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John Leguizamo is not here for the 'Super Mario Bros.' cast: 'Too bad they went all white!'

By Megan Armstrong | Last updated 9/29/21

Chris Pratt was overjoyed to announce last week that he will voice Mario in the upcoming Super Mario Bros. animated film.

Other people have not been as excited about his casting.

Count John Leguizamo among the latter group.

The 57-year-old actor, comedian and filmmaker portrayed Luigi in the 1993 Super Mario Bros. live-action movie and didn't hesitate to voice his displeasure with the direction of the reboot on Twitter:

So glad #superMariobros is getting a reboot! Obviously it’s iconic enuff. But too bad they went all white! No Latinx in the leads! Groundbreaking color-blind casting in original! Plus I’m the only one who knows how to make this movie work script wise! pic.twitter.com/lNokmdpwMq
— John Leguizamo (@JohnLeguizamo) September 27, 2021

This the full voiceover cast, including Charlie Day, who is white, taking on Leguizamo's Luigi:

Chris Pratt as Mario
Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach
Charlie Day as Luigi
Jack Black as Bowser
Keegan-Michael Key as Toad
Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong
Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong
Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek
Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike
Surprise cameos from Charles Martinet
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 23, 2021

Coinciding with the casting reveal was a statement from Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo's representative director and fellow, per Deadline:

"We are collaborating with Chris and his experienced team to not just create a character licensed film, but a new piece of entertainment which brings Super Mario Bros. to life on the screen, and allows everyone to enjoy whether or not they know about the game. The production so far is constructive and going very well, and both parties are learning a lot from each other. We humbly ask that fans wait just a little longer for the premiere, and we hope they look forward to seeing the unique characters from Super Mario Bros. on the big screen."

Super Mario Bros., co-financed by Nintendo and Universal, is expected Dec. 21, 2022.

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