Why Charles Martinet Won’t Voice Mario on Video—and What That Means for Fans

21 June 2025
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7 min.
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Why Charles Martinet Won’t Voice Mario on Video—and What That Means for Fans

Summary:

Charles Martinet spent more than three decades shouting “Woo-hoo!” as the lovable plumber, yet recent convention footage revealed he now refuses to perform Mario’s lines on camera. YouTuber Ricky Berwick’s viral post suggested Nintendo forbade the retired actor from recorded impressions. Martinet quickly clarified that protecting the character’s “integrity” is partly his own choice, but sources indicate Nintendo’s contracts also play a role. This piece unpacks how the restriction came to light, how intellectual-property rules influence voice actors, and how fans and industry insiders reacted. We’ll revisit Martinet’s storied career, examine Nintendo’s motivations, and consider what the change means for Mario’s future voice, currently handled by Kevin Afghani. By the end, you’ll understand why you might still hear Martinet say “Let’s-a go” at a convention—just not while your phone is recording.

From Arcade Dreams to Catchphrase Royalty: Charles Martinet’s Early Years as Mario

Back in 1990, Charles Martinet walked into an audition moments before it closed, riffed in a playful Italian accent, and landed a role that would redefine video-game voice acting. For decades he lent warmth and exuberance to Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi, transforming a silent sprite into a cultural icon. Fans associate every triple jump and cheerful “Yahoo!” with his voice, testament to his creative imprint and Nintendo’s faith in consistent branding. That legacy sets the stage for today’s debate: how much say does the actor still have once he steps away from the microphone?

The Audition That Changed Gaming History

Martinet’s improvisation involved nonsensical pasta jokes and relentless enthusiasm. Developers captured the audio for trade-show kiosks, and crowds flocked to converse with a talking Mario head long before voice chat became commonplace. The stunt proved that personality sells, and Nintendo soon wove Martinet’s performance into Super Mario 64. That game introduced 3-D platforming—and a voice that turned digital leaps into joyous exclamations. Without that spark, Mario might still grunt like early Sonic or remain mute like Link.

A Plumber Finds His Voice

Players worldwide began parroting “It-a me, Mario!” long after turning off their consoles. The line popped up in playgrounds, memes, and marketing campaigns, demonstrating how a single vocal performance can define brand identity. That recognition, however, also blurred the lines of ownership. Did Mario belong more to Nintendo’s legal department or to the actor whose cords delivered the magic? The current controversy grew from that tension.

Life After “It-a Me”: Transitioning to Mario Ambassador

In 2023 Nintendo announced Martinet’s retirement from new game recordings but surprised many by naming him “Mario Ambassador.” The title sounded ceremonial—shaking hands, posing for photos—yet its practical boundaries remained fuzzy even to Martinet himself. Without clear guidelines, every public appearance became a litmus test for what an ambassador can and cannot do.

Diplomacy Over Performance

Corporate ambassadorship often involves brand storytelling rather than active creation. Think Disney legends who sign autographs or Marvel actors who narrate documentaries after leaving a role. For Martinet, the shift meant celebrating Nintendo heritage without overshadowing Kevin Afghani, the new in-game voice. Balancing reverence for the past with promotion of the future is tricky—especially when fans beg for classic catchphrases.

The Ricky Berwick Convention Story That Sparked Controversy

During Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025, comedian and YouTuber Ricky Berwick approached Martinet for a playful recording. According to Berwick, Martinet politely declined to voice Mario on camera, stating Nintendo wouldn’t allow it while lenses were rolling. Off camera, however, he reportedly performed enthusiastically. Berwick’s tweet exploded, and within hours social feeds buzzed with accusations that Nintendo muzzled its most beloved actor.

Viral Tweets and Rapid Reactions

The speed of social media meant speculation outpaced clarification. Some fans labeled Nintendo “anti-consumer,” while others argued it was standard IP protection. The incident highlighted how quickly brand perception can shift when anecdotes outrun official statements.

Nintendo’s Tight Ship: Why the Company Limits Character Voices on Camera

Nintendo historically guards its IP with near-mythic vigilance. From shutting down fan games to restricting YouTube monetization, the company prioritizes control over short-term popularity. Allowing Martinet to voice Mario in unscripted videos risks lines being remixed into offensive memes or unauthorized advertisements. A single out-of-context “Here we go!” could end up in a crypto promo, damaging brand trust. Hence, contracts often prohibit recorded performances outside approved settings.

Contracts, NDAs, and Character Integrity

Voice actors commonly sign non-disclosure agreements that limit improvisation. Nintendo’s approach mirrors policies at Disney and Warner Bros., where actors decline Cameo requests that might place beloved characters in risqué scenarios. The aim isn’t censorship for its own sake—it’s brand coherence. When millions of players associate a single voice with childhood nostalgia, even a playful curse word can feel like sacrilege.

