‘Super Mario’ Movie: Luigi, Charlie Day, and Nintendo’s “Timid Sibling” Shigeru Miyamoto Says
Hearing Charlie Day’s unmistakable voice as Benny in The Lego Movie seemed like a one-time occurrence. The erratic, loud, and downright disturbing role of Charlie Kelly in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia seemed like Day would never act in a family movie. However, lightning has struck twice, as now Mario’s timid brother Luigi is Charlie Day’s newest Nintendo role.
Shigeru Miyamoto announced Luigi as Charlie Day in a Nintendo Direct
On September 23, 2021, Nintendo’s official YouTube channel live-streamed their latest Nintendo Direct.
It came with all the expected announcements: New DLC for existing games, a short showcase of indie titles and collections, building major hype around Metroid and Bayonetta 3.
However, as the Nintendo Direct approached the end, Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto appeared and interrupted the stream.
He had some big announcements on Illumination’s Super Mario movie.
In addition to an official release date set for December 2022, he revealed the leading members of the cast.
No fan could have guessed the amount of star power the Super Mario movie would have.
Packed with names like Chris Pratt as Mario, Emmy-nominated Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, and Jack Black as Bowser, every name sent the live chat into a frenzy.
As for “timid” Luigi, Charlie Day was announced to take up the green cap.
Miyamoto is excited for fans to see the “timid sibling” on the big screen
During the reveal, Miyamoto commented on the actors’ performances as the characters. He described Joy’s Peach as “spirited” and Black’s Bowser as a “monster performance.”
For Luigi, Charlie Day received the comment “timid.”
While it took years for Luigi to finally emerge from his brother’s shadow (ironically, considering the height difference between the plumbers), he finally made a name for himself with the Luigi’s Mansion series.
Luigi has established himself as the brave but easily frightened hero following fun horror adventures through ghost-infested buildings. This characterization looks to carry over into Day’s performance.
“I am excited for you to see this timid sibling appear on screen!” Miyamoto’s English translator told viewers.
Luigi as Charlie Day and Mario as Chris Pratt instead of Charles Martinet
Traditionally, both Mario and Luigi (and Wario and Waluigi) were all voiced by Charles Martinet.
Ever since Mario Bros. first spoke in video games, Martinet has been there to voice duo.
While Luigi and Charlie Day now share a voice for the Super Mario movie, Miyamoto noted that Martinet would appear in an unrevealed cameo.
However, it will still be a long time before audiences hear Charlie Day voice Luigi. Miyamoto confirmed the date for December 21, 2022, in North America, nearly a year and a half away.
In the meantime, though, fans have plenty to react to. The cast also includes Keegan-Michael Key as Toad and Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong.
Charlie Day’s Luigi looks to butt heads with several of Mario’s most iconic heroes and villains next holiday season.
