AI Creates Live-Action Mario Movie That's The Stuff Of Nightmares

AI Creates Live-Action Mario Movie That's The Stuff Of Nightmares
Merchoid | Illumination

Written by 

Tom Chapman

Published 

5th Jan 2023 17:34

Mamma mia, our eyes, our poor eyes. While we've finally come around to the idea of Illumination's The Super Mario Bros. Movie, we're not sure we're ready for a live-action outing just yet.

The controversial casting of Chris "Steals Every Role" Pratt has died down, and while arguments over his dodgy accent rage on, at least most of us can admit the upcoming Mario movie looks pretty damn good. 

What Does A Live-Action Mario Movie Look Like?

AI Toad Mario Movie
Click to enlarge
Merchoid

Alongside Pratt's titular plumber, The Super Mario Bros. Movie has an all-star cast that includes Anya Taylor-Joy (Princess Peach), Charlie Day (Luigi), Jack Black (Bowser), Keegan-Michael Key (Toad), and Seth Rogen (Donkey Kong). 

From what we've seen so far, it looks like a faithful animated adaptation of the Mario games and its expanded universe, but just imagine if they played themselves in live-action. We all know how that went for Bob Hoskins.

Taking matters into its own hands, Merchoid has used AI to create a live-action Mario movie with the likes of Pratt and Taylor-Joy in their roles. The main focus here is Pratt's Mario, although we're not sure why he's topless in one picture.

Other bizarre highlights include a nightmarish Tanooki Mario, Princess Peach looking far too young for Mario, and Rogen's Donkey Kong just looking like some guy in a winter hat. Our personal favourite is Key appearing like he's wearing a shower cap to play Toad. 

Are We Getting A Mario Cinematic Universe?

Don't say we didn't warn you, but by the looks of it, a Mario Cinematic Universe is on the way. There's been talk of a Donkey Kong spin-off, while there's already been a pitch for a Luigi's Mansion movie

Last year, Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto said Universal was taking a similar approach to Disney and the Marvel Cinematic Universe when it comes to Mario. Then again, we've seen the success of Paramount's Sonic movies lead to a Knuckles series starring Idris Elba.

If The Super Mario Bros. Movie is half as good as it looks, Illumination would be foolish not to follow in the footsteps of Despicable Me/Minions and milk it for all it's worth. To be honest, we'd just like to see a Kamek origin story. As long as it's not a live-action Mario, we don't really mind. 

Tom Chapman
About the author
Tom Chapman
Tom is Trending News Editor at GGRecon, with an NCTJ qualification in Broadcast Journalism and over seven years of experience writing about film, gaming, and television. With bylines at IGN, Digital Spy, Den of Geek, and more, Tom’s love of horror means he's well-versed in all things Resident Evil, with aspirations to be the next Chris Redfield.
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