Something dies in the soul when a friend leaves. In this case, though, it’s a friend we only know through epithets like “Mamma mia!” or “Luigi loses again!” over almost thirty years. Charles Martinet hangs up the Italian cap and mustache, making way for someone new who will debut in ‘Super Mario Bros Wonder,’ a secret Nintendo has tried to keep. Luckily for fans, he has revealed himself on social media.
Kevin Time
The chosen one has been Kevin Afghani, a voice actor who stated on Twitter, “Incredibly proud to have voiced Mario and Luigi in ‘Super Mario Bros Wonder.’ Thanks to Nintendo for inviting me to the Flower Kingdom!” Like in Martinet’s case, the Japanese company has chosen someone who, for now, is practically unknown, so as not to distract from the game itself.
You might have heard him if you play ‘Genshin Impact‘ because he voices Arnold in English. It’s his most influential role beyond fan projects (‘Dragon Ball R&R,’ ‘Secret History of Cuphead’), and it’s these projects that have embraced the change, for once, with astonishing warmth. So much so that Afghani tweeted yesterday, “I can’t begin to express how incredible all your reactions have been. I would really love to be able to respond to each and every one of you, but I might explode if I tried. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
For now, Afghani is easing his nerves by playing ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ while fans of the Italian plumber eagerly await a title that promises to be a game-changer in the franchise. And not just because Bowser has discovered the appealing secret of Peach transformed into an elephant, but also because the new powers promise unique modes, Nintendo-style surprises, and a blend of tradition and modernity that the 2D version of the saga has been waiting for. Welcome to the gamer world, Afghani! No one can guarantee that the experience will be a good one.
