The Super Mario Bros. Movie cast brings Nintendo’s iconic characters to life through a mix of established stars and surprise vocal performances. Released in 2023, the film pairs longtime Mario voice Charles Martinet in a ceremonial role with Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, and Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele as Toad and Bowser Jr., respectively. Below is a detailed, evergreen breakdown of who voices which character, confirmed roles versus rumored appearances, and how the casting aligns with the film’s family-friendly adventure tone.
Main Mario Characters and Voice Actors
At the center of the film are Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, each portrayed by a prominent performer whose interpretation shapes the movie’s personality. The casting balances recognizable star power with fidelity to the games’ spirit, emphasizing humor, heart, and heroic action suitable for all ages.
Mario
- Voice: Chris Pratt
- Role: Plumber and optimistic hero tasked with rescuing Peach
- Context: Pratt’s casting was widely publicized as a defining choice for the film’s broad appeal
Luigi
- Voice: Charlie Day
- Role: Mario’s loyal, sometimes anxious brother
- Context: Day brings a comedic, tender sensitivity that highlights Luigi’s cautious yet courageous nature
Princess Peach
- Voice: Anya Taylor-Joy
- Role: Ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom and central figure in Bowser’s plans
- Context: Taylor-Joy’s portrayal emphasizes poise, wit, and agency within the story’s fantasy setting
Bowser
- Voice: Jack Black
- Role: Primary antagonist with theatrical flair and comedic undertones
- Context: Black’s gravelly, energetic performance adds a rock-driven personality to the villain
Supporting and Ensemble Cast
Beyond the core trio, the film features a wide ensemble that expands the Mushroom Kingdom’s breadth. These characters add texture, comic relief, and emotional beats, ensuring the adventure feels populated and alive.
Toad and Other Allies
- Toad: Keegan-Michael Key
- Role: Loyal subject and guide with rapid-fire delivery and expressive pantomime
- Context: Key’s performance leans into Toad’s classic nervous energy and humor
Bowser Jr. and Family
- Bowser Jr.: Jordan Peele
- Role: Bowser’s son, adding a nuanced, youthful perspective
- Context: Peele’s involvement drew attention for broadening the film’s emotional stakes
Cameos and Recognizable Voices
- Charles Martinet: Cameo appearance as the original Mario voice
- Kevin Afghani: Additional Mario-related vocal work
- Various voice talents populate marketplace and background scenes, enhancing immersion
Notable Roles and Rumors Clarified
Speculation ahead of release suggested a long list of rumored actors and surprise inclusions. The final credits clarified which characters were explicitly voiced and which rumored appearances did not materialize, helping audiences separate expectation from confirmed performance.
| Character | Verified Voice Actor | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mario | Chris Pratt | Official Cast Announcement |
| Luigi | Charlie Day | Official Cast Announcement |
| Princess Peach | Anya Taylor-Joy | Official Cast Announcement |
| Bowser | Jack Black | Official Cast Announcement |
| Toad | Keegan-Michael Key | Official Cast Announcement |
| Bowser Jr. | Jordan Peele | Official Cast Announcement |
| Charles Martinet (Cameo) | Charles Martinet | Interview and Film Credit |
How the Cast Serves Story and Tone
Director Aaron Horvath and co-director Michael Jelenic shaped the casting to support a balance between comedy, action, and heart. Pratt and Day ground the sibling dynamic, while Black and Key amplify villainous and comic beats without overshadowing the protagonists. The casting choices contribute to a narrative that feels accessible to longtime fans and newcomers alike, using familiar vocal textures to anchor inventive world-building.
Voice Direction and Performance Style
Recording sessions emphasized energetic, character-driven delivery that could translate across languages in global releases. Performers were guided to preserve recognizable traits associated with each character while adding new layers that serve cinematic storytelling. This approach helps the film retain the playful spirit of the games while expanding into feature-length adventure.