Chris Pratt, the popular actor known for his roles in blockbuster films like “Jurassic World” and “Guardians of the Galaxy,” has recently come under fire for his upcoming role as the voice of Mario in the upcoming “Super Mario Bros.” movie. Critics have voiced concerns about Pratt’s ability to do justice to the character, arguing that his lack of an Italian accent could make the portrayal feel inauthentic.
While it’s certainly true that Pratt doesn’t have an Italian accent, it’s worth examining why that might not be as big of a deal as some people are making it out to be. For starters, it’s important to note that Mario himself doesn’t actually have an Italian accent in the games. While his speech is peppered with Italian words and phrases, his actual voice is more of a high-pitched, cartoonish sound that doesn’t really resemble any particular accent.
Furthermore, it’s not clear that an Italian accent would even be necessary for the role. After all, Mario is a fictional character who exists in a world of anthropomorphic mushrooms, flying turtles, and sentient plants. In a universe like that, it’s hard to say what an “authentic” accent would even sound like.
It’s also worth noting that Pratt is a talented actor with a long track record of successful performances. While he may not have an Italian accent, he has shown an ability to adapt his voice to a variety of different roles. In “Guardians of the Galaxy,” for example, he played the character of Peter Quill with a Southern drawl, despite being from Missouri himself. In “The Lego Movie,” he played the lead character of Emmet with a high-pitched, slightly nasal voice that was very different from his natural speaking voice. And in “Onward,” he played the character of Barley with a Scottish accent.
Given his track record, there’s no reason to doubt Pratt’s ability to bring Mario to life in a way that feels authentic and true to the character. It’s entirely possible that he’ll find a way to capture the spirit of the character without relying on an accent.
At the end of the day, the criticisms of Pratt’s casting seem to stem from a desire for authenticity that may not be entirely necessary. While it’s certainly true that Italian culture and heritage are important, particularly in a character like Mario who has become an icon of Italian pop culture, it’s not clear that an accent is the only way to convey that. After all, Mario is much more than just his accent – he’s a beloved character who has captured the hearts and imaginations of people all over the world.
It’s also worth noting that the movie is still in production, and we don’t yet know exactly how Pratt will be portraying the character. It’s entirely possible that he will surprise us with a nuanced, thoughtful performance that captures the essence of the character in a way that goes beyond mere accent. Until we’ve actually seen the movie, it’s hard to make any definitive judgments about how well he will do.
In conclusion, while it’s understandable that some people may be concerned about Chris Pratt’s portrayal of Mario, it’s important to remember that there’s more to the character than just his accent. As a talented actor with a long track record of successful performances, there’s no reason to doubt Pratt’s ability to bring the character to life in a way that feels authentic and true to the spirit of the games. We should reserve judgment until we’ve actually seen the movie, and give Pratt a chance to prove himself as an actor. After all, isn’t that what the magic of movies is all about – suspending disbelief and embracing the characters and stories that capture our imaginations?