Chris Pratt responds to ‘Super Mario Bros. Movie’ criticism: “Watch the movie, then we can talk”

nme.com:

Chris Pratt has responded to criticism over his lead role in the upcoming The Super Mario Bros. Movie, telling people to “watch the movie, then we can talk”.When the first trailer was revealed last year, fans quickly took to social media to criticise Pratt’s voice work as the titular plumber.His casting was also questioned by celebrated voice actor Tara Strong who believed Charles Martinet, the voice of Mario in a variety of games for the past 20 years, should have been offered the role.

Former Luigi actor John Leguizamo also said the casting for The Super Mario Bros. Movie “kind of sucks” following the news that both Mario and Luigi (Charlie Day) would be voiced by people who weren’t of Italian descent.Back in July, producer Chris Meledandri said that “when people hear Chris Pratt’s performance, the criticism will evaporate, maybe not entirely – people love to voice opinions, as they should.”Now Chris Pratt has responded to the criticism.

Speaking to ExtraTV, he said “I think once you see the movie [it makes sense]. In all honesty though, you probably need to watch it twice,” he joked.“It’s a passionate fanbase and [the criticism] makes sense.

I understand, I’m part of it,” he continued before describing the Mario franchise as “the soundtrack to your youth.”“You don’t want someone to come along, and cynically destroy it as a cash grab movie.