The first look at the animated The Super Mario Bros. Movie has stirred up some controversy over Mario's missing butt. For only the second time in history, Nintendo's iconic plumber is preparing to headline a movie, but unlike the past attempt, Mario will remain animated this time. The film using 3D animation allows Illumination the opportunity to perfectly capture Mario's unique physique that he's carried with him for more than 40 years. However, the first The Super Mario Bros. Movie poster ignited a surprising controversy thanks to the very clear look at Mario's backside.
The latest controversy for The Super Mario Bros. Movie comes as those familiar with the character noticed that Mario's ass is missing. Due to Mario's iconic status as a video game character and symbol in pop culture, there is a lot of pressure on the animated movie to do him justice - and make up for the mistakes of Mario's live-action film. So even as many brace for the eventual reveal of Chris Pratt's Mario voice, the glimpse at the plumber's butt was enough to drum up an unexpected controversy. Some comments are indeed made in jest, but it is another example of The Super Mario Bros. Movie's controversial status making it a target for memes and jokes as people online continue to be incredibly skeptical about the film. The amount of discussion around Mario's missing butt in The Super Mario Bros. Movie exemplifies this point.
How Much Does Mario's Butt Actually Matter?
Mario's butt should not impact The Super Mario Bros. Movie in any meaningful way, but it is a sign of just how critical some will be about Mario's design for the movie. The video game accuracy of characters in movies or TV shows is always a big point of discussion. Paramount learned this the hard way with Sonic the Hedgehog. Mario's butt being smaller than expected is nothing compared to Sonic's teeth or the more human features that forced Sonic the Hedgehog's redesign. The Super Mario Bros. controversy could take a back seat once the complete Mario design is revealed, especially since his peach is not likely to be as prominently featured in the movie itself as the poster.
There is always a chance that Illumination and The Super Mario Bros. Movie will comment on Mario's butt too. Perhaps the movie features a slightly slimmed-down version of Mario, and Chris Pratt's version jokes about losing some weight in the rear. That might only make the controversy that much bigger, though. If the discussions about Mario's missing ass in The Super Mario Bros. Movie do continue, it would be a relatively easy fix for the movie to fill out Mario's overalls with a bigger butt.
Will Super Mario's Controversies Hurt The Movie's Chances For Success?
Even with The Super Mario Bros. Movie's Mario butt controversy, the odds are still in the movie's favor to be a success and launch a Nintendo Cinematic Universe. Mario is not only Nintendo's most iconic character but also one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in video game history. Him headlining an animated movie is a huge deal and will get butts in seats worldwide, even if Mario's is smaller than some might like. The Super Mario Bros. Movie does come from Illumination, the studio that turned Despicable Me and Minions into massive franchises, after all. These "controversies" might only generate more interest in the film. So whether it is Mario's butt, Chris Pratt's casting, or another future The Super Mario Bros. Movie controversy, audiences will likely turn out in droves for the 2023 movie.
