The Next Chapter for Mario: Villains Old and New
Anticipation for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has reached fever pitch, especially with trailers teasing a dynamic evolution in the lineup of villains. Following the explosive impact of Bowser as the primary antagonist in the previous film, the sequel spotlights Bowser Jr., voiced by Benny Safdie, embarking on a fierce quest to rescue his shrunken father. And while this fresh conflict already piques curiosity, industry buzz points toward the appearance of another classic rival: Wario.
Wario Rumors: From Mario Kart Circuits to Silver Screen Showdowns
Clues about Wario’s inclusion surfaced after a UK cinema chain previewed a plot summary describing an «evil alliance» between Wario and Bowser Jr., threatening both Mario and Brooklyn. Wario’s possible arrival marks a surprising twist, since he wasn’t part of the original Super Mario Galaxy game. Nevertheless, the film isn’t confining itself to the Galaxy universe—fans can expect nods across the broader Nintendo lineage, including beloved figures like Yoshi, Rosalina, and Birdo.
Historically, Wario has been a staple in Mario’s world ever since his debut in Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins. From the Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. series to his own WarioWare and Wario Land sagas, his persona—greedy, mischievous and endlessly entertaining—could electrify the new movie, especially in concert with Bowser Jr. And if Wario is coming, speculative buzz inevitably turns to Waluigi as the next possible cinematic surprise.
The Voice Behind the Villain: Who Will Be Wario?
One of the hottest mysteries centers on Wario’s voice. Fan favorites like Danny DeVito have openly entertained the idea of joining the franchise, while Jack Black (the voice behind Bowser) has campaigned for talent like Pedro Pascal. But all eyes turned to the first trailer, which may have subtly solved the puzzle. In a key scene, Rosalina faces off against Megaleg—a menacing robot that briefly seizes her attention with a booming voice: ‘Princess Rosalina, you’re coming with me.» The delivery, commanding and tinged with comedic resonance, evokes the vocal stylings of Brad Garrett.
Garrett, celebrated for both his live-action and animated voice roles in titles like Finding Nemo, Ratatouille, and Tangled, would place a fresh stamp on Wario. While game purists know Wario for his trademark high-pitched grainy snarls, film adaptations often take creative liberties. Garrett’s signature deep tone would offer a new dimension—intimidating, charismatic, and funny in equal measure. This opens the door for cinematic Wario to develop beyond his origins, mirroring how other iconic Nintendo characters have evolved in their film versions.
A Stellar Ensemble and What’s Next
The creative team and cast further fuel excitement: Chris Pratt returns as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, and Charlie Day brings Luigi to life, under the direction of Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic. The ensemble is stacked with talent, including Jack Black, Matthew Fogel, Chris Meledandri and gaming visionary Shigeru Miyamoto among producers and writers—the kind of blend that suggests the new movie will pay homage to classic games while taking bold swings that could resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers.
With many iconic Mario characters entering the fray, surprises are a guarantee—whether through unexpected team-ups, laugh-out-loud banter, or jaw-dropping cameos. The countdown to the movie’s release is on, and every new teaser, casting rumor, and trailer drop is certain to set off fresh waves of speculation across the fandom. All that remains is to see which fan theories land—and if Wario will truly steal the show.
