"For them not to cast another [actorof color] kinda sucks but to go backwards."

John Leguizamo has not joined the cast of the animated Super Mario Bros. Movie."

Interview with IndieWire: The 62-year old actor spoke out about his disappointment at the selection of voice actors for the new animated flick. He called it "unfortunate" that the film would not feature more actors of color, especially in the roles of Mario or Luigi.

Leguizamo starred as Luigi in the 1993 live action adaptation of the Nintendo classic video game. It was considered a breakthrough moment in Hollywood for a Latino actor to play the role.

"The directors Annabel Jankel, Rocky Morton worked really hard to get me the lead role because I was Latin and [the studio] didn’t want me to play that role." He explained that they fought hard and it was a huge breakthrough. "For them not to cast another [actorof color] kind of sucks.

The "Ice Age” star stated, "Many people love the original." I was at Comic-Con New York and Baltimore and everybody said, "No, no, we still love the original." They don't feel the new one. It's not bitter. It's unfortunate."

Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic and Charlie Day will direct the animated film. Charlie Day and Mario are respectively portrayed by Chris Pratt. Jack Black, Keegan Michael Key, Anya Taylor Joy, Seth Rogen, and Fred Armisen are also part of the cast.

In September 2021 Nintendo and Illumination revealed that Pratt was cast as Mario, an Italian plumber and hero in the video game. This announcement caused some shockwaves on Twitter because Pratt isn't Italian.

Chris Meledandri, Illumination CEO and founder, defended casting the "Jurassic World” star to TooFab ( over), saying that he hopes fans will be pleased with his performance.

"All I can say is that the voice he uses to speak for Mario and us is amazing. He said, "I can't wait to hear it." "I understand, being an Italian American myself. "I understand your comments, you know."

Meledandri said, "Charlie Day who plays Luigi actually comes from Italian heritage." That's it. It's covered in the movie so you can see that we do. This is not the tone of the performance throughout film.

The "Super Mario Bros. Movie," which will be released on heaters April 7, is now available. Watch the trailer below to hear Pratt's Mario voice.

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Title: John Leguizamo Calls Out 'Unfortunate' Casting for New Super Mario Movie
Sourced From: toofab.com/2022/11/17/john-leguizamo-chris-pratt-super-mario-movie/
Published Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2022 16:17:44 +0000

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