The 2023 animated version of The Super Mario Bros. Movie brought together a star-studded ensemble to bring the iconic Nintendo characters to life. Leading the charge are Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Jack Black as Bowser, and Charlie Day as Luigi. These actors anchored a voice cast that blended comedy and dramatic timing to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Produced by Illumination in partnership with Nintendo, the film leaned heavily on celebrity voices, a common trend in modern animated features designed to broaden audience appeal. The casting choices generated significant buzz, particularly around Pratt’s portrayal of the plumber hero, which was initially met with some scepticism before the film’s release.
The movie’s box-office success and positive reception set the stage for a sequel, which is currently scheduled for a 2026 release. While much of the core cast is expected to return, some new additions and unconfirmed roles are already generating discussion.
Main Voice Leads
Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black
Key Supporting Cast
Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, Fred Armisen, Sebastian Maniscalco
Notable Additional Roles
Kevin Michael Richardson, Khary Payton, Charles Martinet
Sequel Status (2026)
Most core cast expected to return; new additions reported
Key insights about the cast
- The 2023 film relied on A-list actors, a strategy common in modern animated blockbusters to generate wider interest.
- Chris Pratt’s casting as Mario was controversial at first, though his performance was better received in the final cut.
- Anya Taylor-Joy portrayed a more action-oriented and independent Princess Peach than in previous depictions.
- Jack Black’s Bowser was both comedic and musical, adding a distinctive layer to the villain.
- Seth Rogen brought a booming, confident energy to Donkey Kong, a fan-favourite role.
- Veteran voice actor Charles Martinet, the original Mario, made a cameo as Mario’s father and Giuseppe.
- Yoshi did not speak in the 2023 film but was teased in the post-credits scene for a bigger role in the sequel.
Key cast facts at a glance
| Actor | Role | Notable Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Pratt | Mario | Performance initially controversial but well-received in final cut |
| Anya Taylor-Joy | Princess Peach | Portrayed as more action-oriented and independent |
| Charlie Day | Luigi | Brought nervous energy and comedic timing to the role |
| Jack Black | Bowser | Comedic and musical villain performance by Jack Black |
| Keegan-Michael Key | Toad | High-energy comic relief and Peach’s loyal companion |
| Seth Rogen | Donkey Kong | Confident, booming voice for the Kong leader |
| Fred Armisen | Cranky Kong | Dry wit and seasoned tone |
| Sebastian Maniscalco | Spike | Original character for the animated film representing Mario’s boss |
| Charles Martinet | Mario’s Dad / Giuseppe | Original Mario voice actor in cameo roles |
| Kevin Michael Richardson | Kamek | Villainous Bowser’s magic-wielding attendant |
| Khary Payton | Penguin King | Brief but memorable role |
| Eric Bauza | Toad General | Supporting role within Toad’s faction |
Which actors provide supporting and additional voices in the film?
Beyond the main leads, the 2023 film featured a robust list of supporting actors who fleshed out the Mushroom Kingdom and its inhabitants. Seth Rogen voiced Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen took on Cranky Kong, and Sebastian Maniscalco voiced Spike, an original character created for the film who serves as Mario’s boss. Kevin Michael Richardson voiced Kamek, Bowser’s loyal and scheming attendant.
Additional supporting cast members
Rino Romano voiced Tony, John DiMaggio voiced Arthur, and Jessica DiCicco voiced Mario’s Mom. Eric Bauza contributed as Toad General, while Khary Payton voiced the Penguin King. Veteran voice actors Scott Menville and Juliet Jelenic provided various additional voices, filling out crowds and minor characters throughout the film.
The decision to cast high-profile actors like Pratt, Taylor-Joy, and Rogen follows a broader industry trend of using celebrity voices to boost the marketing reach of animated family films. While some fans initially questioned the choices, particularly Pratt’s Mario, the performances were largely accepted once the film was released.
Charles Martinet, the actor who voiced Mario in the games for decades, did not take on the lead role but did appear in the film as Mario’s father and the character Giuseppe. For many longtime fans, his cameo served as a respectful bridge between the classic games and the new animated universe.
Will the entire original cast return for The Super Mario Bros Movie 2?
Based on available reports, most of the core cast is expected to return for the 2026 sequel. Chris Pratt and Anya Taylor-Joy are reprise their roles as Mario and Princess Peach, and Jack Black and Charlie Day are also likely to return as Bowser and Luigi. However, an official confirmation of the complete returning cast has not yet been published.
New cast members reported for the sequel
Some reports indicate that the 2026 sequel will introduce new stars, including Donald Glover, Brie Larson, Benny Safdie, Glen Powell, Luis Guzmán, and Issa Rae. These additions suggest the sequel will expand its ensemble with fresh characters. However, the exact roles for these actors have not been confirmed publicly.
Yoshi, who was teased in the post-credits scene of the 2023 film, is expected to play a prominent role in the 2026 sequel. However, no official voice actor for Yoshi has been confirmed. Fans anticipate a significant character presence for the beloved dinosaur, potentially with a speaking role.
