We’re in for what could very well be the animated blockbuster of the year tomorrow when The Super Mario Bros. Movie finally warps its way into cinemas. Judging by early reviews, it looks to be following in the footsteps of The Last of Us and Arcane by being a top-of-the-line video game adaptation, so all that’s left to do now is happily plug ourselves into the theater and enjoy the ride.
Among the film’s powerhouse of a voice cast is Anya Taylor-Joy, who loaned her talents to Princess Peach, but this isn’t the same Peach we found in another castle back in the day. Indeed, gone are the days of the helpless damsel in distress, and in its place is the era of a tough-as-nails monarch of the Mushroom Kingdom, who looks to be playing as active a role in the campaign against Bowser as Mario himself.
With brand new takes on a character come brand new takes on the character’s voice, and according to the vocally versatile Taylor-Joy in an interview with SlashFilm, the actress’ natural range loaned itself quite well to this new, three-dimensional take on the classic Nintendo princess.
“Well, I’m rather fortunate that I do have a big range in the way that I can sound. That’s usually something that, for any character, animated or not, that’s something that I start deciding to pitch. But I think I was so lucky with the script that it naturally lends itself to that undulation. It naturally lends itself to moments where that gravitas is important and commanding. Then, other moments where it serves to be softer. It serves to be a bit breathier.”
Taylor-Joy’s Peach has been stealing the show ever since that first trailer dropped, from the new voice to her design via some refreshing characterization, and we reckon that that promos will prove indicative of the impression she’ll leave on us during the film.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie will release to theaters on April 5.