The Super Mario Bros. Movie has been a sensation at the box office, and if a live-action adaptation should emerge, this is who should play each character. Super Mario Bros. is one of the most famous video game franchises ever, and its success has driven millions of fans to the box office for the premiere of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Super Mario Bros. could reach $1.5 billion at the box office by the end of its theater run. This suggests a live-action adaptation could be feasible, considering the massive audience ready for more Super Mario Bros. content.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie‘s cast is full of great voice actors. However, the cast would likely look much different if the movie got a live-action adaptation. Casting the main characters could prove difficult, seeing as they would not only have to look the part but also look feasible doing some of the incredible stunts that would be required. Moreover, the voices are a vital part of the job, and any actors involved would need to be able to sound like their video game counterparts. While it would be difficult to cast, finding a fitting group of actors is possible.
6 Mario — Oscar Isaac
Oscar Isaac would make a perfect Mario on several levels. Firstly, he has the star power to carry the lead role in such a wildly popular franchise. In addition, Isaac is a highly accomplished actor, and his charisma and incredible range make him an engaging leading man. He could also fit the look perfectly if he donned Mario’s characteristic mustache and overalls.
Isaac’s roles in Star Wars and Dune have made him even more recognizable in recent years, and he is undoubtedly an actor that fans could get excited about. His experience in the action-adventure genre also indicates he could handle the physical demands of filming Mario’s adventures. Isaac ticks all the boxes in the search for an accurate live-action version of Mario.
5 Luigi — Paul Rudd
As for Luigi, Paul Rudd would be an excellent option for a live-action version of Mario’s green-attired brother. Rudd has the comedic ability and lovable on-screen presence to fit the character nicely, and he is another notable actor that could attract fans to the theater. Rudd has a long career in comedy and has recently displayed his ability to play an action hero through his role as Ant-Man in the MCU.
Playing Luigi would be somewhat of a mix of those two skills, which makes Rudd a strong option for Luigi. Furthermore, he has dark hair and a slender frame to fit Luigi’s appearance and could look similar enough to Oscar Isaac’s Mario to be his brother. Rudd is a highly-rated actor with great range, and his appeal across age groups would provide another benefit to a potential Super Mario Bros. live-action movie.
4 Bowser — Ron Perlman
As for Bowser, Ron Perlman could fit the intimidating presence of the Mario franchise’s most imposing villain. For example, his voice would fit Bowser’s personality, and he is another accomplished actor who could lend credibility to the film. Moreover, Perlman has shown his knack for comedic flair in several interviews throughout his career, even revealing on The Queen Latifah Show that he began his career in show business during high school by doing stand-up comedy with a friend.
Perlman could work as an intimidating Bowser while giving the character an important comedic edge. Jack Black proved that Bowser’s character works better if he is layered with a comedic edge and a soft, romantic side. Perlman could provide the comedy and gentle side of Bowser in a way similar to Jack Black’s version (which has been widely popular thus far).
3 Princess Peach — Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh is an extremely talented actor with a wide range, and she could be an excellent addition to a live-action version of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Pugh could fit Peach’s gentle, kind-hearted side while maintaining her fearless and determined side displayed in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Florence Pugh also fits the look of Princess Peach and has recognition in Hollywood for fans to get excited about her involvement.
Pugh recently displayed her ability as a leading actor in Don’t Worry Darling and starred in numerous other notable films, including Midsommar, Little Women, and Black Widow. She could be especially effective as a more serious Peach alongside a goofier Mario. Pugh could handle the action scenes while thriving in the film’s slower, more intimate moments where she could show off her talent as a dramatic actor.
2 Donkey Kong — Dave Bautista
Dave Bautista has the comedic ability and the imposing physical presence to make a wonderful Donkey Kong. Bautista typically adds a characteristic comedic flair to his roles, including his parts as Drax in the MCU’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Duke Cody in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out sequel, Glass Onion. Bautista has become a more recognizable actor in recent years, thanks in part to the two roles previously mentioned. He could provide the proper blend of comedy and action to make the perfect live-action version of Donkey Kong. In addition, his muscular stature could work nicely in the motion-capturing process (assuming Donkey Kong would be animated).
1 Toad — Patton Oswalt
Patton Oswalt is one of the most successful voice actors of the last two decades, and his iconic voice would fit perfectly with Toad’s character in a live-action version of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Toad is a humble, dedicated, and sometimes cowardly steward to Princess Peach, and he often accompanies Mario on his various adventures. Oswalt’s experience in movies like Ratatouille and Puss in Boots shows how he can become synonymous with the character he is playing. When Oswalt’s voice becomes attached to a certain character, it becomes difficult to imagine that character any other way.
He could pull off the dedication and humility that are important to Toad’s character and bring an essential comedic side to this beloved member of the Mushroom Kingdom. Toad is an important character because of his popularity with fans, so it’s essential to have an accomplished actor like Oswalt play this role. Moreover, Oswalt’s humble manner and likable presence fit Toad’s character like a glove, making him the perfect choice for a live-action version of TheSuper Mario Bros. Movie.
