Charles Martinet, voice of Mario, to step back from role

Mario voice actor Charles Martinet is stepping down from his iconic role after nearly 30 years, according to Nintendo. Martinet will transition into a new role as "Mario Ambassador." The future of Mario's vocal identity is uncertain.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, Charles Martinet, the beloved voice actor behind Mario, has announced his departure from the iconic role. Nintendo of America released a statement confirming Martinet's decision, stating that he will be transitioning into a new position as "Mario Ambassador," where he will continue to spread the joy of the character across the globe.

The news marks the end of an era, as Martinet's portrayal of Mario has become synonymous with the character himself. While he was not the first to lend his voice to the famous plumber, Martinet's portrayal has undoubtedly been the most enduring and iconic. Prior to Martinet's debut in 1994's Mario Teaches Typing, Mario had been depicted with a rough Brooklyn accent in various TV shows and cartoons. However, Martinet's high-pitched, Italian-accented rendition quickly became the definitive voice of Mario.

The future of Mario's vocal identity now hangs in the balance. Nintendo has yet to reveal their plans for the character's voice moving forward, leaving fans speculating about the possibilities. With the massive success of Chris Pratt's portrayal of Mario in the recent Super Mario Bros. movie, there is a chance that Nintendo may opt to continue with a similar approach. Alternatively, they could search for a voice actor who can emulate Martinet's distinctive sound.

Regardless of what lies ahead, it is important to appreciate the significant impact Martinet has had on the Mario franchise. For almost three decades, his voice has brought joy to millions of fans around the world. Nintendo's statement expressed gratitude and admiration for Martinet's contributions, emphasizing the honor of working with him to bring Mario to life.

As we bid farewell to Martinet's classic Mario voice, it is comforting to know that he is leaving on his own terms. His departure marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door to new possibilities for the beloved character. Only time will tell what the future holds for Mario's voice, but one thing is for certain – Charles Martinet's portrayal will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans everywhere.