Super Mario is hitting the big screen - but fans are not happy with the much-loved computer game character's voice. Last week, an exciting trailer for the new The Super Mario Bros. film was released, featuring a first glimpse at the iconic Italian plumber and evil villain Bowser.
The animated movie, which is scheduled to be released in April next year, is based on the Nintendo video game franchise and features an all-star voice cast. However, questions were being asked when Hollwood star Chris Pratt was cast as the main character - and now there has been an even stronger backlash from fans who are furious that the original voice actor was replaced.
Before the trailer was released, Pratt teased that the voice would be "unlike anything you've heard in the Mario world before".
"I worked really closely with the directors, and trying out a few things, and landed on something that I’m really proud of, and can’t wait for people to see and hear," he said in an interview with variety.
"I'm providing a voice for an animated character, and it is updated and unlike anything you've heard in the Mario world before."
The Guardians of the Galaxy star also explained that he studied Sopranaos character Paulie Walnuts, played by Tony Sirico in the hit gangster series, before voicing the Italian plumber.
However, after watching just a few small lines from the trailer, many fans are not impressed with what they are hearing.
"I'm not the only one whose thinking, where's the Italian accent?? It doesn't sound right," wrote one person on Twitter.
Another agreed: "You couldn't at least try to attempt an Italian accent? Not surprised. Suddenly Mario's American, I guess."
Even Love Island winner Amber Gill gave her opinion, stating: "I genuinely think I could do a better Mario voice than Chris Pratt"
There have been calls for Charles Martinet, who has voiced Mario in a variety of games for the past 20 years as well as Wario, Luigi, Waluigi, Baby Luigi and Baby Mario across the franchise, to be given the role.
A fourth wrote: "Regardless how you feel about Chris Pratt voicing Mario, seeing the voice acting industry coming together and sharing their love towards Charles Martinet is indeed heartwarming. It a real wakeup call for Hollywood that celebrity casting isn't always for the best."
However, other people rushed to Pratt's defence and gave reasons as to why Martinet could not do the voice for an entire movie.
One wrote: "Honestly, having an entire movie with the normal Martinet voice would be annoying, since it wouldn’t work in the long run. Although, I feel like you could have tried a bit harder, since you have to actively listen for the accent to catch it."
"Dunno what's all the fuss about Chris voice to me, he sounds fine," added another, while a third said: "At least Pratt didn’t attempt to have an Italian accent"
A fourth agreed: "Charles' voice wouldn’t work for long periods of talking. It works well for, “It’s a-me, Mario” and “Yippie” and “He, hoo, ha, hyaaa” but not entire sentences. Pratt’s voice is a good casual voice with a slight accent. Plus we’ve heard 2 sentences from Pratt, let's wait it out."
Super Mario Bros producer Chris Meledandri addressed the casting of Pratt in the video game adaptation, assuring fans that it would work out well on-screen.
Defending the choice earlier this year, Meledandri said: "Chris was cast because we felt he could give a great performance as Mario.
"And now that we've done about 15 recording sessions, and the movie is three-quarters done, I sit here and say that I love his performance as Mario."
Referencing the fact that Pratt isn't Italian, the producer continued: "I'm not sure this is the smartest defence, but as a person who has Italian American heritage, I feel I can make that decision without about offending Italians or Italian Americans.
"I think we're gonna be just fine. Especially because [Pratt] he's given such a strong performance."
A number of big name actors ar elending their vocal talents to the movie, including Peaky Blinders star Anya Taylor Joy as Princess Peach and comedian Keegan-Michael Key as Toad.
Always Sunny In Philadelphia star Charlie Day will be Luigi, Seth Rogen is playing Donkey Kong and one person who did come out of the trailer with praise was Jack Black as villain Bowser.
