Last month, Nintendo released an official statement saying that Charles Martinet, the original voice of Mario in Nintendo games, was switching to a new role of Mario Ambassador and would no longer voice the iconic character. Now, Martinet and Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, the man who created Mario, have released a video addressing the recent announcement. In it, Miyamoto gives a heartfelt thanks to Martinet and reveals how the voice actor calls him “Papa!”
“The very first time you voiced Mario in a Super Mario game was Super Mario 64 back in 1996! Whenever we’d meet, you would always call me ‘Papa!’ and I also remember filming PR videos together,” said Miyamoto. “You have traveled the world visiting events, joyfully performing the voice of Mario for fans, and putting smiles on people’s faces. You always place a priority on spreading joy, and I am sure that you will be a great Mario Ambassador.”
As for what the role of Mario Ambassador will entail, Miyamoto said that Martinet will continue to promote Mario at events, perform his iconic voices for fans, and sign autographs. Miyamoto also mentioned that the new voices for Mario characters will be introduced in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, but wouldn’t reveal who they are.
