Mario's design in the upcoming Super Mario Bros. animated movie has appeared online through an unlikely source.
Based on a screenshot shared on Twitter by streaming ConnorEatsPants, a McDonald's employee posted an image of Chris Pratt's Mario in a Discord server. The image sees the plumber realized in a style that has never been depicted in a Nintendo game to date, leading many to suspect that the design is from Illumination's upcoming Super Mario Bros. movie. While the aesthetic of the plumber remains true to his depictions in the 3D video games, the movie version seems to sport features that are more in proportion to the rest of his body. The nature of the shared document is currently unknown but many suspect that it's from a collaborative promotion between Mcdonald's and Nintendo.
The photo comes just a day before a special Nintendo Direct dedicated to the Super Mario Bros. movie. The presentation is expected to include the movie's first official trailer, a reveal that was heralded by a poster released in early October 2022. While the promotional artwork includes Mario, his face remained hidden as he gazed out across the Mushroom Kingdom.
A Mario for the Masses
Super Mario Bros. is expected to tell an original story with some of the video game industry's most iconic characters. While the specifics of the plot are largely unknown, the movie sports an all-star cast including Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Seth Rogen and Keegan-Michael Key. Pratt will be lending his vocal cords to the iconic plumber himself, a decision that was met by a great deal of vitriol from fans.
Many enthusiasts expressed frustration at Pratt's casting, believing it to be disrespectful to long-time voice actor Charles Martinet, who has played Mario in the video games since 1992. In response to the outcry, Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri defended Pratt's performance, noting his adoration for the actor's portrayal. "Chris was cast because we felt he could give a great performance as Mario," Meledandri said. "And now that we've done about 15 recording sessions, and the movie is three-quarters done, I sit here and say that I love his performance as Mario."
Super Mario Bros. leaps into theaters on April 7, 2023.
Source: Twitter