Chris Pratt Addresses Backlash Over 'Super Mario Bros. Movie' Casting (Exclusive)

J. Kim Murphy It’s a box office Koopa d’état. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” continues to super smash its opening projections, drawing $55 million from 4,343 theaters on Friday. Released Wednesday, the film has already earned $137 million in domestic ticket sales. If every dollar were a coin, that would amount to 1.37 million 1-Up mushrooms. That’s a lot of extra lives. The Universal and Illumination film is still on track for a $195 million opening in North America over the five-day Easter weekend frame. That’s way ahead of the $150 million projections that were being reported at the start of the week. Even more impressively, “Super Mario Bros.” now looks to leap to a $368 million global debut. That would become the biggest ever opening for an animated film, though that comes with a huge caveat. The current record holder, 2019’s “Frozen II,” earned $358 million over a traditional three-day window.

Zack Sharf Digital News Director Chris Pratt’s Mario voice has been a topic of discussion ever since the first trailer for “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” debuted last October. Some fans claimed it wasn’t Italian enough, while others felt it was too aggressively Brooklyn. In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Pratt revealed that one of his first attempts at the Mario voice got rejected by the film’s directors, Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, because it far too resembled Tony Soprano, the anti-hero mob boss played by James Gandolfini in HBO’s “The Sopranos.” “For a minute, I walked in and they were like, ‘That’s a little New Jersey. You’re doing a Tony Soprano thing,’” Pratt said. “[The voice] was a really exciting and daunting challenge. Talking to these guys, they say, ‘You wanna do the Mario movie?’ I think both [Charlie Day and I] said yes. Didn’t even ask, ‘What’s the deal? What’s the story?’ ‘Yes, I’m in.’ And then we had to really dig in and figure out…are they Italian? Are they American?”

The Super Mario Bros. Movie due to its lack of diversity.The actor, who played Luigi in the 1993 live-action film Super Mario Bros. opposite Bob Hoskins, told TMZ he won’t watch the animated reboot because the film “messed up” by not including Latin actors in the voice cast.“They could’ve included a Latin character,” Leguizamo said.

Brent Lang Executive Editor It’s-a blockbuster! “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” continued to rack up high scores at the box office as it heads into Easter weekend. The animated movie, a collaboration between Illumination, Nintendo and Universal, shows no signs of slowing down, earning a massive $26.5 million on Thursday. That brings its domestic haul to $58.2 million. At this rate, the mustachioed plumber should end his first five days on the big screen with more than $150 million in stateside winnings. Internationally, the movie has earned $62.5 million, pushing global ticket sales to $120.7 million. The week’s other major new release, Amazon Studios’s “Air,” a footwear tale detailing how Nike convinced Michael Jordan to become its most successful brand ambassador, earned $2.4 million on Thursday. That brings the sneaker story’s domestic total to just under $6 million. The film, which stars Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Chris Tucker and Viola Davis, is expected to earn $16 million in its first five days in theaters. That’s a mere blip compared to Mario, but a solid result considering the struggles that movies aimed at adults have faced. Affleck directs the film in addition to starring opposite his “Good Will Hunting” buddy Damon. “Air” cost $90 million to make, meaning that Amazon better sell a lot of paper towels to justify that spending.

John Leguizamo declared he would not watch “Super Mario Bros. Movie” because it did not include a Latin character.

John Leguizamo is not seeing the Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Chris Pratt has a newfound appreciation for being a «girl dad.» The actor first became a father in 2012 with the birth of his son, Jack, but he joked that welcoming daughters has been an entirely new adventure in a Wednesday appearance on. Pratt shares daughters Lyla, 2, and Eloise, 10 months, with wife Katherine Schwarzenegger. «I love it, man.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie features licensed music alongside reworked versions of classic Mario tracks.Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the animated film boasts an ensemble voice cast including Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad and Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong.The film is a collaboration between Nintendo, Universal Pictures and Illumination, who are best known as the creators of Despicable Me and The Secret Life Of Pets.Brian Tyler (Fast & Furious, Iron Man 3) composed the score, who worked closely with Mario composer Koji Kondo to incorporate classic themes from the games into the film.Speaking about the score to ScreenRant, Tyler said: “There are hundreds, I think, of references in my music that reference the game, but it is an original score.”He added: “Koji Kondo, the original writer of this music, who I adore and am friends with, was a big part of this.

Zack Sharf Digital News Director John Leguizamo is doubling down on criticizing Universal and Illumination’s animated film “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which casts Chris Pratt and Charlie Day in the leading voice roles of Mario and Luigi. Leguizamo brought Luigi to life in a live-action format opposite Bob Hoskins’ Mario in 1993’s “Super Mario Bros.” The actor told TMZ on the day “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” opened in theaters that he won’t be watching it due to the casting. “No I will not [be watching]. They could’ve included a Latin character,” Leguizamo said. “Like I was groundbreaking and then they stopped the groundbreaking. They messed up the inclusion. They dis-included. Just cast some Latin folk! We’re 20% of the population. The largest people of color group and we are underrepresented.”

voiced by Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) work as plumbers.It’s a realistic setting. I spot mustachioed guys wearing overalls in Williamsburg all the time.But perhaps the boys would be better off selling artisan beard oil on Bedford, because they’re not very good with their socket wrenches.

Zack Sharf Digital News Director With the opening of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” in theaters, gaming’s most iconic character is coming to the big screen for the first time in 30 years. And if the movie meets box office expectations, Universal Pictures, Illumination and Nintendo will surely hope to launch a brand new animated movie franchise.

 star Chris Pratt in ET's exclusive look behind the scenes of the final film in the beloved trilogy, Alongside Pratt, Guardians stars Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista and Karen Gillan open up about shooting the new film, sharing insights into their characters' next cosmic adventure and the imagery that director James Gunn brought to life in the third and final installment of the franchise.  «To be reunited with this family for  is really fantastic,» Pratt shares in the clip. Saldana adds, «We're genuine fans so there's something really sweet about geeking out on set.»" is about humor, it's about action and it's about cosmic adventures," Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, says as footage of the rascally space travelers flashes by. «But it's really about this found family.»Calling the film a «Rocket origin story,» Gillian shares that viewers will learn more about the anamorphic raccoon voiced by Bradley Cooper than ever before.

The new animated film The Super Mario Bros. Movie is now in theaters and you might be wondering which actors provided voiceover work. We have you covered!

Ethan Shanfeld SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers for “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” in theaters now. While the creators of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” have been tight-lipped about whether the mustachioed plumber’s first animated film adventure will turn into a franchise, a post-credits scene at the end of the Universal and Nintendo pic hints at a sequel. The first bonus scene comes midway through the credits, in which a miniature Bowser (Jack Black), who’s been shrunk via blue mushroom and captured by the Toads, sings a hopeless ode to Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) within the confines of his cage.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie gives the Mushroom Kingdom the proper big screen treatment.Directed by Aaron Horvarth and Michael Jelenic, the animated film boasts an ensemble voice cast including Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad and Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong.The film is a collaboration between Nintendo, Universal Pictures and Illumination, who are best known as the creators of Despicable Me and The Secret Life Of Pets.There are two post-credits scenes; one after the stylised credits sequence and another at the very end of the credits.While Nintendo and Illumination haven’t officially announced a sequel, Chris Pratt and Charlie Day have expressed their interest in returning for a follow-up.Speaking to GamesRadar, Day said: “It’s so fun to be a part of this world and just people love these characters so much.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie gives the Mushroom Kingdom the proper big screen treatment.Directed by Aaron Horvarth and Michael Jelenic, the animated film boasts an ensemble voice cast including Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad and Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong.The film is a collaboration between Nintendo, Universal Pictures and Illumination, who are best known as the creators of Despicable Me and The Secret Life Of Pets.The film is a breezy trip at 92 minutes.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie boasts an impressive voice cast of Hollywood actors.Directed by Aaron Horvarth and Michael Jelenic, the animated film is a collaboration between Nintendo, Universal Pictures and Illumination (Despicable Me, The Secret Life Of Pets).It’s the second adaptation of the Mushroom Kingdom on the big screen, following the 1993 live-action interpretation starring Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo.Chris Pratt voices Mario, who is originally voiced by Charles Martinet in the games.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is here!

Marc Malkin Senior Film Awards, Events & Lifestyle Editor Seth Rogen hopes Hollywood will redeem itself with Universal Pictures’ new animated “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” Rogen, who voices Donkey Kong in the adaptation of the popular video game series, tells Variety at the film’s premiere, “When I was 11, I saw the original ‘Mario Bros.’ movie and I was so excited. But it’s one of the worst films ever made. I was so disappointed. I think it made me realize that movies, like, could be bad. That never occurred to me until that moment. “It really bummed me out,” he continues. “It’s nice to vindicate that moment. It’s nice to know that 11-year-olds out there that they won’t be disappointed in the same way that I was.”

Chris Pratt admitted he endured a challenging time in his life before meeting his future wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, in a place of worship. The 43-year-old "Guardians of the Galaxy" star chatted with Drew Barrymore on her self-titled talk show about a personal low-point that then turned into the greatest gift of all. "I met Katherine, now it’s been five, maybe six years ago, and God has a fast-forward button.

Chris Pratt and Katheine Schwarzenegger tied the knot in 2019, and are now parents of two daughters.

Chris Pratt is opening up about meeting his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger!

