USA Today has published an exclusive interview with the new Mario voice actor Kevin Afghani and have asked him a range of questions. One of the more interesting ones is how Afghani felt stepping into the shoes of the beloved voice actor, Charles Martinet. Afghani says that he was incredibly nervous being handed the baton and has nothing but love and respect for the job Charles has done over the years.
You took over the job from (longtime Mario voice actor) Charles Martinet. Were you nervous stepping into his shoes?
Look, Charles, as far as I’m concerned, IS Mario. He created something that is so unbelievably iconic. And he did it so masterfully. If I wasn’t nervous, then I’m the wrong guy.
I’m the second guy who’s doing Mario. Charles is THE guy. There is such an unbelievable respect for Charles. He is amazing.
Thanks to SonicGalaxy27 for sending in the news tip!
Nintendo made that decision, their brand and their business, but I wouldn’t have restructured Charles’ role in the Mario franchise. And now that he’s gone the voice of Mario, Luigi, etc. is inessential listening to me
He is.