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A lot of people were upset with the casting of Chris Pratt as Mario in the upcoming Super Mario Bros. animated movie, and actor John Leguizamo is one of them. Many will remember that Leguizamo took on the role of Luigi in the original live-action Super Mario Bros. movie, so it’s not surprising to hear him share some thoughts on the upcoming animated adaptation. According to an interview with IndieWire, Leguizamo doesn’t like seeing Pratt in the role of Mario either, but not for the reason you might think.

“I’m O.G. A lot of people love the original. I did Comic-Con in New York and in Baltimore, and everyone’s like, ‘No, no, we love the old one, the original.’ They’re not feeling the new one I’m not bitter. It’s unfortunate.

The directors (of the live-action film) Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton fought really hard for me to be the lead because I was a Latin man, and they [the studio] didn’t want me to be the lead. They fought really hard, and it was such a breakthrough. For them to go backwards and not cast another [actor of color] kind of sucks.”

[John Leguizamo]

It’s sad to learn that there was such pushback on Leguizamo playing Luigi in the original live-action film, but thankfully things worked out. Sure, the Super Mario Bros. movie wasn’t fine cinema, but Leguizamo did a great job with what he was given.

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Comments (9)

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the schaef

The Mario Brothers are Italian. In our current social atmosphere, that's "white". I don't understand the problem.

kuribo

1+ y ago

“Mario” is either Italian or Italian-American. The casting is fine. However, last time I checked, Jack Black isn’t a lizard/dinosaur/turtle hybrid of some sorts. Outrageous.


nathatruc

1+ y ago

But they cast keegan michael key as toad and charlie day's father is of italian and irish descent, I think he just didn't like chris pratt performance 😁


martynstuff

1+ y ago

@kuribo

That's what they want you to think!


jake_a

1+ y ago

Based on this commentary, I don't think Leguizamo has a cameo. I was hoping he would get a small part just to pay respect to what came before. Still hoping for a reference to be made though. 🤞


hawk

1+ y ago

What he's saying doesn't make any sense. Leguizamo isn't any more Italian than Chris Pratt, and him being Latino didn't improve the original movie one bit. Viewers of the new animated movie will see a cartoon Italian on screen regardless of who they cast.

This is about securing jobs for actors over superficial reasons and it isn't a step "backward".


conangiga

1+ y ago

Maybe Leguizamo should go see a doctor, cause I see the signs of a mental illness.


the schaef

1+ y ago

The Mario Brothers are Italian. In our current social atmosphere, that's "white". I don't understand the problem.


sligeach_eire

1+ y ago

"I’m not bitter."

He sounds completely bitter and self aware of the fact even though he denies it. His complaints are daft, why is he talking about "actor of colour"? Luigi is Italian, maybe Italian/American, the same obviously goes for Mario. I like John Leguizamo, he's a good actor and he's been funny in numerous roles over the years, but he hasn't a leg to stand on here.


nekotaku

1+ y ago

Actor of color? They're white...