Is Chris Pratt the Right Choice for Mario? The Debate Over Celebrity Voice Actors

Is Chris Pratt the Right Choice for Mario? The Debate Over Celebrity Voice Actors

The casting of Chris Pratt as Mario in the upcoming animated film has sparked controversy and debate among fans and critics alike. The choice of a big-name actor over a professional voice talent raises questions about the industry's direction and whether celebrities are always the best fit.

The Bizarre Choice: Reactions to Chris Pratt as Mario

Many fans find the casting of Chris Pratt as Mario bizarre and even questionable. Some are puzzled by the decision, especially given that the film is part of a franchise that often relies on skilled voice actors.

"Yeah, I do. It reeks of ‘who’s hot right now’ casting."

"Very bizarre. I don’t even know what voice he could bring to Mario that would even sound good. I’m sure there is another voice actor who could do Mario much better. But what do I know? Maybe he’s getting extensive voice acting training and will be really good and shock us all."

"I don’t have to like it. It bothers me when certain actors are cast for voice over roles that should go to trained, experienced professional voice over actors. My major problem is that basically in all the movies I’ve seen Chris Pratt in, he’s just played…Chris Pratt. He hasn’t played that wide a range of characters and I’m just tired of seeing..."

There are concerns that the casting might overshadow the quality of the voice acting, especially since the character of Mario is well-established and has been voiced by dedicated professionals in the past. Some fans hope that extensive voice training can turn Pratt's performance into a success.

The Impact on the Film's Success

The choice of Pratt as Mario prompts questions about the film's overall success. There are doubts whether his involvement will enhance the movie or detract from its quality. The concern is that without the right voice acting, the character might feel out of place or even off-putting.

"I hope I’m wrong but I don’t think this movie will be good. I believe it will be yet another Mario film that fails."

Moreover, there are suggestions that a plumber should also be cast to voice Mario's sidekick, Luigi, adding to the debate over authenticity in voice acting.

The Evolution of Voice Acting in Animation

The lack of trained voice talent in the casting of Chris Pratt highlights a significant shift in the voice acting industry. The decision to cast celebrities over professional voice actors is not new; it's a trend that has been growing over the years.

"A production is not really interested in who can provide the best Italian accent or who is the most talented voice actor. That is the last things they are concerned about. It was a thing they used to be concerned about."

One of the pivotal moments in this change came with Disney's 1992 hit, Aladdin, where Robin Williams was cast as the voice of the Genie. Despite his stipulations, the studios prioritized Williams' prominence in the marketing and promotions.

"Disney and every other animated studio started doing more and more and more. At this point in time, it's rare that a professional voice artist gets a lead role instead these jobs go to whatever celebrity a studio can get their hands on."

This trend raises questions about the authenticity and quality of animated films. While celebrities can bring star power and marketing potential, they might not always bring the best voice acting.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The casting of Chris Pratt as Mario in the upcoming film is a snapshot of a broader industry trend. While it's a bold move, it leaves room for skepticism among fans and industry insiders.

"Let’s give a giant man-eating snake a sexy ScarJo voice. That’s not weird right?"

The jury is still out on whether this choice will pay off. For now, the debate continues, and many hope that the final product will prove the cast choices to be successful.