There is some uncertainty about whether every supporting actor from the first film will return. While main characters are likely to have their voices reprised, some minor roles might be recast or expanded. The full sequel cast list should be treated as not yet fully confirmed based on current evidence.
Is The Super Mario Bros Movie 2 coming out in 2026?
The sequel is scheduled for a 2026 release, though an exact date has not yet been publicly confirmed. This timeline follows the success of the 2023 film, which grossed over a billion dollars worldwide and became one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. Production is underway, but specific plot details and character arcs have not been revealed.
Timeline of cast and release events
- 2023: The Super Mario Bros. Movie is released, featuring a voice cast led by Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, and Jack Black.
- Post-credits scene: Yoshi is teased, setting up a larger role for the character in a future sequel.
- Sequel announcement: Nintendo and Illumination confirm a sequel is in development, scheduled for 2026.
- 2026 projection: The sequel is expected to feature returning voices and new actors, including reported additions like Donald Glover and Brie Larson.
- Future spin-off (rumoured): A Donkey Kong-focused spin-off, titled The Super Mario Bros. Galaxy Movie, is rumoured, with no official cast or release date confirmed.
What is confirmed about the cast and what remains unclear?
Several cast details are well-established, while others remain uncertain. The 2023 film’s core voice cast is documented across multiple reliable sources, including official databases and encyclopaedic references. The sequel is expected to follow an ensemble model, but many specifics are still unverified.
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Chris Pratt voices Mario in the 2023 film | Full sequel cast list has not been officially confirmed |
| Anya Taylor-Joy voices Princess Peach | Yoshi’s voice actor (if any) for the sequel has not been confirmed |
| Jack Black voices Bowser | Whether all supporting actors from the first film will return |
| Charlie Day voices Luigi | The 2026 release date lacks a specific day |
| Keegan-Michael Key voices Toad | Exact roles for new cast members like Donald Glover and Brie Larson |
| Seth Rogen voices Donkey Kong | Galaxy Movie spin-off has not been officially confirmed by Nintendo or Illumination |
What background context matters for the film’s cast?
The 2023 animated film marked a departure from the 1993 live-action adaptation, which had a radically different cast and tone. The earlier film featured Bob Hoskins as Mario and John Leguizamo as Luigi, and it was neither a critical nor commercial success. The 2023 release reset expectations with a modern animation style and a star-studded roster.
Jack Black’s performance as Bowser was particularly notable for its blend of comedy and musicality. In a separate interview, Black stated that he wanted to bring “a sense of humor and musicality to the role that hadn’t been seen before.” His rendition of a power ballad in the film became a fan favourite. This choice was part of a broader strategy to give characters distinct personalities beyond their game counterparts.
What do the sources say about the cast and sequel?
“The 2023 film’s core voice cast was led by Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, and Jack Black as Bowser, with Charlie Day as Luigi and several other major supporting voice roles.”
“While most core cast members (Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black) are expected to return, official confirmation for all supporting roles is still pending.”
— Based on reports from ScreenRant and Wikipedia
What is the takeaway for those following the cast?
The cast of The Super Mario Bros. Movie brought together a mix of Hollywood talent and veteran voice actors, creating a memorable ensemble that appealed to a wide audience. While the 2026 sequel promises to continue with most core voices, some new additions and unconfirmed roles keep the full picture in flux. Fans should watch for official announcements about the sequel’s exact release date and the voice actor for Yoshi, which remain open questions.
Frequently asked questions about the cast of The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Who voices Yoshi in The Super Mario Bros. Movie?
Yoshi does not have a speaking voice in the 2023 movie. He appears briefly in the post-credits scene and is set to have a prominent role in the 2026 sequel.
Who voices Spike in The Super Mario Bros. Movie?
Sebastian Maniscalco voices Spike, an original character created for the animated film who represents Mario’s boss.
Who was in the original 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie cast?
The 1993 live-action film starred Bob Hoskins as Mario and John Leguizamo as Luigi. It also featured Dennis Hopper as King Koopa and Samantha Mathis as Princess Daisy.
How does the 1993 cast compare to the 2023 movie?
The 1993 cast used live-action actors in a more grounded, darker adaptation, while the 2023 film uses celebrity voice actors in a colourful, animated style. Reception for the 2023 film was much stronger than for the 1993 release.
Who is in the cast of The Super Mario Bros Galaxy Movie?
A Galaxy Movie spin-off is rumoured, but no official cast members have been announced. Nintendo and Illumination have not confirmed the project yet.
Is The Super Mario Bros Galaxy Movie related to the 2026 sequel?
No confirmed link exists between a Galaxy Movie spin-off and the 2026 sequel. The spin-off is only rumoured, and officials have not verified its production.
What is the 2026 Super Mario Bros Movie 2 voice cast release date?
The sequel is expected in 2026, but an exact date has not yet been publicly confirmed. Most core cast members are expected to return, and some new actors are reported to join.
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Toby Marsh is Senior Reporter at Castradar.uk, covering film and TV stories across the UK.