For more than 30 years, Charles Martinet’s lent his voice, personality, warmth, and joy to Nintendo’s most iconic mascot, making it immediately recognizable to generations of gamers worldwide. Now, this is all about to change.
Known for bringing Mario to life since 1991, Martinet’s journey started quite spontaneously. His initial gig was not for a game, but instead, an interactive 3D Mario character at trade shows, where he engaged attendees using Mario’s now-distinctive voice. Although he made his digital debut with Mario Teaches Typing in 1994, it was Super Mario 64 that released in 1996 that cemented his reputation. From there, his association with Mario was irrefutable, as he expanded his voice acting range to embody characters such as Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, and even the younger versions, Baby Mario and Baby Luigi.
However, change, as they say, is the only constant. The gaming world first sensed a shift when trailers for the upcoming titles, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and WarioWare: Move It, dropped. The voices of the much-loved characters sounded subtly different, which didn’t escape the sharp ears of Nintendo fans.
We have a message for fans of the Mushroom Kingdom. Please take a look. pic.twitter.com/U1ASicOuTO
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) August 21, 2023
The silence surrounding the speculations was broken by Nintendo’s official statement, revealing that Martinet would transition to a new role, Mario Ambassador. In this new capacity, he won’t be lending his voice to the games, but he will “travel the world sharing the joy of Mario,” serving as a bridge between the legacy of the past and the promise of the future.
Martinet’s response to the announcement was heartfelt and optimistic. Quote-tweeting Nintendo, he wrote, “My new Adventure begins! You are all Numba One in my heart!” A sentiment that only goes on to show his deep love for the community and the role that made him a household name.
The film industry reflected this changing tide. The recent Super Mario Bros. Movie from Nintendo and Illumination did not feature Martinet as the primary voice of Mario, a role instead filled by Chris Pratt. Although Martinet graced the film with two delightful cameos, the choice underscored the evolving direction Nintendo is taking with its iconic brand.
For the community, this change evokes mixed feelings. While many are excited about the new games and the directions they might take, there’s an undeniable pang of nostalgia and longing for what has been a constant for three decades. It no longer becomes the case that fans miss Martinet’s voice as a sound; it’s become emotionally tied to the character, a reminder of countless hours spent guiding Mario through obstacles, adventures, and rescues.
In 2021, Martinet had expressed his wish to “voice Mario until [he] drop[s] dead.” And even though this dream seems to be pivoting, fans can take solace in the fact that his iconic voice will continue to spread joy around the world, albeit in a different capacity.
Nintendo has promised a special video message featuring both Shigeru Miyamoto and Charles Martinet, which many await. It promises to be a touching tribute to a collaboration that shaped childhoods and gave the world a cheerful, plucky plumber who continually reminded us to push forward, no matter the Goombas in our way.
Ultimately, Mario, with Martinet’s voice or his ambassadorial presence, will continue to inspire, entertain, and be the beacon of joy for generations to come.
