Danica Davidson
September 7, 2023 
Last month brought the surprising news that Charles Martinet, the voice of Mario, Luigi, Wario and more in the English-dubbed Super Mario games, will be stepping down from that role. However, instead he’s going to be working as a Mario ambassador. Now Nintendo has shared a short video with Martinet and Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto.
“Hello, everyone, it’s-a me, Charles,” Martinet begins, waving. “You know, today is a very big day for Nintendo, the Mushroom Kingdom, and for me. Now, you may know me from voicing characters from Nintendo’s games like Super Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi.” Each time he says his character’s name, he does it in that character’s voice.
“And today, I’m happy to share with all of you that I’m stepping into a brand-new role as the Mario ambassador. Traveling around the world, sharing the joy of the Mario family, and being able to continue meeting with all of you wonderful fans who I cherish absolutely the most is a great, great honor. I’m very much looking forward to seeing all of you at events around the world in the years to come.”
When Miyamoto comes on, he says, “It has been quite a long time since I first met you, Charles-san, and since then we have enjoyed a long journey together, through many games and projects involving Mario and his friends. The very first time you voiced Mario in a Super Mario game was Super Mario 64 back in 1996. Whenever we’d meet, you’d always call me ‘Papa.’” He compliments Martinet for his work and for spreading joy, and assures the audience that Martinet will be traveling and meeting with fans all over the globe.
“Starting with Super Mario Bros. Wonder, which will be released in October, the voices of some Mario characters have become new,” Miyamoto says, but does not say which characters or who the new actor(s) will be.
Check out their whole conversation here:
Here’s a special video message from Shigeru Miyamoto and Charles Martinet regarding the change of Mario’s voice actor, announced on 8/21. pic.twitter.com/4mOpD2Cx3a
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 7, 2023
Source: Nintendo
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
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