Chris Pratt and Charlie Day Recall Meeting Years Ago on Unfinished Film

The "Super Mario Galaxy Movie" co-stars tell Jimmy Fallon about their first encounter before voicing the iconic Nintendo brothers.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:07pm

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In an interview on "The Tonight Show," actors Chris Pratt and Charlie Day revealed that they originally met years ago while working on a film that Pratt was ultimately cut out of. The duo, who voice Mario and Luigi in the upcoming "Super Mario Galaxy Movie," discussed how they became better friends playing golf together after their initial encounter on the set of the 2010 romantic comedy "Going the Distance."

Why it matters

The story provides an interesting behind-the-scenes look at how two actors who are now co-starring in a major film adaptation first crossed paths years earlier, highlighting the serendipitous nature of Hollywood connections. It also showcases the actors' comedic chemistry and willingness to poke fun at their own experiences.

The details

Pratt explained that he had a small role in "Going the Distance" where he was seated on an airplane next to Day's wife, but his scene was ultimately cut from the final film. Day joked that at the time, he thought Pratt was a "talented kid" who "wasn't going to make it." The two actors said they later bonded over playing golf together and became better friends.

  • In 2010, Pratt had a minor role in the film "Going the Distance" that was cut from the final version.
  • Pratt and Day have known each other for the past 5-6 years.

The players

Chris Pratt

An American actor known for his roles in films such as "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Jurassic World," and the upcoming "Super Mario Galaxy Movie" where he voices the character of Mario.

Charlie Day

An American actor, producer, and screenwriter best known for his role as Charlie Kelly on the FX/FXX sitcom "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." He voices the character of Luigi in the "Super Mario Galaxy Movie."

Jimmy Fallon

The host of "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," a popular late-night talk show where Pratt and Day appeared as guests.

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What they’re saying

“I was cut out of the movie. I did one scene. I was on an airplane next to [Charlie's] darling wife.”

— Chris Pratt

“I was very excited. Got the team gathered around, [like,] 'We're 'Going the Distance!' And I was like, 'I've been cut out of this movie.'”

— Chris Pratt

“I was like, 'He's a talented kid, but he's not going to make it.'”

— Charlie Day

The takeaway

The story of how Chris Pratt and Charlie Day first met years ago, only for Pratt to be cut from the film they were working on, highlights the unpredictable nature of Hollywood and the serendipitous connections that can lead to future collaborations, like their upcoming roles voicing the iconic Nintendo characters Mario and Luigi in "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie."