Chris Pratt’s Mario ‘isn’t what fans expect,’ and Nintendo is fine with that

Though Super Mario fans are worried about Chris Pratt’s portrayal of Mario in the upcoming Super Mario, Chris Pratt says “he’s proud” of his interpretation and Nintendo seems to be behind him.

When Chris Pratt was first announced as Mario in the Super Mario movie, Pratt took to Instagram to tell fans he was excited and that it was “a dream come true” for him to play the iconic plumber.

While we know that Pratt’s take on Mario won’t be an imitation of Mario’s video game voice, provided by the legendary Charles Martinet, we still aren’t privy to what it will sound like in the final product.

However, recent interviews from both Pratt and Illumination Producer Chris Meledandri seem to be making an effort to assuage worries: “I think we’re going to be just fine”

Chris Pratt’s Mario will be “unlike anything” before

In a recent interview with Variety‘s Mark Malkin, Pratt talked about his casting as Mario and how he intends to handle the Italian plumber’s voice.

“I worked really closely with the directors and trying out a few things and landed on something that I’m really proud of and can’t wait for people to see and hear,” said Pratt.

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Pratt closes his comments on the Super Mario movie saying Mario’s voice is “updated and unlike anything you’ve heard in the Mario world before.”

Though it remains to be seen just how Illumination has updated Mario’s voice, it seems likely the company will stray away from the heavy Italian accent Martinet’s portrayal is known for.

This seems all the more likely thanks to recent comments from Meledandri, who spoke to Entertainment about potentially offending Italians or Italian-Americans through the Mario movie.

“I’m not sure this is the smartest defense, but as a person who has Italian-American heritage, I feel I can make that decision without worrying about offending Italians or Italian-Americans… I think we’re going to be just fine.”

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It certainly sounds like Illumination has faith in Pratt’s interpretation, as Meledandri says “the criticism will evaporate” when people finally hear his Mario voice.

Considering Nintendo has proudly stood behind both Pratt and Illumination, it’s assumed that they’re happy with whatever Pratt’s Mario voice sounds like as well. Only time will tell if fans feel the same way.