Fan Cast Tournament Round 1: Valdez Vs. mtwiggs -Super Smash bros. Edition

Jerry Ferrara as Mario Mario

Mario Mario

While he is probably one of the most recognized fictional characters ever (having appeared in more than 200 games since his inception), as far as I can tell the character of Mario Mario is notably devoid of a distinct, well-defined personality. Still, I think it would fair to to classify the hyperactive plumber’s personality as that of an adventurer who is:  action oriented, something of a free spirit, loyal, stubbornly persistent, driven to live life to the fullest, curious and ultimately charming.

Jerry Ferrara

Ferrara is a 37 year old actor from Brooklyn, NY who is noted for his roles in TV series such as Entourage and Power, and movies such as Sully, Last Vegas, Club Life, Entourage, and Think Like a Man. Some of the main reasons why I feel he would be a good fit in the role of Mario include: 1) The fact that he is a Brooklyn, NY native and Italian American actor who would use his personality to flesh out Mario as more than just a stereotypical “it-sa Mario/Pasta Power!” caricature , 2) He has the short, muscular-to-stocky build and facial features to pull off a realistic live-action Mario as set in an comedic action-adventure-sci-fi-flick, 3) I think he  could pull off  Mario’s adventure seeking, slightly reckless, but ultimately charming blue collar hero appeal, 4) In past roles he has confidently pulled off the whole “average-guy-enjoying-his-new-life-in-a-not-so-average-world”, ..and finally, 5) I think he would shine if the role is written with tons of jokes & references aimed at the adults in the audience (a’ la “Wreck It Ralph”, “Adventure Time”, “The LEGO Batman Movie” )

Jay Baruchel as Luigi Mario

Luigi Mario

Although he is most often portrayed as a hero in the Super Mario Bros series of games and spin-offs, the character and personality of Luigi is most often shown as being fearful, pessimistic, insecure and afraid when initially confronted with adversity.  As such, his character type in a live action movie would probably be played as a skeptical straight man who is: averse to conflict, slightly neurotic, self-conscious, somewhat fatalistic, but ultimately endearing in his own unique way.

Jay Baruchel

Baruchel is a 34 year old actor from Ottawa, Ontario who is noted for his roles in TV series such as Undeclared, Just Legal, and Man Seeking Woman, and movies such as She’s Out of My League, Goon, Knocked Up, and This Is The End. Some of the reasons why I feel he would be a good fit in the role of Luigi include: 1) He has a knack for playing awkward, self-conscious straight-man type characters who are ultimately endearing instead of being just flat out irritating, 2) He has the tall, lanky build and facial features to pull off a realistic live-action Luigi, 3) I could see him and Ferrara having good chemistry in those moments where Mario is trying to convince Luigi to do something dangerous and stupid, 4) He pulls off the whole “Am I the only one who thinks this whole thing is crazy?” vibe, which would be critical in keeping the movie from taking itself too seriously….and finally, 5) (like Ferrara)  I think he would shine if the role is written with tons of jokes & references aimed at the adults in the audience(a’ la “Wreck It Ralph”, “Adventure Time”, “The LEGO Batman Movie” )

Amanda Seyfried as Princess Peach

Princess Peach

As the ruler of the fictional Mushroom Kingdom, the character and personality of Princess Peach is often shown as being beautiful, sensitive, warm, selfless, and sweet. As such, her character type in a live action movie would probably play against her continual “damsel in distress” past and make her a naive but aspiring heroine who is: eager to learn, driven, seeking her own independence, adventurous, and a tireless defender of those less fortunate.

Amanda Seyfried

Seyfried is a 31 year old actress from Allentown, PA who is noted for her roles in TV series such as Veronica Mars and Big Love, and movies such as Mamma Mia!, Letters to Juliet, Les Miserables, Ted 2, and A Million Ways to Die in the West. A few of the reasons why I think she would be a good fit in the role of Princess Peach include: 1) She has a distinctive beauty that, at times, feels equal parts regal and alien all at once. Such a hard-to-find look would no doubt help drive home Peach’s otherworldliness. 2) She has shown that she is just a comfortable in comedic roles as she is in dramatic roles and  doesn’t appear to take herself overly serious, 3) She has a toned frame that seems right for the role of a princess who also know how to brawl, 4) I think she would convincingly show Peach turning from a naive royal who wants to do more to help those around her to becoming a front-of-the-line leader...who still finds herself being captured by Bowser way too often.

Paul “Big Show” Wight as Bowser (voice acting + motion capture)  

Bowser (aka King Koopa)

As the major antagonist of the Super Mario Bros series, the character of Bowser is typically portrayed as being strong-willed, quick to anger, egotistical, brutal, and short-sighted. As such, his character type in a live action movie would probably be played as an erratic “crazy king” type that is prone to unpredictable and violent outbursts as he is constantly let down by his underlings.

