The Heartwarming Double Meaning of Papa Mario's Ending Line in The Super Mario Bros Movie
The Super Mario Bros Movie's touching end was the perfect way to finish off the film, but the final line has a heartwarming double meaning. The movie concludes with Mario and Luigi finally getting the recognition and appreciation they deserve, saving not only the Mushroom Kingdom but also all of Brooklyn. This was especially moving since Mario's father had been ashamed of him at the start of The Super Mario Bros Movie, but seeing his son save the day changed everything. Still, there was a touching aspect to this scene that might not have been immediately obvious to audiences.
The Loving Tribute to Nintendo Video Games
Part of what made The Super Mario Bros Movie such a success was how it lovingly paid tribute to the Nintendo video games. The characters were treated with care, countless Easter eggs and references were hidden throughout, and the story, though different from any of the existing Mario games, felt faithful to what fans know about the IP. These sorts of details extended far beyond what audiences could see, with even some casting choices for The Super Mario Bros Movie paying homage to the original games.
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For example, Charles Martinet, who has traditionally provided the voice of Mario, was cast to play the Nintendo character's dad for the film, and it's he who delivers the last line before the credits.
Mario and his voice actor, Charles Martinet
At the end of The Super Mario Bros Movie, Papa Mario announces to all of Brooklyn that his sons are the two heroes who just saved the day. He proudly says, 'These are my boys!'—a heartwarming way to finish out the film. However, this becomes even more impactful when remembering that Martinet, who voiced Papa Mario, voiced Mario and Luigi throughout all the Nintendo video games. The actor retired from the role in 2023, with The Super Mario Bros Movie serving as his final job related to the IP. The line was the perfect way for Martinet to end his time with Nintendo since Mario and Luigi truly are 'his boys.'
Mario and his father look at each other while eating spaghetti in The Super Mario Bros Movie
Charles Martinet's 32-Year Legacy as Mario & Luigi
It's entirely fitting that Martinet would get the final lines of The Super Mario Bros Movie since he has been lending his voice to Mario and Luigi for 32 years. He was first cast in 1991 after auditioning for the role using the familiar, higher-pitched Italian accent instead of the Brooklyn accent he had been asked for. Now Martinet is the second-longest running voice actor for a video game, only losing out to Ed Boon (who voices Scorpion in Mortal Kombat) because the Mario actor's voice didn't get used for a video game until Super Mario 64 in 1996 (via Game Rant).
Mario's dad in the Mario movie.
Before Super Mario 64, Mario only had a voice in the CD game Mario Teaches Typing and an interactive promotional system called Mario In Real Time. The latter was the first time Martinet officially lent his voice to the character, and he also played the part of Luigi, Wario, Donkey Kong, Mama Mario, and Papa Mario. For this reason, it made perfect sense that the actor would be asked to return to play Mario and Luigi's father one last time. Ultimately, next to Nintendo icon Shigeru Miyamoto himself, Martinet is the closest anyone could get to being the Mario Bros' dad, anyway.
Super Mario Bros Movie Mario & Luigi's Family At Dinner
Martinet's Impactful Roles in The Super Mario Bros Movie
As well as Papa Mario, Martinet also lent his voice to another character in the Super Mario Bros Movie, who was even more of a tribute to the video game version of Mario. This was Giuseppe, who was seen playing the classic Donkey Kong arcade game in the pizza parlor where Mario and Luigi watched their commercial for the first time. When Chris Pratt's Mario questioned whether the Italian accents they used in the commercial were too much, Giuseppe answered that it was 'perfect,' followed by the video game character's signature 'Wahoo!'
Mario and Luigi with their arms around each other in The Super Mario Bros. Movie
The character of Giuseppe in The Super Mario Bros Movie was a far more overt reference to the video game character than Papa Mario since he had both the same design and voice. The fact that Martinet also provided the voice was just the cherry on top for this Mario Easter egg. Ultimately, this being the actor's final role with Nintendo made his cameos all the more impactful, especially considering he had the honor of giving the film's last line. After all, it's partially thanks to Martinet that these games and characters have remained so beloved today.
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