Chris Pratt Puts Spin on Mario's 'Mamma Mia' Catchphrase in Super Mario Movie

Actor explains his linguistic twist on the iconic video game line for the 2026 film adaptation.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:50pm

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A striking abstract composition of bold, jagged geometric shapes in high-contrast red and white, conceptually representing the Super Mario movie without using any literal imagery or text.Chris Pratt's linguistic twist on Mario's iconic catchphrase adds a fresh spin to the beloved character's big-screen debut.Brooklyn Today

Actor Chris Pratt, who voices Mario in the upcoming The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, has revealed he struggled with using the character's signature 'Mamma Mia!' catchphrase due to Mario's Brooklyn roots. As a Brooklynite himself, Pratt questioned the authenticity of the Italian phrase and decided to put his own spin on it, sparking linguistic debates about adapting well-known character quirks for new mediums.

Why it matters

Pratt's decision to modify Mario's iconic line showcases the fine line voice actors must walk between staying true to source material and making characters relatable to new audiences. This attention to cultural authenticity is a testament to Pratt's dedication as a voice artist, as adapting beloved characters for film requires a deep understanding of language and nuance.

The details

Pratt recognized the disconnect between Mario's Brooklyn background and the Italian 'Mamma Mia!' exclamation. To address this, he has aimed to vary his delivery of the line, playing with intonation and pace to add depth to Mario's personality. The studio has also decided to slow down the catchphrase, which could be a way to emphasize the phrase and give it a unique twist.

  • The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is set to release in 2026.

The players

Chris Pratt

The actor who voices Mario in the upcoming The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

Anya Taylor-Joy

The actress who plays Princess Peach in the film.

Donald Glover

The actor who portrays Yoshi in the movie.

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What they’re saying

“Pratt has revealed his struggle with the character's signature line. As a Brooklynite, he questioned the authenticity of using an Italian phrase.”

— Chris Pratt, Actor

What’s next

Fans will be eagerly awaiting the release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in 2026 to see how Pratt's interpretation of Mario's iconic catchphrase is received.

The takeaway

Chris Pratt's linguistic twist on Mario's 'Mamma Mia' line highlights the challenges voice actors face in adapting beloved characters for new mediums. His commitment to cultural authenticity and character nuance showcases the art of voice acting, where small choices can make a big impact on how audiences connect with iconic figures.