Next week Nintendo Life will be meeting up with the one and only Charles Martinet - otherwise known as the voice of Super Mario and many other characters from the Mushroom Kingdom - and we're giving you, our dear readers, the chance to pop a question to one of the most famous vocal talents on the planet.
Martinet has covered vocal duties for Nintendo's famous mascot since 1995, and also puts words into the mouths of Wario, Luigi, Waluigi, Baby Mario and Baby Luigi - as well as other characters from the series. Outside of the Mario franchise he has worked on games such as Skies of Arcadia, Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast, Cel Damage and Jet Set Radio Future.
Martinet's talents aren't restricted to the realm of video games, however - he's appeared in films, TV shows and TV commercials throughout his career, and in his earlier years attended Drama School London in the UK.
Here's you chance to ask the great man that burning question you've had for the past two decades. Post your question in the comments below and we'll pick the best ones out.
Comments 130
"Have you ever been tempted to evolve or adapt the voice of Mario?"
What advice would you give for someone freshly starting out as a voice actor?
Great!!! So many great things I'd love to ask Mario. Can he give Toad a big hug from me is the man one for now but I'll think of lots more. Thank you. Ryan-uk
Does he ever get insider information or extra context regarding Mario game stories and characters?
What do you think about Kazumi Totaka?
(Mr Totaka provides the voice of Yoshi!)
"What are your thoughts on Iwata's Passing?"
What's your favourite films, plays and video games you've worked on?
Does he record his lines anew for every Mario game, or do Nintendo often reuse samples he has already recorded?
@RupeeClock Ooh, isn't he a sound engineer too for Nintendo EAD?
I'm actually quite impressed with the fact that he does both jobs well.
@TheWPCTraveler Yup, the one and the same.
Which is why the Totaka's Song easter egg in Mario Kart 8 is especially meta.
@RupeeClock Oh, yeah, right!
Yoshi does sing Totaka's song in MK8!
...Please excuse me as I sort just how mind-blowing that is considering that I knew all of those facts but never quite pieced them together.
@Brax
Dude, he voiced a dragon in Skyrim, and does a lot more roles than you realise.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0553409/
His work includes Resonance of Fate, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time, Aion, Hellboy: The Science of Evil, Shinobi, Jet Set Radio Future, Super Punch Out, and many more.
"Is he the voice of toad?" and, if yes, "does he get suicidal from it like other mortals?" and "does he realize what he has done?"
Have you ever wanted to/going to record Mario's voice in full sentences?
Have you finished your recording sessions for Super Mario Galaxy 3 yet? (Try to catch him off guard!)
Do you have to do vocal warmups before recording?
Why do you think Waluigi is so underrated?
Why does your signature always have a boo on the end of it? I have a couple of your autographs and it has always got me thinking 'why boo?'
"On average, how many takes of each particular sound clip do you record before moving on to the next?"
@Ichiban I like it. I like it very much!
Which character out of Nintendo's vast array of franchises do you wish you could also play the voice of (excluding Link), whether they already have a voice or not? Ganondorf? Kirby? Fox McCloud?!
How does the digital Mario puppet work exactly, as seen in places like Nintendo World and various game expos? Where did the idea of it come from?
Ok so remember like how you voiced Wario in Wario World and Wario Land 4 with a different accent. Now in the recent games that have Wario, his voice is toned down a bit compared to the former games? Why is it like that? Is it because of the vocal strain that caused this change or is it something that Nintendo of America advised you to do.
This is something I've been dying to ask. Pls @Nintendolife, I'd like it if this question pops up.
What were some of the TV Shows and Movies that you did? Also, does nintendo limit the amount of talking that you can do for Mario? Have you appeared as a voice for any other character that is not also part of nintendo...like Sony or Sega?
Do you play Mario games often, and when you do, do you mind hearing your own voice (especially in games where you voice multiple characters)? Or do you turn the volume down?
Xander Mobius (announcer for Super Smash Bros.) said in a recent interview he has to play with the audio muted... he got tired of hearing himself!
@FierceRagnar I bet it's this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpgLDjLwego
Which Mario character puts the most strain on your voice?
@FierceRagnar Was about to ask the same thing!
Well, Mr. Martinet, which game did you enjoy recording for the most? (My money's riding on Dark Moon...)
Are there any other characters you would have liked to voice? Also, is there anything you still want to master in voice acting? Thank you for making our beloved mascots brim with personality (i adore Luigi!)
What compelled you to do the voice for Mario? How long do you intend to continue voicing Mario?
"Which Mario character do you find the easiest and most difficult to record?"
"Have you ever prank called someone using one of your voices?"
"My two-year-old son excitedly refers to MK8 as "Woohoo-Yeehaw" which he picked up from Mario. Do you have a favorite catchphrase of Mario's, or have you been responsible for coming up with any of them yourself?"
"As a voice actor with experience on many different levels, do you prefer voice acting for video games or for TV? Do you even have a preference? If so, why do you prefer that?"
Why doesn't Mario ever speak in full sentences? And if he did, do you think it would be an overall improvement or would it ultimately be pointless?
How are you at impressions? Do you have a favorite? Can you show us?
"What is your favorite moment in a Mario game?"
What is you're favorite top 3 video games inside and outside of nintendo?
Will you retire from doing Voices for nintendo or do you see yourself doing it until you can no longer do it? (age, death, vocal issue etc.)
What new story would you like Mario to tell, different from his other adventures?
Has Nintendo made arrangements for Mario's immortality after your death so that your voice can forever be there for Mario?
What kind of direction do you get from above, and what expressions have been vetoed and why? On the other hand, what bolts of inspiration were the most unusual?
Do you take influence from other actors when voicing a character from any game?
How were you approached to do the voice of Mario (back story)? Any funny stories in working with Nintendo? Any fears or anxieties in working for or meeting Hiroshi Yamauchi?
You voice joyful Mario, nervous Luigi, gruff Wario, and frustrated sulk Waluigi. If you had to voice a fifth, what do you think they'd be like?
What is your favorite non Mario role that you have voice acted?
What's up with Waluigi?
I see you voiced a character in Skies of Arcadia. What is it like to provide voice work on an RPG versus other genres?
Have you ever taught any newcomers in terms of voice acting?
Was there much competition for the voice of Mario back in the N64 days, and did they bring anything different to the table?
Also, has your ability to speak in such a high pitch landed you any similar roles?
I've read that you would like to voice Link in the future, what do you think voicing a "voiceless" character like Link would bring to the table and is there another character you would like to add your voice talents to?
What do you think about The Legend of Zelda having voice acting. Would you ever like to voice someone like Link, or is there anyone in particular you REALLy want to do?
How do you feel about Bob Hoskins' interpretation in the live-action film, and did it influence either you or Nintendo on how to present his voice going ahead?
Do you have any plans for retirement? Would you have any part in choosing a new actor to play Mario (it won't be the same 😢)?
"Can you do a full sentence with any of the Mario characters?" (The ones he's voiced)
Or
"How was it like voicing Paarthurnax from The Elder Scroll V: Skyrim?"
Or
"Do you often look back at your older work? Something like Mario Typing?"
Or
"Is there a particular character you would like to voice as?"
Do you ever use your voice talents as a party trick, etc.? Is it wierd to hear your own voice in a Mario game?
"Which out of the two brothers is your favorite to voice act as Mario or Luigi?" Or "Did you ever have any difficulty voice acting as Mario or the others in a game?"
Give us your best Bob Hoskins impression.
Do you ever order pizza in Waluigi's voice?
If you play them, what's your favourite Mario game?
Do you actually play video games (and if so what's your favorite), or do you prefer to draw the line with voice acting?
What's your favorite line you've ever recorded? Maybe both your favorite Super Mario line, then a line from any recording work you've done.
How has it changed your life doing the voice of Mario?
(Is this the correct way to ask that? I'm sorry, sometimes my english is kinda bad)
Outside of Mario, Luigi, Wario and Waluigi is there any other Mario characters that you ever wanted to voice? What kind of voices would you give them?
How long does your voice work usually take?
What do you think of Brawl in the Family?
@Freeon-Leon spot on.
My question is "What would be your ultimate toppings to have on a pizza?"
Good question and says alot about the legend he is
How many iterations of Mario's voice were there before Nintendo settled on what we know today. (...and can you please give us a listen to how he could have sounded...)
"Are you allowed to use Mario's voice in your daily life (like when ordering pizza)?"
@Tamalesyatole Combined your question and mine for the ultimate question!!!
How were you asked by Bethesda to be the voice of Paarthunax?
Will you be in any more Bethesda games? Bethesda Nintendo Crossover!
What are one of your lesser known credits as a voice actor?
Can you please share some Super Mario 64 memories?
Who is your Smash Bros main (If you play)?
Here is my question: "How do you feel knowing others enjoy hearing your voice whenever they play Mario, and how does it feel when you play a Mario game yourself knowing you brought him to life?"
Ask him to say: "This be I, muryo. Maha miya, this is hot pasta!" Please and thank you.
This is my question: "How would you voice Link if you did his voice?"
-"Could you share with us.. a bit about your fondest childhood memories, Mr.Martinet?
-Also, what you were like as a kid & teen and what you always wanted to be ''growing up?''" =)
-"What are some of your other hobbies? -Or something you wish you could pick up on but haven't gotten around to?"
Do you know of any secret projects the public wouldn't be aware of yet, and if so, got any vague hints about them?
Does he ever see himself voicing the Mario character in a feature film, and how does he think the role would have to be changed to more suit a narrative like movie?
Alternatively, 'You've said in the past you really enjoy playing the Waluigi character. Do you think Waluigi will ever get his own game? Would you like Waluigi to have a starring role in his own game?'
Do you think browser is really a bad guy?
Does your Mario voice come to you naturally at first?
You're in the desert walking along in the sand when all of a sudden you look down and see a tortoise. The tortoise is laying on it's back, it's belly baking in the hot sun beating it's legs trying to turn over. But it can't. Not without your help. But you aren't helping Mr Martinet why is that?
Oh if there is any joy left in this world you would ask him this!
