Legendary Mario Voice Actor, Charles Martinet, Steps into New Role after 27 Iconic Years: In a surprising turn of events, the iconic voice behind Mario, Charles Martinet, is gracefully stepping back from his role after an illustrious 27-year journey as the beloved Nintendo character. This announcement, marking the end of an era, has sent ripples of nostalgia and gratitude through the gaming community.
The journey began in 1996 with the release of Super Mario 64, where Charles Martinet lent his voice to the endearing Italian plumber. But his vocal talents didn’t stop there; he masterfully voiced a variety of characters within the game series, seamlessly switching between the cheerful Mario, his twin brother Luigi, and the cunningly villainous duo of Wario and Waluigi.
In an official statement posted on the newly rebranded Nintendo Twitter account, now known as X, the gaming giant revealed the exciting new role awaiting Martinet: “Charles is now embracing the role of Mario ambassador. With this transition, he’ll be taking a step back from recording character voices for our games. However, his journey continues as he embarks on a global adventure to share the joy of Mario and engage with our incredible community!”
Reflecting on the remarkable collaboration, the statement continued, “Working alongside Charles to breathe life into Mario for all these years has been an incredible honor. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude and celebrate his invaluable contribution.”
A teaser was dropped for an upcoming special video message, featuring none other than Shigeru Miyamoto, the visionary video game designer and creator of Mario, along with Charles Martinet himself. This highly anticipated video is set to be released in the near future.
In his own words, Martinet shared his enthusiasm for the new chapter, stating, “My new Adventure begins! You are all Numba One in my heart! Woohoo!!!!!!!” His excitement is palpable, showcasing the genuine bond he shares with fans worldwide.
The announcement came amidst speculation among fans about Martinet’s potential replacement for the upcoming Super Mario Bros Wonder game. Observant fans noticed a change in the character’s voice in promotional videos, sparking debates online. Nintendo confirmed the change, clarifying that Martinet did not lend his voice to the new game. The identity of the new voice actor, however, remains a mystery.
Interestingly, Martinet’s inspiration for Mario’s distinctive voice was drawn from Petruchio, a character from Shakespeare’s timeless play, “The Taming of the Shrew.” His dedication to the role was unwavering, as he once declared during a 2021 game convention, “I want to voice Mario until I drop dead. If someday I feel incapable, I’ll be the first to suggest finding a new voice for Mario to Nintendo.”
Notably, Martinet’s absence from the 2023 animated film, “The Super Mario Bros Movie,” created a buzz. The title character was voiced by Chris Pratt, known for his role in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” while Luigi was brought to life by Charlie Day of “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” fame. Martinet did, however, contribute his talent to the film by voicing two minor characters, including the brothers’ father. The film became a monumental success, grossing over $1.357 billion worldwide, securing its place as the highest-grossing video game adaptation ever.
Beyond the Mario universe, Martinet’s vocal prowess extended to other video games such as “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” and “Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time,” showcasing his versatility and impact across the gaming industry.
As Charles Martinet takes a graceful bow from the character that has touched hearts and inspired countless gamers, his legacy remains etched in the pixels of gaming history. With a new adventure on the horizon, he bids farewell to the beloved Mario, passing the torch to future endeavors, forever remembered as the voice that made our gaming adventures truly extraordinary.
FAQ – Charles Martinet’s Departure and Mario Voice Actor Legacy
Q1: Who is Charles Martinet?
A1: Charles Martinet is the legendary voice actor behind Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi in the Nintendo game series.
Q2: Why is Charles Martinet stepping back from voicing Mario?
A2: After 27 years, Martinet is transitioning to a new role as a Mario ambassador, sharing the joy of Mario globally.
Q3: What is Martinet’s history with the Mario franchise?
A3: He began as Mario’s voice in Super Mario 64 and went on to voice Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, and more.
Q4: What did Nintendo announce about Martinet’s departure?
A4: Nintendo revealed that Martinet is stepping back from recording character voices but embracing a new role as an ambassador.
Q5: Will Martinet still be involved with Mario-related activities?
A5: Yes, he’ll continue to engage with fans and share the joy of Mario through his new ambassador role.
Q6: Who will voice Mario in upcoming games?
A6: Nintendo confirmed that Martinet didn’t voice Mario in Super Mario Bros Wonder, but the new voice actor remains undisclosed.
Q7: How did Martinet develop Mario’s voice?
A7: He drew inspiration from Petruchio, a character in Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.”
Q8: What about Martinet’s involvement in “The Super Mario Bros Movie”?
A8: Martinet didn’t voice Mario in the film, but he contributed to minor characters. Chris Pratt voiced Mario.
Q9: How successful was “The Super Mario Bros Movie”?
A9: The film grossed over $1.357 billion globally, becoming the highest-grossing video game adaptation.
Q10: Beyond Mario, has Martinet lent his voice to other games?
A10: Yes, he voiced characters in games like “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” and “Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time.”
Q11: What’s Martinet’s sentiment towards his departure?
A11: In his words, “My new Adventure begins! You are all Numba One in my heart! Woohoo!!!!!!!”
Q12: How can I watch the special video message from Martinet and Shigeru Miyamoto?
A12: Keep an eye out for the upcoming video message, which will be posted by Nintendo on their platform.
Q13: Is Martinet’s departure permanent?
A13: While he’s stepping back from character voicing, his ongoing ambassador role ensures continued involvement with Mario’s legacy.
Q14: How will Martinet’s departure affect the Mario fan community?
A14: The news brings a mix of nostalgia and curiosity about the future of Mario’s voice, sparking discussions among fans.
Q15: Where can I learn more about Charles Martinet and his contributions?
A15: Stay tuned to Nintendo’s official channels and gaming news platforms for updates on Martinet’s journey and endeavors.