What Charles Martinet Actually Said About “Integrity”

After the controversy erupted, Martinet responded on X, reassuring fans he still greets every convention-goer with Mario’s voice—he simply refuses to record off-script dialogue. He framed the choice as personal professionalism: “I always maintain the integrity of the character.” His words shifted the narrative from corporate gag order to mutual respect between actor and brand.

Personal Choice or Corporate Mandate?

Martinet’s statement doesn’t entirely dismiss contractual limits; rather, it blends them with personal ethics. Just as an actor might decline to parody a role they love, Martinet prefers to leave Mario’s dialogue in official scripts. The nuance shows how performer agency and corporate policy intertwine rather than clash outright.

Under U.S. copyright law, a character’s depiction—including voice—belongs to the rightsholder. Yet human voices can’t be copyrighted. The actor owns their performance, but not the character’s identity. When signing contracts, performers often license their work exclusively. That means Nintendo can restrict new public uses that imply official endorsement. Critics argue such clauses stifle artistic freedom, but companies counter that they protect consumers from confusion or fraud.

Case Studies Beyond Nintendo

Sega once warned actors against recording paid Shadow the Hedgehog shout-outs; Disney limits Winnie-the-Pooh voice requests to charity. These precedents reveal a broader industry norm rather than an isolated Nintendo quirk. By spotlighting Martinet, the debate invites wider scrutiny of how entertainment giants protect billion-dollar mascots.

Fan Reactions: Between Nostalgia and Corporate Reality

Many longtime players felt disheartened, equating Nintendo’s stance with sidelining an old friend. Forums lit up with laments that “corporate lawyers stole our childhood.” Others sympathized, noting Martinet still attends events and shares the voice privately. The divide underscores an emotional paradox: fans crave authenticity yet expect companies to safeguard beloved icons from misuse.

Community Creativity and Limits

Fan dubs, TikTok memes, and AI voice clones complicate matters. Nintendo’s caution partly stems from technological ease of deep-fake audio. A short clip of Martinet saying a stray word could seed thousands of unauthorized creations. In this context, a blanket “no recordings” policy appears less draconian and more defensive.

Industry Perspective: How Other Companies Treat Their Iconic Characters

Disney often designates “Disney Legends” who attend expos but never voice Mickey for commercials. Warner Bros. forbids Batman voice actors from custom Cameo lines. Even the Pokémon Company restricts Pikachu’s Japanese voice actress from monetized requests. Each studio tailors rules, yet all converge on one principle: brand voices remain an asset as tangible as logos.

Compared with Hollywood giants, Nintendo’s approach sits near the conservative end. The company’s family-friendly strategy demands tight control. While rivals sometimes license characters for partner ads, Nintendo rarely does so, further limiting unofficial recordings.

The Future of Mario’s Voice: Kevin Afghani and Beyond

Since Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Kevin Afghani carries the in-game mantle. Early reception praises his faithful yet fresh take, easing transition fears. Nintendo may encourage fans to associate Afghani with new adventures while letting Martinet embody nostalgia at live events. Over time, dual representation could mirror how Disney balances “classic” and “modern” Winnie-the-Pooh voices.

A Legacy Handed Forward

Afghani reportedly consulted Martinet to honor established intonations. This mentorship maintains continuity while acknowledging generational shift. For fans, the takeaway is clear: Mario lives on, even if his original voice now rings mostly in convention halls rather than TikTok clips.

Tips for Meeting Charles Martinet at Conventions Without Crossing the Line

If you hope to hear the familiar “Let’s-a go!” follow these guidelines:

  • Ask politely if he’s comfortable doing the voice off camera.
  • Respect “no recording” signs—enjoy the moment rather than chasing virality.
  • Avoid requesting brand-infringing or off-color lines.
  • Share your appreciation for his impact; kindness often earns an enthusiastic “Woo-hoo!”
  • Remember that capturing audio secretly can jeopardize his appearances for everyone.

By treating Martinet as both artist and ambassador, fans help preserve a tradition spanning generations.

Conclusion

Charles Martinet’s on-camera silence isn’t the silencing of an icon; it’s the evolution of a partnership between creator, performer, and audience. Nintendo safeguards its flagship character, Martinet protects Mario’s charm, and fans learn that sometimes the magic of a voice is best experienced live and unrecorded. The plumber still shouts with joy—just not for every smartphone that asks.

FAQs
  • Can I still hear Charles Martinet voice Mario at events?
    • Yes, but most likely only off camera where no recordings are made.
  • Is Nintendo legally able to stop him from recorded performances?
    • Contractual clauses tied to intellectual property rights give Nintendo that leverage.
  • Does Martinet dislike the new policy?
    • Publicly he frames it as his choice to keep Mario’s integrity intact.
  • Who voices Mario in current games?
    • Kevin Afghani is the primary in-game voice actor as of 2024 onward.
  • Could the rule change in the future?
    • Policies evolve; if Nintendo revises its stance or technology ensures context safety, recorded lines might return.
Sources
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