Audiences at The 2022 Game Awards were given a glimpse at the Mushroom Kingdom, as portrayed in The Super Mario Bros. Movie from Illumination!
The Super Mario Bros franchise previously had a film adaptation back in 1993, starring Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo as the titular brothers. For Nintendo, the 1993 Mario adaptation was an experiment to test the lasting value of the brand, hence why the company provided very little input in the feature. The production troubles, box office failure, and creative liberties from the source material led to the negative reputation of video game film adaptations that lasted for years to come. Since then, Nintendo learned to be more involved in any adaptation of their properties.
Shigeru Miyamoto’s interest in creating another Mario film adaptation and subsequent meeting with Illumination founder Chris Meledandri initiated the collaborative production of the new film. Although it took years of discussion and searching for the right people to fulfill key roles in the production, the film was officially announced in January 2018. The teaser and official trailers for the feature were released during Nintendo Direct presentations on October 6, 2022, and November 29, 2022, respectively.
Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, known for their work on Teen Titans Go! To the Movies!, are directing the film, with Chris Meledandri and Shigeru Miyamoto as producers. The main voice cast includes Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, and Seth Rogen, with Mario’s regular video game voice actor Charles Martinet having featured cameos.
Mushroom Kingdom, Here We Come!
On December 9, 2022, during The Game Awards, audiences were treated to a glimpse of the Mushroom Kingdom as portrayed in The Super Mario Movie. Mario fans may notice nods to various titles in the franchise, both in the audio and visuals. Video game elements such as the pipes, platforms, and coin blocks are shown to be essential in the lives of the denizens of the Mushroom Kingdom. Before this, Toad’s voice actor, Keegan-Michael Key, addressed the matter regarding his character’s head.
The Mario franchise has left it ambiguous as to whether or not the Toads are part fungi, but Key clarifies that the top of Toad’s head is a mushroom cap. Since Toad has been shown to wear headgear on top of his cap, it could very well be part of his body.
With the success of newer video game film adaptations such as Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), its 2022 sequel, and Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, prospects look bright for The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The involvement of creators for the source material and filmmakers genuinely invested in the project also helps to ensure that The Super Mario Bros. Movie will continue to salvage the reputation of video game film adaptations.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 7, 2023, in the United States and on April 28, 2023, in Japan.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie Synopsis
A plumber named Mario travels through an underground labyrinth with his brother, Luigi, trying to save a captured princess.
Are you excited for The Super Mario Bros. Movie? What do you hope to see that the trailers have yet to reveal? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow The Illuminerdi on social media to be notified of more Mario news and updates just like this in the future!
MONTREAL – Lightspeed Commerce Inc. says it is conducting a review of its business and operations including talks relating to a range of potential strategic alternatives.
The Montreal-based payments technology company made the comments after reports concerning a potential transaction involving the company.
Lightspeed says it periodically undertakes a review of its business and operations with a view of realizing its full potential.
A strategic review is often seen by investors as a prelude to a sale by a company.
Lightspeed says its board of directors is committed to acting in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.
Company founder Dax Dasilva returned to the role of chief executive officer earlier this year and has been working to return the company to profitability.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 26, 2024.
OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says there is a lot of uncertainty around how artificial intelligence could affect the economy moving forward, including the labour market and price growth.
In a speech in Toronto at the Economics of Artificial Intelligence Conference, the governor said Friday that the central bank is approaching the issue cautiously to get a better understanding of how AI could affect its job of keeping inflation low and stable.
“Be wary of anyone who claims to know where AI will take us. There is too much uncertainty to be confident,” Macklem said in prepared remarks.
“We don’t know how quickly AI will continue to advance. And we don’t know the timing and extent of its economic and social impacts.”
The governor said AI has the potential of increasing labour productivity, which would raise living standards and grow the economy without boosting inflation.
In the short-term, he said investment in AI is adding to demand and could be inflationary.
However, Macklem also highlighted more pessimistic scenarios, where AI could destroy more jobs than it creates or lead to less competition rather than more.
The governor called on academics and businesses to work together to shed more light on the potential effects of AI on the economy.
“When you enter a dark room, you don’t go charging in. You cautiously feel your way around. And you try to find the light switch. That is what we are doing. What we central bankers need is more light,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
