The Mushroom Kingdom is preparing to say goodbye to one of
its most enduring inhabitants.
Charles Martinet, the veteran voice behind Nintendo's beloved character Mario, is stepping down from his role after a remarkable three-decade run, as announced by the gaming company. Martinet will transition into the role of a Mario ambassador, tasked with spreading the joy of Mario at international gatherings and events, according to Nintendo.
In an announcement made on Monday, Nintendo expressed its gratitude to Charles Martinet for his extensive contribution in bringing Mario to life throughout the years. The company revealed plans for a "special video message" in collaboration with Shigeru Miyamoto, a prominent Nintendo executive and the creator of Mario.
Over the years, Martinet's distinctive voice has been synonymous with the iconic mustached plumber in numerous immensely popular games. From the groundbreaking "Super Mario 64" in 1996 to the widely successful "Mario Kart Wii" in 2008 and the recent "Mario Party Superstars" in 2021, Martinet's voice has become as inseparable from the character as Mario's unmistakable red cap and facial hair. These elements have collectively contributed to Mario's global recognition.
As of now, Nintendo has not disclosed any potential successor to Charles Martinet's role. There has been an attempt to contact Martinet for his comments.
In a brief post on X (formerly known as Twitter), the voice actor expressed his appreciation to his supporters over the decades. He embarked on his "new Adventure" with a typical Mario flair, acknowledging his fans as the number one priority in his heart.
Martinet's Journey as Mario
Martinet's journey into the role of Mario is an interesting tale. He unexpectedly "crashed" an audition hosted by Nintendo in the early '90s, when Mario and Luigi were yet to have speaking roles in the initial Super Mario Bros. games. In an interview with Guinness World Records, Martinet recounted being instructed by a casting director to invent a voice for an Italian plumber named Mario from Brooklyn, affiliated with Nintendo.
Instantaneously, Martinet unleashed a dialogue on crafting a pizza in a delightful Italian accent reminiscent of Mario. This spontaneous display impressed the creator of Mario, Shigeru Miyamoto, ultimately leading to Martinet's debut as Mario in the 1994 CD-ROM game titled "Mario Teaches Typing."
However, Martinet's most significant encounter with Mario enthusiasts occurred in 1996 with the launch of the acclaimed "Super Mario 64." The game, praised as one of the best video games of its time by IGN, introduced Mario's exuberant exclamations and cheers that have since characterized the character.
Martinet has also lent his voice to other inhabitants, heroes, and adversaries of the Mushroom Kingdom. He has portrayed Luigi, Mario's brother, as well as the infant versions of the plumber siblings and their cunning rivals, Wario and Waluigi.
Martinet's Affection for Mario
Martinet's affection for the character he brought to life is as legendary as his portrayal itself. In his conversation with Guinness World Records, he conveyed that the energetic "woo-hoos!" and the iconic "it's-a me!" phrases never lost their appeal. This devotion may explain why Martinet holds the record for the most video game voiceover performances as a consistent character.
His deep attachment to Mario is evident in his words: "I adore this character. I aspire to embody this character's joy, happiness, fun, and courage."
During a fan exposition in 2021, Martinet voiced his willingness to continue as Mario indefinitely, yet he acknowledged the possibility of stepping aside if he felt it necessary. His hope was that Mario's legacy would endure beyond his tenure. His commitment to the character is manifest in his extensive voice recording sessions—over five million audio files capture his various Mario vocalizations, ensuring his presence for years to come.
Although Martinet's voice was absent in the much-discussed "Super Mario Bros. Movie," he played significant roles in the production, including a supportive character named Giuseppe with a recognizable voice and, in a metatextual twist, the father of Mario and Luigi.
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