Paul Wight

Wight is a 45 year old actor/wrestler from Aiken, SC who is noted for his role as The Big Show on various WWE series and events (Main Event, NXT, Wrestlemania, No Way Out, etc) as well as movies such as Vendetta and Knucklehead, . A few of the reasons why I think Wight would be a great fit for the role of Bowser include: 1) He would bring the necessary “over the top”, scene chewing acting that the role of a towering, quick-to-rage, fire-breathing, spike covered, reptilian sorcerer absolutely requires, 2), His voice is just as deep and imposing as any other fan-favorite voice over actor (i.e. Tony Todd, Clancy Brown, etc), 3), If they decided to go with prosthetics and makeup for Bowser (instead of CGI) Wight would look like a mountain standing opposed to the other actors.

Forrest Wheeler as Mega Man

Mega Man

According to his “bio”, the android known as Mega Man was originally designed to function as a scientist’s  lab assistant that looked and acted like a 10 year old boy - and was converted into a battle robot at some point later on. I bring that up to point out the fact that designers and fans of the character of Mega Man don’t view him as a simple battle droid. The character is typically described as demonstrating a wide range of emotions, similar to the that of a prepubescent, 10 year old boy while also displaying traits like courage, sacrifice, and selflessness. As such, his character type in a live action movie probably needs to be played as a mature-beyond-his-years wonderer who is: imaginative, enthusiastic, honest and straightforward (almost to the point of being insensitive), and always searching for a better understanding of himself and the world around him.

Forrest Wheeler

Wheeler is a 12 year old actor from Southern California who is noted for his roles on TV series such as  Mortal Kombat: Legacy and Fresh Off The Boat, and for movies like The Incredible Burt Wonderstone and Such Good People. A few reasons why I think Wheeler would be the right actor for the role of Mega Man include: 1) He is the right age to play the 10 year robot fighter, 2) He seems to be comfortable playing characters that are mature for their age, 3) He is comfortable with comedy, and 4), he has training in martial arts and action stunts.

Lucas Till as Link

Link

As the main protagonist of the Legend of Zelda video game series, the character of Link is most often described as a courageous young man who leaves his home to embark on a hero’s journey in pursuit of his destiny. While his personality has been left rather undefined over the years, just as with Mario, I think it would be fair to describe Link as an adventurer who is: humble, brave, down to earth, spontaneous, curious, and driven.

Lucas Till

I know that Austin Butler seems like the obvious choice here (as his character from that show The Shannara Chronicles kinda looks like Link) but I’m not familiar enough with his work to cast him. Lucas Till, however, is a 27 year old actor from Fort Hood, TX whose work on TV series such as Comedy Bang! Bang! And MacGyver, and movies like X-Men: Days of Future Past, Wolves, and Monster Trucks have shown that he’s capable of working in dramatic, comedic, and action roles. Other reasons why I think he would be well suited in the role of Link include: 1) He has the look and build of someone who could play a convincing Link,  2) He can pull off the sort of character that is easy to underestimate (small town boy with no combat experience) who turns out to be a natural badass when the situation calls for it, ...and lastly, 3) I think Till’s personal experiences of living in small town America and moving to Los Angeles would help him make Link that much more real and relatable.

Ryan Phillippe as Captain Douglas J. Falcon

Captain Douglas J. Falcon

Captain Falcon is a renowned bounty hunter and F-Zero racer/pilot from the F-Zero video game series. The character has been described as being brash, flashy, dominant, and arrogant, while also being described as mysterious and secretive. As such, his character type in the movie would probably be that of the pseudo-lone wolf group member (see Wolverine and/or Batman as further examples)  who is: strong willed, efficient, stubborn, quick to act, brutally honest, unapologetic, and just an all around likeable bastard.

Ryan Phillippe
 

Phillippe is a 42 year old actor from New Castle, DE who is noted for his roles in TV series such as Damages, Secrets & Lies, and Shooter, and in films such as Cruel Intentions, The Lincoln Lawyer, Stop Loss, and Crash. Honestly, I only have one real reason why I think Phillippe would be a good pick for the role of Captain Falcon... which is this: He just seems REALLY believable when he’s playing entitled jerks.

Ian Anthony Dale as Fox McCLoud (voice acting + motion capture)

Fox McCloud

Fox McCloud is a pilot, mercenary team leader, and the main protagonist of the Star Fox video game series. In his most recent iterations, McCloud is described as being a smart and cocky leader, which would probably lead to him being portrayed as a focused no frills strategist that’s not afraid to take risks.

