Charles Martinet, renowned for giving Mario his iconic catchphrases like “It’s a-me, Mario” and the trademark “woo-hoo!”
The distinctive sound that defined him is departing from the role that elevated him to fame within the gaming community.
The future voice behind the beloved Nintendo character remains uncertain, signaling an impending transformation in the auditory landscape of the Mushroom Kingdom.
As the official voice of Mario since the inception of Super Mario 64 in 1996, Martinet’s resonant tones have personified the cheerful Italian plumber.
In a significant shift, Martinet will now embrace the title of “Mario Ambassador,” as announced by Nintendo. This new role will see him continue to traverse the globe, engaging with fans and fostering the enduring connection he has cultivated.
Nintendo expressed its gratitude for Martinet’s contributions, acknowledging the honor of collaborating to bring Mario to life over the years.
On social media, Martinet shared his enthusiasm for the forthcoming journey, exclaiming, “My new Adventure begins! You are all Numba One in my heart! #woohoo !!!!!!”
Martinet’s vocal talents extended beyond Mario, encompassing Luigi, Mario’s loyal brother and sidekick, and Wario, Mario’s long-standing rival.
The impact of Martinet’s voice was especially evident in Super Mario 64, a game that propelled the franchise into the realm of three-dimensional gameplay and left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. His vocal contributions extended across numerous other games, solidifying his legacy.
Notably, the upcoming game “Super Mario Bros. he upcoming release “Wonder,” scheduled for October, seems to omit Martinet from its ensemble, as evidenced by his absence in the character’s voice credits on his IMDB profile. This deviation suggests a new era for the character’s sonic identity.
Interestingly, Martinet’s absence from voicing Mario in this year’s “The Super Mario Bros. The adaptation “Movie” resulted in Chris Pratt assuming the role. Nonetheless, Martinet did make a cameo in the film, lending his voice to Mario and Luigi’s father.
In a review by The New York Times, Pratt’s portrayal was noted to incorporate Martinet’s distinctive catchphrases, such as “it’s a-me” and “let’s a-go,” despite not perfectly matching the in-game Mario’s voice.
In a 2017 interview with CNN, Martinet reflected on his unexpected entry into the gaming world. Despite a background in stage and television, he confessed to having no prior knowledge of video games.
In a fateful turn of events, he “crashed an audition” in 1990 and was tasked with inventing a voice for the character—an Italian plumber from Brooklyn.
Martinet’s candid revelation showcased the symbiotic relationship he shares with the character, emphasizing how portraying Mario brings out the best in him.
