Read update
- The first teaser trailer (via YouTube) for The Super Mario Bros. Movie has been released, giving audiences an early look at how the franchise's world will be transferred to the big screen. Even so, much about the movie remains a mystery, and there are many figures from the Mario games that fans hope will feature in the story.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie has been given a United States release date of April 7, 2023, and part of the cast list for the film has also been revealed. This includes Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, and Keegan-Michael Key as Toad.
While a handful of characters from the Mario franchise have been confirmed for the movie, though, there are guaranteed to be more, with Charles Martinet himself—the games' voice of both Mario and Luigi—set to make cameos. Meanwhile, there are plenty of other Super Mario characters that would make great additions to the upcoming film, if given the chance to appear on the big screen.
Updated on October 26th, 2022 by Stacie Rook:
The first teaser trailer (via YouTube) for The Super Mario Bros. Movie has been released, giving audiences an early look at how the franchise's world will be transferred to the big screen. Even so, much about the movie remains a mystery, and there are many figures from the Mario games that fans hope will feature in the story.
Pauline
Pauline has had a long history in the Mario games, as the original character that Mario saved in 1981's Donkey Kong. Pauline's original name was "Lady," and Mario's was "Jumpman." While she was initially only the "damsel-in-distress" in the games, she has had a more active role in her more recent appearances.
She is a playable character in games like Mario Golf: Super Rush, and serves as the mayor of New Donk City in Super Mario Odyssey. In fact, her presence is a major reason why Metro is one of the best kingdoms in Super Mario Odyssey. She is a fascinating character and is also famous for her singing capabilities, which could be a great addition to the upcoming film.
Yoshi
Members of the Yoshi species have helped Mario and Luigi in a variety of games and have also appeared in several titles of their own. As one of the most recognizable species from the franchise, it is likely they will make an appearance in the film, and Yoshi as a character has plenty of narrative potential.
If Yoshi were to be included, it could be in the form of multiple Yoshi characters, or one character that is referred to as "Yoshi." Regardless, fans would love to see the dinosaur-like creature show up alongside companions and friends.
Wario And Waluigi
Wario and Waluigi have been fan favorites since their introductions, being part of a multitude of Mario titles, as well as many spinoffs, over the years. Some of the all-time funniest Wario memes prove that the character is a great source of comedy, and he'd work well in this role alongside Waluigi in the movie.
Given that Wario and Waluigi have been famously voiced by Charles Martinet, there may be a chance that these characters could appear as a couple of his surprise cameos. In any case, though, the pair could be great antagonists to Mario and his allies.
Toadette
Toadette may initially have been introduced as a partner for Toad in Mario Kart: Double Dash, but she's become a beloved character in her own right. She's not the most famous character, but over the years, she has been in many games and has made several prominent appearances in Mario titles that would justify her inclusion in the movie.
One of best appearances is her presence in Super Mario Odyssey, in which she awards Moons to players after they have completed certain milestones. Toadette is a bit more sensitive than many other characters, which would help give the film more of an emotional core.
King Boo
With the plot of the Mario movie currently unknown, it is not clear if Bowser will be the sole antagonist or if there will be room for another. If the latter is true, King Boo would be an excellent addition to the film. He is the main antagonist in the Luigi's Mansion series, and he also appears in several other Mario titles.
With his prominent position in Luigi's games, King Boo could be a reason to give Luigi a more significant role in the movie. Luigi is often underutilized, but the presence of one of his main enemies could cause him to become the main hero, at least for a portion of the story.
Rosalina
Though she is a more recent addition to the Super Mario series than many others, Rosalina is still a popular character. First appearing in Super Mario Galaxy in 2007, she has one of the most interesting backstories of any character in the franchise. Since her introduction, she has gone on to appear in several other titles, and she is even considered one of the best characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
The Mario movie will likely feature classic characters from the games, but few fans would have complaints about seeing Rosalina on the big screen, and her presence could give the story a reason to explore the wider Mario galaxy.
Lakitu
Lakitus as a species have played a large role in the franchise for a long time. They have often appeared as enemies, throwing Spiny Eggs down at the players as they attempt to progress through stages. However, they have also made other appearances, such as in the Mario Kart series as referees who help players if they fall off the courses, and in Super Mario Odyssey as non-hostile characters that Cappy can capture.
Due to the variety of circumstances in which they appear, Lakitus could fill any number of roles in the Mario film. As a recognizable species in the games, they would be a welcome addition to the roster, helping to populate the movie with familiar faces.
Daisy
As another staple of the Mario franchise, first appearing in 1989's Super Mario Land, Daisy is a clear choice for an addition to the Mario film. She has significant relationships with Peach and Luigi, being best friends with the former and a love interest to the latter, giving her several reasons to be around the characters who have already been confirmed to appear.
Daisy is also a playable character in a variety of games, which has made her more popular among fans of the franchise. The ruler of Sarasaland has proven herself to be a great character, and she could team up with Peach for some fantastic adventures on screen.
Bowser Jr.
With his father already confirmed as a character in the movie, it is also a possibility that audiences will see Bowser Jr. make at least a small appearance in the upcoming Mario film.
Debuting in Super Mario Sunshine in 2002, Bowser Jr. has been a part of many titles in the series, and in some of these, he even serves as the main antagonist. Given that Bowser as a character is often accompanied by his son, Bowser Jr.'s presence would definitely make sense.
Wiggler
The caterpillar-like Wigglers have long been a fan-favorite Mario species. They are not often prominent in the games, but they are still well known in the franchise. They first appeared in Super Mario World in 1990, and ever since, their cute appearance has led to them being quite popular.
Wigglers also can quickly change their appearance to be much more menacing when they are angry, making them more interesting. If they were to appear in the Mario film, it is unlikely they would be a core part of the story, but fans would nevertheless love to see them.