"Mario" movie is already beyond half its completion, its producer, Chris Meledandri, no less than who also heads Illumination, says. The CEO also defended the casting of Chris Pratt amid flooding of criticism from loyal fans of the franchise.
(Photo : Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 30: Chris Pratt attends the premiere of Amazon's "The Tomorrow War" at Banc of California Stadium on June 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.
'Mario' Movie Halfway Complete?
The co-producer of the upcoming animated "Mario" movie said in a recent interview with Variety that it is already roughly 75% complete.
Melendandri discloses that the animated film of the massive franchise is "three quarters done" by the time he spoke with Variety.
It is worth noting that the "Mario" movie faces a massive delay. As per a news story by Nintendo Life, the animated film, which stars Hollywood star Pratt, is supposed to release on the big screen this 2022.
But Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo announced that it is pushing back its theater release. So, instead of a premiere on Dec. 21, the "Mario" movie should see the light of day sometime in April 2023, which is still several months from now.
Nevertheless, the Illumination CEO claims the animated "Mario" film is progressing to its completion.
'Mario' Movie Producer Loves Chris Pratt's Performance
On top of that, the co-producer of the "Mario" movie also had to defend Pratt, once again.
According to a recent report by Comicbook.com, fans of the "Mario" franchise were surprised to learn that the original voice of the titular character, Charles Martinet, has been pushed aside. It was in favor of the "Guardians of the Galaxy" star, Pratt.
The co-producer of the "Mario" movie explains that "Chris was cast because we felt he could give a great performance as Mario."
Meledrandri could not help but say that he loved the performance of Pratt as Mario.
The Illumination boss goes on to say: "I think we're gonna be just fine. Especially because (Pratt) he's given such a strong performance."
It should be noted that this is not the first time that the Illuminated CEO defended the casting of Pratt. But he's back at it again, blurting out high praises to the Hollywood star.
Nintendo Life notes that Meledandri previously highlighted that his voice is "phenomenal."
This time, he also noted that the Hollywood actor actually had an "Italian American heritage."
'Mario' Movie
While the casting of Pratt as Mario was somewhat controversial, other stars did not receive the same treatment.
(Photo : Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CA - MARCH 12: Images of Mario (L) and Luigi from the Mario Bros. video game franchise appear on a video screen onstage during Nickelodeon's 2016 Kids' Choice Awards at The Forum on March 12, 2016 in Inglewood, California.
The animated movie casts other iconic stars like Charlie Day (Luigi), Jack Black (Bowser), and Anya Taylor-Joy (Princess Peach).
Related Article: Chris Pratt's 'Mario' Movie for 2022 Would NOT Use Italian Accent, Instead, Focus on 'Unique Voice'
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Written by Teejay Boris
