luigi's father.
- Sebastian Maniscalco: Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco voiced Foreman Spike, Mario and Luigi's harsh former boss from the classic Wrecking Crew game.
- Juliet Jelenic: Juliet Jelenic voiced Lumalee, the delightfully nihilistic blue Luma imprisoned in Bowser's dungeon.
- Khary Payton: Known for Teen Titans, Payton voiced the Penguin King, who valiantly (and unsuccessfully) tries to defend his ice fortress from Bowser's forces at the start of the film.
You can read more about Nintendo's cinematic projects on the official Nintendo website or check production details via Universal Pictures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Charles Martinet voice Mario in the movie?
No. Chris Pratt voiced Mario for the main feature. Charles Martinet provided cameo voice work for Giuseppe and Mario's father as a tribute to his historical role in the gaming franchise.
Who sang the song "Peaches" in the movie?
Jack Black, who voiced Bowser, co-wrote and performed the romantic ballad "Peaches", which became a viral internet hit after the movie's theatrical release.
Are there plans for a Super Mario Bros Movie sequel?
Universal Pictures and Nintendo announced that a follow-up film is officially in development, continuing the adventures of the Mario universe characters.
Where can I watch The Super Mario Bros. Movie?
The movie is available to stream on subscription platforms like Peacock in the United States, as well as for digital rental or purchase across major video-on-demand services.