Ian Anthony Dale

Dale is a 38 year old actor from Saint Paul, MN, who is known for his roles in TV shows like Murder in the First, Hawaii Five-0, and Mortal Kombat: Legacy, as well as for his roles in the movies The Hangover, The Bucket List, Delirium, and Mr 3000. My main reasons for picking Dale is his ability to sound commanding and direct when cast as characters in a leadership position. And I also think he could make McCloud a one of a kind character without parroting Bradley Cooper’s take on the character Rocket Raccoon.

David Mazouz as Pit

Pit

Pit is an angel, a royal guard captain in the mythical Angel Land, and the main protagonist in the Kid Icarus video game series. Despite his youthful appearance, Pit is typically described as being a powerful warrior that is reliable, loyal, and driven by a strong sense of responsibility. With that in mind, his character would probably be written as a meticulous defender and protector that lives by a strict honor code and is somewhat naive.

David Mazouz

Mazouz is 16 year old actor from Los Angeles, CA who is known for his work on TV series such as Touch, Private Practice, and Gotham, as well as films such as Sanitarium, The Darkness, and Incarnate. The main reason I picked Mazouz for the role of pit is because he has shown that he is very capable when it comes to playing role where a young kid seems to have the weight of the world on their shoulders. And while the Super Smash Bros movie probably wouldn’t go for an overly serious/gritty tone, Pit’s character would require its actor to take an overly serious tone to the movies premise.

Jessica Biel as Samus Aran

Samus

Samus Aran is an intergalactic bounty hunter and main protagonist of the Metroid video game series. For the most part, the designers of the video game series have intentionally avoided developing a distinct personality for Samus. However, in some mediums (i.e. comics, paperbacks) Samus is depicted as a melancholic loner and brooding anti hero - which is probably how she would be portrayed in the Super Smash Bros film.

Jessica Biel

Biel is a 35 year old actress known for her role on the TV show 7th Heaven,  and her roles in such films as The Illusionist, Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003), Blade:Trinity, The A-Team, and Total Recall (2012). While my main reason for picking Biel to play Samus Aran is that I think she could pull off the look and tone of a brooding badass heroine just as well as Sigourney Weaver’s take on Ripley or Emily Blunt’s take as Rita Vrataski in Edge of Tomorrow, I also think she would absolutely nail the straight faced, dry humor that naturally comes with placing a  hardened warrior in a manic scenario such as the Super Smash Bros.

Brandon Soo Hoo as Ash Ketchum

Ash Ketchum

Ash Ketchum is a 10 year old boy and the main protagonist of the Pokemon anime series, but for the Super Smash Bros, I think it would be better to show an older Ash who has had most of his anime related adventures, became a Pokemon master, and stepped away from the Pokemon tournaments to grow into his adult life. In regards to his personality, this older version of Ash is just as compassionate and kind-hearted as the younger version, but he’s is a lot more mature, stable, and studying to become a vet. Maybe he also has some regrets about stepping away from the Pokemon circuit entirely as he finds out that some of the Pokemon of his past are trapped in various Super Smash Bros battle arenas.

Brandon Soo Hoo

Soo Hoo is a 22 year old actor from Pasadena, CA, who is known for his roles in TV shows such as From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, Supah Ninjas, Incredible Crew, and Bones, as well as for his roles in movies such as G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Justice League vs. Teen Titans and Ender’s Game. While the role of Ash Ketchum would probably be limited (as he’s not really a Super Smash Bros character and would just provide the other characters some needed background info on how to deal with Pokemon) I think he would do well playing an older Ash that is trying to live a life beyond being a Pokemon master but is still empathetic to the suffering of animals and vulnerable lifeforms.

Kevin Grevioux as Donkey Kong (voice acting + motion capture)

Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong is the huge ape-like protagonist of the Donkey Kong Country video game series who is typically portrayed as an impatient, aggressive, Hulk-ish type personality...because, you know...he’s a giant ape.

Kevin Grevioux

Grevioux is a 54 year old actor born in Chicago, IL who is known for roles in TV shows such as The Batman (2005), Torchwood, Young Justice (2012), Hulk and the Agents of SMASH, and The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, as well as movies such as I,Frankenstein, Underworld, and Slayer. My reasons for my choosing Grevioux to do the motion capture and voice acting for Donkey Kong should be pretty obvious: He’s physically massive at 6’ 3” in height, he has a distinctive and deep voice, and he has lots of experience with voice acting.

Yoshi, Kirby, Pikachu, and Jigglypuff (voice acting + CGI)

Besides maybe having the original actors provide the “voices” for the characters, these would be completely CGI rendered characters.