Serious question: In Mario 64, when throwing Bowser in the lava, Mario shouts an inaudible phrase. It SOUNDS like he says "So long, gay Bowser!". Over 15 years later, I still have no idea what he says. Please give me closure on this part of my life and tell me what is actually said. Thank you.
Wait, he worked on Jedi Knight 2? Who did he voice?
"Alright, bro to bro, what's up with you and Peach?
Not a question, just tell Nintendo to make a game for Waluigi now!!!................P-please?
Where is your mustache?
"You have requested to voice Link from Ocarina of time, since it was the first jump to 3D and had a young Link and an adult Link what kinda voice would you have given him?"
Hopefully the interview comes in video format as well!
Was you a fan of Mario/Nintendo before taking on the job?
What's your favourite non Mario related Nintendo game?
Did you think you would still be playing the role all these years later?
@BoomtownFox He says "So longa Bowser"
How much longer do expect to continue voicing Mario?
What made you become a voice over artist in the first place? Did you have a natural aptitude for it or did you train at a school to become the VA master you are today?
How do you feel when you have to act out all of these different voices? I mean, do you feel like a different person? When you voice Mario do you feel like a goofy, Italian, hero? Or when you voiced Paarthurnax from TES Skyrim did you feel powerful and wise? I want to know if you feel like you become these characters that you voice.
@The__Goomba Doesn't sound like it to me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCh2l0J1uJk
Which voice acting job has been your favourite so far and why?
Can I just say thank you nintendolife for enabling us this opportunity , I have a few burning questions for Charles martinet
1. Obviously you would have collected some rather neat/rare items during your time as Mario I'm just wondering what your most treasured item is and how did you come about getting it.
2. If you ever did decide to pass the torch to a fellow voice actor who would be your ideal replacement and why?
Was it impossible for you to get the Gold Mario amiibo too????
Waluigi's not really evil, just misunderstood. He wants to be accepted. What would happen if he found out he had millions of fans on the internet?
How often do you record new lines? Or, is there one character you particularly dislike to do the voice for?
"What are your thoughts about the voice acting in the cdi Mario game?"
Hey Charles, what do you think of Hotel Mario for the CDi? Would you call it one of the greatest games of our generation or the opposite?
what is your favourite Nintendo console?
Albeit unlikely, I am wondering whether you are capable of voicing Mario and other characters in other languages if need to. Japanese may be a stretch, but I'm thinking of the usual four languages Nintendo games are generally available in: French, Spanish, German, and Italian.
@davetheshrew I like this question very much.
"If you had to lend your voice talent to a mascot from Sony or Microsoft, which one would it be?"
So something straight off my head, If you were to voice any other Nintendo franchise, which one would it be? As well as what do you think would happen if you hadn't become the voice of Mario?
Did you always want to be an actor, or did you have any other dreams for your profession?
First of all, love your work, and all the joy you've brought fans such as I over the years.
My question to you, Mr. Martinet, is the following, "Have you ever felt the need to change or rephrase a line given to you, specifically for Mario? If so, why?"
How does it feel being the voice of the character that everyone knows and loves?
For some reason... it looks really weird seeing that guy do that in the video. lol
"What is the proper pronunciation of 'Mario'. Who is responsible for that decision. Why do you think there is so much confusion on the matter."
"What has been your most personally gratifying moment when voicing Mario?"
@The__Goomba @BoomtownFox
I've always heard it as "So long-y, Bowser!" Putting a -y at the end, like you do in the phrase "wake-y wake-y" or similarly in "No take-back-sies." I still hear it like that.
Mario as always been kept a pretty blank slate of a character with little personality in the games. In your mind, who is Mario to you? What are his motivations, hopes, and dreams?
How do you feel about the animated cartoon series based on both Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 2 (the one originally released in the United States) and the ones based on Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World?
When video games as a medium started becoming more and more popular, especially in the 80s, did you ever think that you would start doing voice work in them?
and/or
What's it like to be the voice of arguably the most recognizable fictional character of all time.
CAN YOU, CHARLES MARTINET, NAIL THE GREATEST VOICE OF ALLLLLLLLLLL TIMEEEEE: THE ONE, THE ONLYYYYYYYYYYYY, original voice of Mario in Mario 64? y'know, the screechy one.......? ring a bell?
What do you find to be the best thing about voice acting?
"YIPPEE!"
@allav866 I'm going to guess it's Bit.Trip Runner 2, lol
@Nicolai I used to hear "So long, gay bowser!"
How was it like voicing Alistar Loveless from the Cuefinders series?
Did you audition, or did the company call you over?
Do any of your fans ever bring up that role when talking to you?
Was landing a career in voice acting something you had always wanted? Or did you have other life aspirations in the beginning?
Aside from characters from the Super Mario franchise, who is your favorite Nintendo character?
What's your favorite type of food?
Are you a wizard?
Who do you main in Smash Bros. for Wii U? Surprised no one else has asked that yet.
When did you get into voice acting?
Do you voice each game Mario is in, or is there a voice bank that is reused?
I want to hear Mario with an Australian accent, so ask him to repeat: "Rise Up Lights".
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