Chris Pratt Reflects on Challenges Voicing Mario

Actor admits struggling with one iconic aspect of the character in sequel film.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:12am

Chris Pratt, who is reprising his role as Mario in the upcoming sequel film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, has acknowledged that he struggled to fully capture one of the character's most iconic elements - his signature catchphrase "Mamma mia!". Pratt revealed in an interview that he made adjustments to how Mario delivers this line compared to the original, as he never felt he was able to nail the character's distinct vocal cadence and Italian-American accent.

Why it matters

As one of the most recognizable video game characters of all time, Mario's voice and mannerisms are deeply ingrained in pop culture. Pratt's casting as the beloved plumber was met with some fan skepticism, so his ability to authentically capture Mario's essence is crucial to the success of the film adaptation.

The details

In an interview with Screen Rant, Pratt acknowledged the challenges he faced in voicing Mario's iconic "Mamma mia!" catchphrase. "It's one of those things I never fully got right," Pratt admitted. "The tone, the accent, the rhythm - it's so distinctive and I struggled to nail it exactly as fans expect." The actor said he made adjustments to his interpretation of the line for the sequel in an effort to get closer to the character's established vocal delivery.

  • The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is scheduled for release in summer 2026.

The players

Chris Pratt

An American actor who is voicing the role of Mario in the upcoming Super Mario film franchise.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

The sequel to the 2023 Super Mario film, featuring Chris Pratt as the voice of the titular character.

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What they’re saying

“It's one of those things I never fully got right. The tone, the accent, the rhythm - it's so distinctive and I struggled to nail it exactly as fans expect.”

— Chris Pratt, Actor

The takeaway

While Chris Pratt is confident in his ability to capture the essence of Mario, his admission that he struggled with the character's most iconic vocal quirk highlights the high bar set by fans for authenticity in video game adaptations. The success of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie may hinge on whether Pratt can ultimately deliver a Mario performance that satisfies longtime devotees of the character.