With today's trailer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie, we got to hear Jack Black as the menacing Bowser for the very first time. But the trailer wasn't just shown online. Nintendo and Illumination brought the movie to New York Comic Con (run by ReedPop, which Hookshot Media is partnered with), where Jack Black made a special appearance.
Filmed and shared by Popverse, Jack Black brought all of his enthusiasm to the stage with him. He's fully embracing the role of Bowser — he had his own shell, a flaming beard, and donned yellow clothing to 'look' like Bowser. And, sitting atop a throne, the actor had a few little anecdotes and teases to share during a short Q&A session.
Sharing his well-known love for video games — where he says he remembers getting started with the original Donkey Kong back in the '80s — the musician and comedian revealed that he tapped into the "deep dark insecurity" that many film and video game villains have. In the movie, Black says that Bowser has a "sensitive side" and he feels he isn't loved enough, though he also reveals that some of Black's own musical love and influence has seeped into the role:
"Well, you know, I did bring some of my heavy metal roots because — in a way — Bowser is kind of like a heavy metal rockstar. You know, a big, strong, and scary rock star. And I did a little bit of rocking. I think you'll be surprised to see that Bowser has a musical side. I'm thinking after the movie comes out I'm taking it to Broadway, there might be a one-man show."
Jack Black is rarely seen in a film without showing off his heavy metal and musical love, but the idea of Bowser shredding has us very intrigued indeed. If he is, of course! But rumours about the Mario Movie potentially being a musical have been circling since April this year — though someone on Reddit last September questioned the potential for the film to be a musical given the film's stacked cast and their credentials.
Black followed this up with another interesting comment when he mentions how much fun he and the cast had recording voice-over for the movie: "I had a lot of fun, I must admit. We had a ball. A little improv, a little magic, a little music. Good times."
Of course, this could just be a bit of fun. Or maybe Bowser gets a solo, or a moment where he's jamming along to a heavy metal version of his theme? Basically, it sounds like Black and the cast had a blast. Though we'd love to witness the birth of Tenacious B. If Kyle Gass has a role in the film, we could have something of a band here...
- Further reading - Every Character Revealed In The Mario Movie Trailer
Check out the Q&A from New York Comic Con over on Popverse and just witness Jack Black's sheer joy as he talks about the role — as much as he can, anyway! Though he does show off more of his voice-acting chops. We're mightily impressed with the Koopa King's voice so far, we must say!
What do you think of Jack Black as Bowser? Did he rock your socks? Say the first thing that comes to your head down below!
[source thepopverse.com]
Comments 41
Did you really expect anything less?
I believe Bowser is at his best when he's protrayed as both goofy and threatening in equal measure so this could either be brilliant or absolutely disastrous. Knowing Jack Black though, I'll hope for the former.
French Bowser sorta sounded how would I expect in the french trailer. But Jack Black was okay. I guess I just wanted a more commanding stern voice.
I was hoping that would be the case! Jack killed it in the trailer, can’t wait to see the rest of his performance.
Bowser is easily the best thing about this trailer. That fire breath makes him feel like a true villain and a dragon
@Axecon I agree, Bowser really feels like a menace, someone to be afraid of. That fire breath demolished the icy palace or whatever.
There's so much awesome to unpack about Bowser in this trailer.
-Jack Black's voice was spot on amazing, and powerful, with just a hint of on-brand goofy fun.
-Bowser depicted as a legitimate threat to kingdoms, proving to be a real big bad for the movie.
-The character model is big and menacing, and not just a lumbering meathead. And it kinda looks like the face is animated with some of Jack Black's facial movements? It's great.
Really thinking that Bowser is easily, hands down, going to steal the whole show in this movie.
That was what I was afraid of.sucks it is probably going to be a musical.
Jack did a pretty good job. probably my most favorite out of the trailer. the bowser voice caught me off guard, but his performance of voice acting (weather it's games or movies) is pretty good.
Jack Black was such a good choice for Bowser! I was hoping they’d lean into the music side of Jack, and it seems like they’re gonna do it.
