Who Directed the Mario Movie?
The Super Mario Bros. Movie, a highly anticipated animated film, was directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic. This exciting adaptation of Nintendo’s beloved Mario video game franchise takes viewers on a thrilling adventure filled with comedy and excitement. With an ensemble voice cast, including Chris Pratt as Mario and Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, the film brings these iconic characters to life on the big screen. Let’s delve into the details of this animated masterpiece and discover the skillful direction of Horvath and Jelenic.
The Production of the Mario Movie
After the lackluster reception of the live-action Super Mario Bros. film in 1993, Nintendo was initially hesitant to license its properties for further film adaptations. However, the success of the Virtual Console service sparked interest in Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto to explore the possibility of producing another film. It was through Nintendo’s collaboration with Universal Parks & Resorts that Miyamoto had the opportunity to meet Chris Meledandri, the CEO of Illumination, an animation studio known for films like Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets.
By 2016, discussions were already underway for a Mario movie, and in 2018, Nintendo officially announced its partnership with Illumination and Universal Pictures. This collaboration aimed to create a faithful and beloved adaptation of the iconic Mario franchise. Production on the animated film began in 2020, with Miyamoto serving as a producer to ensure the filmmakers stayed true to the spirit of the games.
The budget for the Mario movie was set at $100 million, a substantial investment to bring the beloved characters and world of Mario to life on the big screen. The film’s cast, including Chris Pratt as Mario and Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, was announced in 2021, generating excitement among fans eagerly awaiting the release of the film in 2023.
Success and Reception of the Mario Movie
The Super Mario Bros. Movie, released in April 2023, made a splash at the box office, shattering records and earning its place as the highest-grossing video game adaptation of all time. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film’s commercial success speaks volumes about its popularity among audiences.
The movie surpassed $1.36 billion in global box office revenue, solidifying its position as a blockbuster hit. It also achieved the biggest worldwide opening weekend for an animated film and became the highest-grossing film based on a video game. These box office records are a testament to the enduring appeal of the Mario franchise.
Critical reception of the Super Mario Bros. Movie may have been mixed, but fans and audiences have embraced it with open arms. Many have praised the film for its stunning animation, a stellar voice cast, and the nostalgic elements that pay homage to the beloved Mario games. The movie’s success at the box office and positive reception from fans highlight the directors’ ability to capture the essence and spirit of the Mario universe.
As the biggest release of 2023 so far, the Super Mario Bros. Movie has firmly established itself as a significant cultural phenomenon. Its box office triumph and positive audience feedback demonstrate the enduring popularity and widespread affection for the Mario franchise.
The Directors’ Love for Mario
When it comes to creating a film adaptation of a beloved franchise like Super Mario Bros., having directors who are true fans of the source material is crucial. Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the directors of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, are no exception. Both of them have been lifelong gamers and have a deep love for the Mario franchise.
Horvath and Jelenic’s connection to the Mario games dates back to their childhoods when they spent hours playing the original Super Mario Bros. game. Their personal experiences with the franchise have shaped their understanding of its essence, its characters, and the world they inhabit.
As fans themselves, the directors had a clear vision for the film adaptation. They aimed to capture the spirit of the Mario games and satisfy generations of fans. Their goal was to preserve what people love about these iconic characters and to bring the Mushroom Kingdom to life on the big screen.
Working on The Super Mario Bros. Movie also had a personal significance for Horvath and Jelenic. They had the unique opportunity to involve their own children in the project, which further deepened their connection to the Mario universe. This personal involvement fueled their desire to create a film that would resonate with fans young and old.
