Seth Rogen has enjoyed a successful run for the past 20 years. He appeared in his first film, Donnie Darko, in 2001. That movie was followed by a supporting role in the critically acclaimed The 40-Year-Old Virgin. These led to starring jobs in 2007’s Knocked Up, and 2009’s Funny People. Now, the comedian is tackling the voice of Donkey Kong in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. However, he has some critiques about the original 1993 live-action film.
In a recent interview with Variety, he shared how he looked forward to seeing the movie thirty years ago. Unfortunately, the experience was not a pleasant one. In fact, Rogen said the film was likely the worst he’ll ever see. “I was so excited,” he told the publication before dropping a bombshell. “It’s one of the worst films ever made. I was so disappointed.” He explained that this movie was the first time he realized that lousy cinema could exist.
Seth Rogen Is Sure The New Super Mario Is Better
Rogen feels his role will “vindicate that moment” for fellow 11-year-olds who turn out to see this latest adaptation. He promises they will be satisfied with the Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic-directed new version. Rogen previously told The Hollywood Reporter that the plot also drove him to join the cast. He found humor in Donkey Kong and Super Mario being rivals. The 40-year-old found comfort in knowing he didn’t have to change his voice much to be effective. Chris Pratt voices Mario, while Charlie Day takes on Luigi. Famed comedian Jack Black brings Bowser to life, and Anya Taylor-Joy takes on the pink royal character Princess Peach.
In that 1993 live-action version, director Rocky Morton caught flack for Nintendo’s lack of involvement in the project. While that wasn’t completely Morton’s fault, everyone didn’t receive the story well. The plot surrounded Mario and Luigi, played by Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo, respectively, as they relentlessly tried to stop King Koopa from bringing his dinosaurs to the planet. Since then, there have not been any more live-action adaptations of the film, which is surprising considering many older animated films are getting the live treatment. The Super Mario Bros. Movie arrived in theaters on Wednesday.