There’s a film theory video on this. Without a doubt there’s gonna be done musical beats in this one
Like was leaked months ago, this movie may be a musical.
Maybe DK and Bowser can have a musical battle. DK has had a lot of practice.
I love how bowsers face has JB’s mannerisms
@ItsOKToBeOK If there is one single musical number in this film, I'm politely getting out of my seat and heading to movie next door.
As long as Mario and bowser don't start getting into a rap battle or something. I hate how kids movies these days always gotta have characters rapping or beat boxing or some crap. Like that suddenly makes your movie hip and with it. No it just makes it cringy and stupid.
I actually like that idea, Jack Black is a beast!
@Truegamer79 I hate comedic musicals in anything. It would be equally cringe if Bowser starts playing heavy metal singing how evil he is.
Jack Black could totally be Bowser's new voice in the games, I would love it after watching this.
Chris Pratt on the other hand...didn't convince me.
@nickeddowes
Yeah honestly Jack black nailed it! He can keep the job as far as I'm concerned! Much better than in sunshine where he was basically cookie monster. Mario on the other hand just sounds like star lord.
I am wondering if people are giving Jack Black a free pass because he's Jack black or he's legitimately that good as Bowser.
Honestly, I didn't hear enough of him to give an opinion of his performance. From what I heard he sounds just okay. He just sounds like Jack Black doing Jack Black with a gruff voice.
That opening sequence of the trailer between Bowser and the penguins was more than I could have ever hoped for.
@GoshJosh
I'm no huge fan of Jack black. I mostly just know him from the second i know what you did last summer movie as that Jamaican stoner guy who gets killed and the movie shallow Hal and i still think he did awesome as bowser! He didn't even sound like Jack black which is what everyone was expecting.
@Truegamer79 Eh, maybe is me then because I've heard his voice so much I can hear it now. Oh well.
Is Dry Bowser gonna come and tell Mario "Taste my lightning, sucker*!"?
*seriously what does he say? Does he say sucker or f*****?
@GoshJosh
Could have been much worse. We could have had cookie monster bowser from mario sunshine.
I was really hoping he wouldn't sing, but oh well. At least a lot of people are happy about it...
@GoshJosh I really didn't like the idea of Jack Black as bowser. I think he did a good job, Bowser doesn't really have a defined voice and I think he's doing his best with what he's got.
@Hajilee I'm not bashing him. In fact I agree there's really nothing from the Mario realm I can compare it to. I'm just basing it on all his past performances I've heard.
He could very well be a good Bowser, just from my ears after hearing his voice so much it's ingrained in my head. He just sounds like Jack Black haha.
I love how sometimes Bowser had Jack Black's likeness, wasn't expecting that
@GoshJosh True xD
The line "Open the gates!" really sounded good, but when he says "I do not" it just sounds like Jack Black to me. Still I think it was pretty good, definitely better than Chris Pratt at least.
I have zero doubts about Jack Black as Bowser. Perfect casting in my book.
I can't wait to hear it. Should be fun
Climb upon my faithful stee-heed...
I hope he sings something akin to the “K-Man Koopa” song from the 1992 Nintendo Power comic.
This is the company that created the Minions so they’ll probably use every opportunity to add some annoying ridiculousness to the mix. This is going to be one exhausting ride.
As long as it's just a short musical number and not a full-blown musical, that's fine.
Bowser starting a band? He definitely needs to call it Dragonforce.
Just waiting to hear Bowser belt out, “I do not neeeeeeed….. a microooophone….. my voice is…… pooooowerfuuuuulllll!”
But my question is... Is Wonder Boy going to appear? Along with young Nasty Man?
If your movie featuring Jack Black doesn't include any sort of musical aspect then you've failed as a movie.
If this movie has musical numbers, then it'll be even better.
@SpeedRunRocks
“Then we gonna ride, gonna smoke some weeeeeeed!”
@calbeau
Bowser and the Seven Alimonies
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...