Bela Producer Chris Pratt Who Was Criticized For Playing Mario

Chris Pratt (Instagram @prattprattpratt)

JAKARTA - Actor Chris Pratt has been criticized for being the main character Mario in the Super Mario Bros. film. The reason is that the actor is not of Italian blood like the main character of the video game.

This criticism was heard by the Illumination as the production house for the Super Mario Bros. film. Chris Meledandri as producer defends Chris Pratt in a recent interview.

“When people hear Chris Pratt's performance, the criticism just evaporates, maybe not all of it. People like to voice their opinion,” said Chris Meledandri quoting Deadline.

"I'm not sure this is the best form of defense but as a person with an Italian-American identity, I think I can make a decision without worrying about the Italians. We'll be fine," he said.

On a separate occasion, Chris Pratt said this character would appear different from what the audience had seen.

“I worked with the director and tried a few things until I found something I was proud of. Can't wait for the audience to see and hear it," said Chris Pratt.

“It's kind of an animated narrative, not a live-action film. I don't wear a costume like (Super Mario)," he explained.

Pratt said this film will be something new from the world of Super Mario. But he was reluctant to mention what the 43-year-old actor called a surprise.

"I'm voicing an updated animated character and it's not something you've ever heard of in the Mario world before," said Chris Pratt.

The election of Chris Pratt as the main character has become a matter of discussion and even controversy. Not only Pratt, other actors and actresses such as Charlie Day and Anya Taylor-Joy also received criticism.

Charlie Day will play Luigi, while Anya Taylor-Joy will play Princess Peach. The two characters have appeared in the video game Mario since 1985.

The plan is for Super Mario Bros. to hit theaters on April 7, 2023 in North America and April 28 in Japan.