In recent weeks, there’s been plenty of intrigue surrounding the question of who would be taking over the iconic voice of Mario, following Charles Martinet’s departure from the role. As the dust settles, we can now confirm that Chris Pratt, after voicing the iconic Italian plumber in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, isn’t the new voice of Mario. The honor goes to Kevin Afghani, a name that might be unfamiliar to some, but is poised to become synonymous with Nintendo’s beloved plumber.
Kevin Afghani made the announcement on X (previously known as Twitter) stating, “Incredibly proud to have voiced Mario and Luigi in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Thanks to Nintendo for inviting me into the Flower Kingdom!” Afghani’s reveal was shortly after followed by a confirmation from Nintendo, who simply stated, “The voice actor’s name is Kevin Afghani.
The internet has spent months trying to piece together clues and voicing their theories about the individual that would inherit the iconic role. Some had even looked into datamined lists from a supposed hacked kiosk demo of the game, which led to the belief that Mick Wingert, another actor, would be the voice of Mario. But Wingert later cleared the air, asserting that while he might be involved in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, he was not voicing Mario.
Incredibly proud to have voiced Mario and Luigi in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Thanks to Nintendo for inviting me into the Flower Kingdom!
— Kevin Afghani (@KevinAfghani) October 13, 2023
Charles Martinet’s departure from the role he had held since 1994 was a poignant moment for fans. Martinet, who had began as the voice of Mario in “Mario Teaches Typing”, had become an intrinsic part of Mario’s identity. His cheerful “wahoos” and “it’s-a-me” became catchphrases that resonated across generations of gamers. But as he transitions into a new role as a “Mario ambassador”, he leaves big shoes (or perhaps, boots) to fill.
Kevin Afghani, though not as established as some other voice actors, has a genuine passion for the art form. When you head over to his personal website and social media profiles, he describes his love for animation and video games as he emphasized how these forms of art provide beautifully immersive experiences. His involvement in projects like Genshin Impact, where he voiced Arnold, and his participation in animated shorts for the YouTube channel Mashed, showcase his versatility and commitment to the craft.
Fans initially noticed the change in Mario’s voice in the early trailers for Super Mario Bros. Wonder. While Martinet had an exaggerated Italian-flavored flair behind Mario’s voice since the early ’90s, this new voice was different. However, it’s important to note that while Martinet has been the consistent voice for Mario in video games, the movie industry will likely retain Chris Pratt, a voice that initially stirred its own controversy.
With the mystery now unraveled and Kevin Afghani officially stepping into the plumber’s boots, fans can look forward to a new era of Mario. Afghani’s passion for the medium and evident respect for the character suggest that Mario is in capable hands. As Super Mario Bros. Wonder is set to release, the game will mark a passing of the torch, from one voice to another. It serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the character and the series.
Whether it’s the retirement of Charles Martinet from his iconic role, the revelation of Kevin Afghani as the new voice, or even the transition of platforms like Twitter to X, change is afoot. However, at the heart of it all remains the magic of Mario – a character that has brought joy to millions and will undoubtedly continue to do so in this new chapter.
