It's been nearly thirty years since the infamous live-action Super Mario Bros. movie hit theatres, and fans have been eagerly anticipating a new big-screen adaptation ever since. However, it looks like the latest attempt at bringing everyone's favourite Italian plumber to life is off to a rough start.
From casting controversies to script issues, the production of the Super Mario Bros. movie has been fraught with troubles. Here, we take a closer look at what's been going on behind the scenes and what it could mean for the final product.
Casting Controversies
One of the first signs of trouble came when it was announced that Chris Pratt had been cast as Mario. Pratt is certainly a talented actor, but many fans were left scratching their heads at the casting choice. After all, Pratt is known for his roles in action-comedies like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, while Mario is a beloved video game character known for his plucky, every man charm.
Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with many pointing out that there are plenty of Italian-American actors who would have been a better fit for the role. Some even called for a boycott of the film.
Things only got worse when it was announced that Anya Taylor-Joy had been cast as Princess Peach. While Taylor-Joy is a talented actress, her casting raised eyebrows due to her lack of resemblance to the character. In the video games, Peach is known for her blonde hair and pink dress, while Taylor-Joy has dark hair and a more angular face.