In the world of video games, there are some characters with intense lasting power. Kirby and Sonic the Hedgehog are iconic faces of gaming from the past that have persisted to the present. And, of course, Mario. The plucky plumber sporting his iconic red hat, white gloves, and blue overalls is an image many won’t soon forget. But, of these iconic characters, Mario was perhaps the first to get a voice. Charles Martinet gave Mario his iconic “Woohoo!” in “Super Mario 64” for the Nintendo 64, though he’d started with “Mario Teaches Typing” for CD-ROM. Since then, Martinet’s provided the voices for Mario and Luigi (both baby and adult versions), Wario, and Waluigi. Which is why it saddens us greatly to learn that Martinet is retiring the role.
Nintendo of America announced Martinet would be “stepping back” from the role. Having been such an iconic and consistent voice for the character, we can’t help but wonder if Nintendo’s become a bit ageist in the wake of Chris Pratt providing vocals for Mario in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” A controversial decision that many fans felt wholly unnecessary. While Martinet was the voice of Mario’s father and restaurant regular Giuseppe, it was disappointing to say the least.
Martinet isn’t completely out of the game, however. He’s staying on with Nintendo as the “Mario Ambassador,” whatever that means.
A Legendary Voice
Martinet has been the voice of gamers’ childhoods. Mario has had the same voice for three decades. Three! Thirty years of the same voice makes it hard to accept it’s changing. And while Charles posted his own tweet stating he’s off on a new adventure, we’re still left with the question of just who will replace him. And what he’s intended to sound like from here on. Will Mario just have a Pratt mimic? Or will they mimic Charles? We won’t know until later.
We freakin’ love you, Charles. We hope Nintendo treats you well in this new position, and we hope whoever takes up the role is worthy of the legacy you leave behind.
