We've lost count of how many times Mario has set out to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser, but as the trailers for The Super Mario Bros. Movie have suggested, it will be Luigi who finds himself trapped in the villain's clutches this time.
As a result, Peach's role in this story has evolved, with all signs pointing to her being far more hands-on in Mario's battle against his greatest foe.
During a recent interview with Total Film (via The Direct), The Super Mario Bros. Movie directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic addressed the Princess' role reversal in Illumination's animated adaptation.
Confirming Luigi will "[take] the Princess Peach role in [their] story," Horvath added: "It’s Mario’s goal to save his brother from Bowser’s clutches. He has to go on this epic adventure to do that. So Luigi, who’s a famously nervous, anxious character, finds himself in the worst possible predicament: having to survive interrogations with Bowser, and make it through that gauntlet."
The filmmaker went on to explain that "the story of Mario saving the princess was too straightforward," pointing to how Peach's role has evolved in the franchise. "She’s the monarch who leads this kingdom of hapless, adorable Toads. We were thinking how strong that person would need to be to protect those people. All that informed the idea for Peach’s character in our movie."
While there will be those disappointed by this take on Princess Peach, it feels like the most fitting direction to take the character in, especially if it sees her a role model to younger viewers!
From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros.
Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (Teen Titans Go!, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies) from a screenplay by Matthew Fogel (Minions: The Rise of Gru), the film stars Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Jack Black as Bowser, as Toad, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek, and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is set to be released in theaters on April 5, 2023.