The Super Mario movie has been delayed. Originally set to debut on December 21, 2022, the animated feature is now slated for release in April 2023.
The film will debut on April 7, 2023 in North America before coming to Nintendo’s home country of Japan on April 28, 2023. Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto said of the delay, “My deepest apologies but I promise it will be well worth the wait.” The film is in the works at Despicable Me and Minions studio Illumination Entertainment with executive Chris Meledandri (the Chris-san mentioned in Miyamoto’s statement) attached as a producer.
The Mario movie has a big cast of famous names, including Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, and Jack Black as Bowser. Charles Martinet, who voices Mario in the video game series, will have “surprise cameos.”
Very little is known about the story, or any specifics at all. Charlie Day, who voices Luigi, confirmed in February this year that he had begun recording lines for the film, but he can’t say much more.
“I’d love to tell you all about it, but they are top secret with this stuff. Absolutely, this is serious stuff,” Day said. “I know nothing. I show up, and they’re like, ‘You say this and you say that.’ And it’s all very funny and good. And then I walk out and there’s like two guys in overalls with hammers that are like, ‘Don’t you tell nobody nothing about this, Charlie. I swear to God we’re gonna get your kneecaps, we’re gonna break your neck.'”
A Donkey Kong spin-off might come next.
Mario Movie Cast:
Chris Pratt as MarioAnya Taylor-Joy as PeachCharlie Day as LuigiJack Black as BowserFred Armisen as Cranky KongKevin Michael Richardson as KamekSebastian Maniscalco as SpikeKeegan-Michael Key as ToadSeth Rogen as Donkey KongCharles Martinet in “surprise cameos”