Chris Pratt is stepping back into the role of Mario for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, but fans can expect a subtle change to one of the character’s most recognisable traits: his famous “Mamma Mia” catchphrase.
Explaining the decision, Pratt said he found it challenging to reconcile the line with his version of Mario, who is portrayed as a Brooklyn native. “It’s ‘Mamma Mia’… and when you hear that original version of the character, it’s in Italian,” he said, noting the classic high-pitched delivery. He questioned whether it felt natural for his interpretation, adding, “Why does it make sense for a guy who’s from Brooklyn who doesn’t have that accent to use that so much?”
The actor admitted that delivering the line authentically has been tricky from the start. “They’re like, ‘It’s written as “Mamma Mia”,’ but I’m like… that’s not something necessarily a person says unless they’re doing the Italian accent,” he explained, pointing out the difficulty of making it feel organic in dialogue.
Rather than removing it entirely, Pratt said he experimented with different approaches. “I’ve always tried to vary how the line is spoken," he shared, suggesting that the filmmakers may have adjusted its usage in the sequel. “I think that’s maybe why they slowed it down to take some of the stink off it… it’s like, ‘Maaammaaa Miaaaa.’”
The animated sequel features an expansive voice cast, including Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Donald Glover as Yoshi, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Brie Larson as Princess Rosalina, Issa Rae as Honey Queen, Glen Powell as Fox McCloud, Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr., and Luis Guzmán as Wart.
Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the film is set to release in theatres on April 1.