Charles Martinet wants to “maintain the integrity” of Mario, won’t improvise non-Mario phrases / dialogue

Charles Martinet isn’t the voice of Mario anymore, but he’s still very important to Nintendo. After he retired from the role, Martinet was named an ambassador of the character. You can continue to see him at various conventions where he’ll act as Mario, and his goal is ultimately to “maintain the integrity” of the character.

Recently, there was a bit of “controversy” due to an encounter that entertainer Ricky Berwick had with Martinet. The two met at a convention, but Berwick claimed on social media he “wasn’t even allowed to do the voice of Mario or any of his iconic character’s voices either at the convention I attended over the weekend.” It was quickly clarified that this referred to anything on camera – Martinet is happy to play the part when not being recorded as long as what’s asked of him is true to the character.

Martinet saw the original post and said the following:

“Oh Ricky. I do the voice for every fan I meet. I just don’t improvise non-Mario phrases or dialogue. That’s my choice to be sure. I always maintain the integrity of the character. But come and visit me at any Comic Con or fan expo and you’ll hear Super Mario for sure!”

Martinet has met tons of fans over the years, and you’d have to think he’s been asked to say certain things that he’s not comfortable with. Ultimately fans shouldn’t expect him to say anything that isn’t in line with Mario’s character.

Kevin Afghani took over for Martinet in 2023. Just recently though, there’s been another Mario shakeup. Voice actors for Donkey Kong, Peach, Toad, and Toadette have now been replaced.