Martinet Keeps Mario Voice Role, Avoids Improv for Integrity

Charles Martinet, the iconic voice behind Mario for nearly three decades, has addressed fan concerns about his character performances at conventions after recent social media speculation.

Honored as Nintendo's official Mario Ambassador, Martinet remains famous for energetically voicing Mario during fan interactions. Online confusion arose when YouTuber Ricky Berwick suggested Nintendo limited Martinet's performances - prompting the veteran voice actor to clarify the situation personally.

After Martinet's appearance at Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 in Arizona, Berwick (with 6.25 million YouTube subscribers) claimed the voice legend couldn't perform any character voices. "What a shame," Berwick commented, sparking widespread discussion.

The controversy coincided with news that Samantha Kelly, Martinet's former Nintendo colleague, was replaced as Princess Peach's voice on the Mario Kart World launch day.

While Nintendo retired Martinet from official voice work in 2022, the company honored him with a farewell video featuring Shigeru Miyamoto and appointed him as Mario Ambassador. Martinet has since maintained an active convention schedule despite initial uncertainty about his new role.

Martinet clarified that Berwick's post referred to his decision against improvising new dialogue for Nintendo characters (including Mario, Luigi, and Wario), not a company restriction.

"I voice every fan's request," Martinet responded. "I simply avoid creating unofficial character lines."

The actor explained this stems from his personal commitment to preserve character authenticity, wanting to stay true to established game dialogue.

"This reflects my professional standards," Martinet emphasized. "Fans can always hear Mario at conventions! #woohoo"

Kevin Afghani now voices Mario in Nintendo games, while Chris Pratt continues the role in the upcoming Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel.