After 25 years of voicing the world’s most famous Italian plumber, Charles Martinet is laying down his microphone. Nintendo announced that, after providing Mario with his characteristically cheery voice for over two decades, Martinet will be reduced to the role of a Mario ambassador instead.
The news comes shortly after Chris Pratt voiced the titular character in the latest Super Mario Bros. movie, sparking speculation among some fans that Martinet had been replaced. With statements such as “it has been an honour working with him,” though, Nintendo has put an end to this thought – though the iconic actor will no longer be lending his vocal chords to their games, he’ll still appear at events around the world to celebrate them.
He may have stepped back from recording his lines, but we’ll still be able to hear plenty of Martinet’s classic Mario roar in Super Mario Bros. Wonder when it releases later this year. So, all hail Charles Martinet – the man behind one of our biggest childhood heroes!
It has been an immense privilege to work alongside the iconic Charles Martinet and bring the beloved Mario to life for countless players over the years, and we are delighted to honour him in this way. Be sure to look out for an upcoming video tribute from the creator of Mario himself, Shigeru Miyamoto, as well as words from Charles himself in the near future.
Since 1996, Martinet has voiced Mario in an impressive array of Mario-related titles, from the beloved Mario Kart and Mario Party series, to his memorable performance in the hit 2023 movie – though on that occasion, it was Chris Pratt who played the famous plumber with Martinet as Giuseppe and Mario’s dad. Martinet has also lent his voice to key characters across the entire Mario universe, such as Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, and various baby versions of heroes and villains.
It has been an extraordinary year for everyone involved with the pop culture phenomenon that is Mario. Not only did the 2023 movie break box office records worldwide, but Nintendo Switch players can also look forward to further classic titles on the way – such as Super Mario Bros. Wonder and a remake of Super Mario RPGs – showing no signs that interest in our cherished Italian plumber will soon subside.