Explosive Evidence Supports Popular Fan Theory Surrounding Mario
Discover the captivating world of Mario Wonder as we delve into a longstanding fan theory that unravels the enigmatic theatrical overtones and mesmerizing musical numbers of this Super Mario Bros phenomenon Uncover the magic behind the scenes!
Highlights
With the release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder and the upcoming game Princess Peach Showtime, the credibility of the Stage Actor Theory, which proposes that the Mario series is comprised of stage plays, is further reinforced.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder introduces Wonder Flowers, which possess reality-altering properties and play a significant role in the game's platforming mechanics, often accompanied by musical elements.
The incorporation of music is a prominent feature in Mario Wonder, where certain courses showcase elaborate musical performances, and the ultimate showdown is accompanied by a powerful heavy metal soundtrack. These aspects support the notion that Mario and his companions are performers in grand theatrical productions.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder takes Mario and his companions on a 2D adventure in the Flower Kingdom, a neighboring realm to the Mushroom Kingdom. Here, they encounter Prince Florian, the ruler of the Flower Kingdom. The game introduces the concept of Wonder Flowers, which possess reality-altering abilities when touched. However, Bowser, seeking to conquer a new kingdom, steals the power of the Wonder Flowers. He combines it with the Koopa Clown Car and Prince Florian's Castle, giving rise to Castle Bowser, a villainous entity. Mario, Luigi, Daisy, and Peach team up with Florian to prevent Bowser from using the wonder power to transform the Kingdom into his heavy metal stage, and its inhabitants into his captive audience.
One Longstanding Theory Seeks to Explain Mario's Theatrical Overtones
When Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door was released for the Nintendo GameCube, it caused quite a stir among fans. This was mainly due to its connection to a previous theory that had been circulating. In Super Mario 3, the title screen featured a literal unveiling of Mario's adventure, which sparked theories about the series' diverse and theatrical nature. While these elements continued to be present in other games, The Thousand-Year Door provided solid evidence with its inclusion of an audience mechanic. In battles, there was a live audience that actively participated in Mario's on-stage storytelling. They could throw items to assist or hinder the plumber and even boost his abilities.
Since the release of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, the series has further embraced this concept. Paper Mario: The Origami King still features the crowd mechanic, with Mario now able to change the scenery of the battle stage. Interestingly, fans have also applied this theory to modern 3D platformers, suggesting that Mario and his friends are actors in recurring stage productions. This theory is often used to justify the various games in which Mario's companions and enemies engage in sports competitions, races, and participate in Mario Party game shows.
The Stage Actor Theory Explains Mario Wonder's Musical Numbers
The journey to Mario Wonder's end is filled with musical performances. Players can arrange classic Mario tunes during Break Time courses, and various Badge courses require Mario to jump, move, and dodge to the rhythm of the music. Some Wonder Flowers, like the one in Piranha Plants on Parade, present elaborate sets choreographed to music. The ultimate revelation at Wonder's climax is a heavy-metal concert hosted by Bowser, where the Flower Kingdom is held captive as the audience.
In Super Mario Bros. Wonder's final course, Bowser's Rage Stage, the Stage Actor Theory is strongly supported. The climactic battle is accompanied by music, while power-ups, badges, and Wonder effects take a back seat. The crowd cheers as Mario jumps, dodges, and attacks Bowser in sync with the heavy-metal beat, creating an explosive and unforgettable finale. Although there is little explanation as to why music takes center stage in Wonder or why Bowser's plan is so music-oriented, the Stage Actor Theory provides a plausible explanation. With Nintendo's upcoming Princess Peach Showtime embracing the series' theatrical themes, the Stage Actor Theory gains even more credibility after Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is available now, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