The year 2023 has become the year of video game adaptations, with “The Last of Us” and “Tetris” taking center stage in the film and television zeitgeist four months in. But there’s a new, lighter and brighter video game film swooping in to change the tone from intense gripping drama to dreamy family-friendly delight.

Owen Gleiberman Chief Film Critic “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” gives you a wholesome prankish druggy chameleonic video-game buzz; it’s also a nice, sweet confection for 6-year-olds. Historically, the proverbial problem with live-action movies based on video games — and “Super Mario Bros.,” a leaden dud released 30 years ago, had the dishonor of being the very first one — is that they jam-pack the screen with tropes and fights and characters and landscapes right out of the game, but when it comes to molding all that gimcrackery into, you know, a story, they lose the electronic pulse that made the game addictive. Digital animation is, and always should have been, the true cousin of video games (which are essentially computer fantasies that you control). And “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” takes full advantage of the sculptural liquid zap of the computer-animation medium. Yet it also has a fairy-tale story that’s good enough to get you onto its wavelength.

Only 30% of gamers are under the age of 18, according to market research. A Nintendo-commissioned survey found that the same demographic represented only 17% of the highest-intent buyers for their Switch console.

Super Mario Bros. Movie hits theaters this April 5th and with an incredible cast like Chris Pratt (Mario), Anya Taylor-Joy (Princess Peach), Charlie Day (Luigi), Jack Black (Bowser), Keegan-Michael Key (Toad), Seth Rogen (Donkey Kong), Fred Armisen (Cranky Kong) Sebastian Maniscalco (Spike), and Kevin Michael Richards (Kamek), there are fans everywhere ready to see what Universal Pictures put together. There are many surprises with details about the film being kept mum to avoid spoilers.

Chris Pratt is recalling the moment he laid eyes on his future wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, and the «perfect plan» that brought them together. «There was a moment in my life where I was really struggling and felt really broken,» the actor said in a new interview on. «For me, my own journey of finding a higher power and leaning on that and feeling like, 'Please save me,' and feeling saved. And shortly later meeting the woman of my dreams.

It’s a-him! Chris Pratt hasn’t shied away from discussing doubts about his casting as the titular character in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Shigeru Miyamoto picks disinterestedly at a breakfast burrito, he’s an island of calm in a swirl of chaos. His team of handlers — Nintendo executives from Japan and America — is frantically hovering around him like a protective ring of Koopa shells. Miyamoto, who has granted only a handful of major interviews, is here to discuss “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” with Chris Meledandri, CEO of Illumination. Both served as producers of the animated feature from Universal and Nintendo.

Chris Pratt spilled on all things Marvel in a new interview.

Who says people don’t go to the movies? That stale cynicism coming out of the pandemic is about to get squashed this weekend as Illumination/Universal’s The Super Mario Bros Movie is about to run up a serious box office score. With a Wednesday opening before Easter around the world, inclusive of 70 offshore markets, the Nintendo co-production is looking ata $225 million-plus opening frame. Separated out, that’s $125M+ in U.S./Canada in 4,000 theaters over Wednesday through Sunday, and another $100M+ abroad.

Aaron Horvath is addressing fan concerns.

Jack Black is gearing up to celebrate a major milestone. ET's Matt Cohen recently spoke with the 53-year-old actor, who revealed his big plans to mark 's 20th anniversary this September.Black starred in the beloved film as substitute music teacher Dewey Finn, with young actors including Miranda Cosgrove playing his students.«All those kids — dig this — they were 10 years old when we made that movie and now they're all, like, 30,» Black marveled.

Zack Sharf Digital News Director The last day of filming “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” brought an end to a nearly 10-year franchise for writer-director James Gunn and his cast and crew, including Chris Pratt. The actor headlined the trilogy as Peter Quill/Star Lord, and he decided to mark the last day of filming on “Vol. 3” by going back to the very beginning with a speech that called out all of the original “Guardians” haters. “I’m not a vindictive person…but I happened to have in my notes file several press clippings saved from the first movie when everyone predicted that ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ was going to be Marvel’s first flop,” Pratt recently told Fandango about the speech he gave on the last day of the “Guardians Vol. 3” set. “That was the consensus critically. Everyone was saying all of these negative things. At the time, we were insecure and nervous about the prospects….they’re saying it’s a title no one has never heard of, we don’t have any A-list stars, [it will be] Marvel’s first failure. I remember all of that.”

Chris Pratt was in his feels while watching his latest film, .«Man, it was a lot. I did get a little emotional watching this,» Pratt, who voices the beloved Nintendo character, Mario, told ET's Matt Cohen. «I mean, first of all, I didn't know what the movie was going to look like.

Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Pratt and Charlie Day pay tribute to their characters in The Super Mario Bros. Movie while attending a special screening of the soon-to-be-released movie at Regal LA Live on Saturday (April 1) in Los Angeles.