The Super Mario Cast Have Opened Up About A Major Princess Peach Change

April 2023 brings something that fans have long awaited yet also never wanted to happen - a new 'Super Mario Bros.' movie. Those who watched Nintendo's first film attempt in 1993 will probably know the iconic plumber doesn't always translate well to the big screen. However, there are high hopes that Illumination's production will prove that he can be done justice.

For one thing, it seems that they've made some big decisions in the movie that will show some characters in a way we're not used to seeing them. While that could be risky, the cast believes it will pay off, especially as the ‘Super Mario’ cast have opened up about a major Princess Peach change during their recent press run.

Mario is hoping to achieve the rare successful video game adaptation movie

Deciding to make a movie based on a video game may seem like a bad idea to plenty of audiences. It's not that they don't want to see some of their favorite characters on the big screen; it's just that these adaptations have rarely been successful. If one does well, it's generally an exception to the rule, or at least, that's how things used to be. The tide has turned in recent years, with franchises like 'Pokémon,' 'Sonic the Hedgehog,' and 'Uncharted' all finding some success at the movies. Now, 'Super Mario Bros.' is hoping to do the same, and it seems the cast is hopeful that the film's "modernity" will help it to succeed.

The new movie won't see Princess Peach be kidnapped by Bowser

Nintendo has been producing games with Mario as the protagonist for decades now, and there's definitely been a progression over time. However, let's face it; the games don't typically break away from the tried and tested formula. This being that Princess Peach gets captured by Bowser, leaving it to Mario to save her. Even as recently as 2017's 'Super Mario Odyssey,' Nintendo still stuck to the "damsel in distress" trope. However, it appears that this won't be the case in their new animated flick, 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie.' Anya Taylor Joy (the voice of Princess Peach) recently spoke about this with Digital Spy, stating that the film is entering "a new era" by having Luigi kidnapped instead. She says it's reflective of us being in a “period of immense shift.”

Charlie Day thinks it's fitting for Luigi to be kidnapped over Peach

Anyone who's watched the more recent trailers for the movie likely won't be surprised by this plot point, as they already made this narrative choice clear. Although the film will take a different turn from the usual approach of the games, Charlie Day - who voices Luigi - thinks this decision actually makes a lot of sense. He pointed out that it's common for Luigi to be in distress, so to get kidnapped by Bowser "fits his character pretty well." He also states that it's "kind of great" for Mario "emotionally," given that the two are brothers. While Mario and Princess Peach might have a strong relationship in the games, the two appear to initially be strangers in the movie. So, having him save his sibling rather than a random princess definitely makes more sense.

Anya Taylor Joy is excited for kids to see her character in charge

Of course, having someone other than Princess Peach be kidnapped doesn't just offer a fresh take to Nintendo's established formula. It also allows Peach's character more opportunity to play an active role in the film and show exactly what she can bring to the narrative. Anya admitted to Digital Spy that she's "excited" for the kids who get to see her character showcasing her skills as a female leader. Stuff like this is incredibly important in 2023, and who better to lead the charge than one of the most beloved female characters in video game history? If the move is successful, it may well shape the future of the games in this franchise. Perhaps more Princess Peach-led additions?

Making a major change to the Mario franchise could be a risky move for a movie that needs to be successful. However, what's the point of creating a film if it's not going to separate itself from the games in some way? 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' still seems largely faithful to Nintendo's beloved IP, and this one difference could be the thing that makes it a smash hit.