After stirring up headlines for criticizing the new film’s cast, John Leguizamo addresses the idea of his return for a Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel. Leguizamo, who starred in the first adaptation of the Nintendo platformer video game as Luigi, recently took to sharing his frustrations with the cast of the animated Super Mario Bros. Movie, disappointed by the primarily white actors behind the characters after directors Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel championed for the Latin actor to play the Italian character.
While recently speaking with IndieWire, John Leguizamo was asked about his recent comments slamming the lack of diversity in The Super Mario Bros. Movie‘s cast. When further asked about whether he’d return to the franchise for a sequel to the animated film, the live-action movie’s star acknowledged his interest, though had one caveat for doing so. See what Leguizamo said below:
If they start to do the right thing and add more inclusivity, I’d consider it.
Who Leguizamo Could Play In A Super Mario Bros. Sequel
While the diversity basis of his critiques were met with a mixed response, The Super Mario Bros. Movie cast was a divisive topic in the lead up to the film’s release, namely Chris Pratt in the titular role and Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong. Despite the reservations, their performances were mostly met with indifference from critics and audiences alike, with the latter largely falling in love with the movie as a whole while the former were mixed on its thin story and rushed pacing.
With the new film’s cast proving anyone can take on a role in the Nintendo universe, the possibilities are endless for who Leguizamo could play in a Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel. The animated movie didn’t introduce Mario and Luigi’s opposites, Wario and Waluigi, the latter of whom could be a good fit for Leguizamo’s unique vocal stylings, however considering his desire for better inclusivity and Waluigi’s frequent status as a villain may see him eye any of the other Mario characters yet to be introduced to the screen.
