Super Mario Voices: Who Brings Your Favorite Characters To Life?

Hey guys! Ever wondered who's behind those iconic voices in the Super Mario games? From the cheerful "It's-a me, Mario!" to the menacing growls of Bowser, a talented cast of voice actors has brought these beloved characters to life for decades. Let's dive into the fascinating world of Super Mario voice acting and explore the talented individuals who have lent their voices to the Mushroom Kingdom.

The Main Man: Mario

When you think of Super Mario, the first voice that probably pops into your head is that of Charles Martinet. For nearly three decades, Martinet was the voice of Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi. His energetic and playful delivery defined these characters for generations of gamers. Martinet's journey with Super Mario began in the early 1990s when he auditioned for the role at a trade show. His improvisational skills and ability to capture Mario's cheerful personality impressed Nintendo, and he was chosen to voice the character in interactive demos and eventually in video games. Martinet's voice work has appeared in countless Super Mario titles, from Super Mario 64 to Super Mario Odyssey. His contributions to the franchise are immeasurable, and he has become a beloved figure among Super Mario fans worldwide. However, in a surprising turn of events, Nintendo announced in 2023 that Martinet would be stepping down from his role as Mario and becoming a "Mario Ambassador." This new role allows him to continue representing the franchise at events and interacting with fans, but he will no longer be providing voice work for the games. This announcement marked the end of an era and left fans wondering who would be taking over the iconic role.

Martinet's dedication to the role extended beyond just recording lines in a studio. He frequently attended gaming conventions and events, interacting with fans in character as Mario, Luigi, Wario, or Waluigi. His energetic performances and willingness to engage with fans made him a popular attraction, and he helped to create memorable experiences for countless Super Mario enthusiasts. Martinet's passion for the characters and his commitment to bringing them to life shone through in every performance, solidifying his place as a legend in the world of video game voice acting. He truly embodies the spirit of Mario and has left an indelible mark on the franchise.

Even though he's no longer voicing the character, Charles Martinet's legacy as the voice of Mario will undoubtedly endure for years to come. His contributions to the franchise have been invaluable, and he will always be remembered as the man who brought the iconic plumber to life. The transition to a new voice actor is a significant moment in Super Mario history, and it remains to be seen how the new voice will be received by fans. However, one thing is certain: Charles Martinet's impact on the Super Mario franchise will never be forgotten.

Taking the Torch: The New Voice of Mario

So, who is the new voice of Mario? As of now, Nintendo hasn't officially revealed the new voice actor. This has led to much speculation and anticipation among fans. Whoever steps into the role has some huge shoes to fill. Replacing such an iconic and well-loved voice is a daunting task. The new voice actor will not only need to capture the essence of Mario's personality but also bring their own unique flair to the character. The pressure to live up to Charles Martinet's legacy will undoubtedly be immense.

Nintendo's decision to keep the identity of the new voice actor a secret has only fueled the speculation and excitement surrounding the announcement. Fans have been scouring the internet for clues and analyzing potential candidates, eager to discover who will be the next voice of Mario. Some have suggested that Nintendo might choose a relatively unknown actor to avoid comparisons to Martinet, while others believe that they might opt for a seasoned voice actor with a proven track record. Ultimately, the decision rests with Nintendo, and they will likely choose someone who they believe can best represent the character moving forward.

The reveal of the new voice actor will be a significant moment for the Super Mario franchise. It will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the character's history, and fans will be eager to see how the new voice actor interprets the role. The transition will undoubtedly take some getting used to, but hopefully, the new voice actor will be able to capture the hearts of fans and continue to bring joy to players around the world. The Super Mario franchise has always been about innovation and evolution, and the change in voice actor is just another example of this. While it may be difficult to say goodbye to Charles Martinet's iconic voice, it's also exciting to anticipate what the future holds for Mario and the Super Mario universe.

Princess Peach: The Royal Voice

For many years, Samantha Kelly has been the voice of Princess Peach. Her sweet and gentle voice perfectly embodies the kind and caring nature of the Mushroom Kingdom's princess. Samantha Kelly took over the role of Princess Peach in 2010, and since then, she has voiced the character in numerous Super Mario games, including Super Mario 3D World, Mario Kart 8, and Super Mario Odyssey. Her voice work has helped to solidify Princess Peach's image as a kind, gentle, and resourceful leader, and she has become a beloved figure among Super Mario fans.

Kelly's portrayal of Princess Peach is characterized by her soft and melodious voice, which perfectly captures the character's grace and elegance. She also brings a sense of warmth and empathy to the role, making Peach a relatable and sympathetic character. Whether she's cheering on Mario from the sidelines or offering words of encouragement to her friends, Kelly's voice work always conveys a sense of genuine care and concern. This has helped to make Princess Peach one of the most beloved and recognizable characters in the Super Mario franchise.

Prior to Samantha Kelly, Jen Taylor voiced Princess Peach. Jen Taylor is also known for voicing Cortana in the Halo series. Her take on Peach was equally iconic, leaving a lasting impression on fans. Taylor's voice work for Princess Peach was featured in several Super Mario games, including Mario Tennis 64, Mario Party 3, and Super Smash Bros. Melee. Her portrayal of Peach was characterized by her slightly higher-pitched voice and her playful delivery, which helped to give the character a sense of youthful energy and enthusiasm. While Samantha Kelly has since taken over the role, Jen Taylor's contributions to the character will always be remembered.

Bowser: The King of Koopas' Roar

Bowser, the King of the Koopas, needs a voice that's both menacing and slightly comical. Kenny James has provided that voice for many years. His deep, gravelly voice perfectly captures Bowser's imposing presence and his over-the-top villainy. Kenny James took over the role of Bowser in 2005, and since then, he has voiced the character in numerous Super Mario games, including New Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Odyssey. His voice work has helped to solidify Bowser's image as a formidable and iconic villain, and he has become a beloved figure among Super Mario fans.

James' portrayal of Bowser is characterized by his deep, resonant voice, which perfectly captures the character's imposing presence and his menacing demeanor. He also brings a sense of humor to the role, making Bowser a villain that players love to hate. Whether he's roaring with anger or plotting his next scheme, James' voice work always conveys a sense of power and determination. This has helped to make Bowser one of the most recognizable and iconic villains in video game history.

Before Kenny James, Scott Burns voiced Bowser. His work in Super Mario 64 set the stage for future Bowser voices. Scott Burns' portrayal of Bowser was characterized by his deep and booming voice, which perfectly captured the character's imposing presence and his menacing demeanor. He also brought a sense of theatricality to the role, making Bowser a larger-than-life villain that players loved to confront. While Kenny James has since taken over the role, Scott Burns' contributions to the character will always be remembered.

Luigi: The Green Machine's Squeaks

While Charles Martinet voiced Luigi for a long time, the character also has some unique vocalizations. Luigi's scaredy-cat personality shines through in his voice, making him a fan favorite. Like Mario, the future voice of Luigi remains a mystery, adding to the anticipation surrounding the Super Mario franchise. The new voice actor will have the challenge of capturing Luigi's unique personality traits, such as his timidness, his loyalty to his brother, and his surprising bursts of bravery. This will require a delicate balance of voice acting skills and an understanding of the character's nuances.

Luigi's voice is just as important to the Super Mario franchise as Mario's. His high-pitched squeaks and nervous stammering have become synonymous with the character, and fans have come to expect a certain level of comedic delivery from his voice actor. The new voice actor will need to be able to replicate these qualities while also bringing their own unique interpretation to the role. This is a tall order, but it's also an exciting opportunity for a talented voice actor to make their mark on the Super Mario universe.

As with Mario, the reveal of the new voice actor for Luigi will be a significant moment for fans. It will be interesting to see how Nintendo approaches the casting process and what qualities they prioritize in their search for the perfect voice. Whether they choose a seasoned voice actor or a relative newcomer, the new voice actor will have the chance to shape the future of Luigi and contribute to the character's ongoing legacy.

The Ever-Evolving World of Super Mario Voices

The world of Super Mario voices is constantly evolving. As new games are released and characters are introduced, the cast of voice actors continues to grow and change. It's a testament to the enduring popularity of the Super Mario franchise that so much attention is paid to the voices behind the characters. These voices are an integral part of what makes the Super Mario games so enjoyable and memorable, and they play a significant role in shaping the way we perceive and connect with these iconic characters.

From Charles Martinet's iconic portrayal of Mario to Samantha Kelly's sweet and gentle voice of Princess Peach, the voice actors of the Super Mario franchise have brought these characters to life in a way that words simply cannot describe. Their talent and dedication have helped to make the Super Mario games a global phenomenon, and their voices will continue to resonate with fans for generations to come. As the franchise continues to evolve and introduce new characters, the world of Super Mario voices will undoubtedly continue to surprise and delight us.

So, whether you're a long-time fan of the Super Mario games or a newcomer to the franchise, take a moment to appreciate the talented voice actors who have made these characters so memorable. Their voices are an essential part of the Super Mario experience, and they have helped to create a world that is both magical and unforgettable.