Casting Yoshi For Super Mario Bros Movie 2

Yoshi wasn't included in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, but that hasn't stopped audiences from thinking about who could play him in the sequel.

If The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 happens, there are a number of actors who could voice Yoshi. The Super Mario Bros Movie was a huge phenomenon upon its release earlier in 2023 and quickly became the highest-grossing movie of the year, capturing the attention of audiences across the world. Unlike the original adaptation from 1993, the movie was an authentic recreation of the iconic Super Mario video games that brought the cartoonish style to life with fun performances, a dynamic story, and plenty of Easter eggs that caught the attention of long-time Super Mario players.

However, there were certain aspects of the movie that left some disappointed - namely the absence of certain characters who play integral roles in the video games. One of these missing figures was Yoshi, a beloved dinosaur who was always there to help Mario and Luigi when they find themselves in trouble. Though any development of a Super Mario Bros Movie 2 has been paused, Yoshi is one of the many characters that need to make an appearance if the sequel ever comes to pass. Not only that, but there are some great options for actors to play him.

When discussing potential actors who could tackle the role of Yoshi in The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, Ryan Reynolds is one of the names that’s brought up most frequently. Reynolds has already proven his abilities by voicing Pikachu in the Detective Pikachu movie - a performance that was widely praised despite the conflicting opinions of the film. He’s one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, and his involvement would cause even more anticipation and excitement for the animated sequel. Though Yoshi doesn’t speak much in the video games, the film would likely switch this up - and Reynolds’ sense of humor could mesh perfectly with this reimagined character.

Michael Peña is notorious for playing funny, excitable characters that audiences can’t help but love. This would be perfect for Yoshi, capturing his childlike personality and innocence which makes him such a fun addition to the franchise. Peña is most famous for playing Luis in the MCU’s Ant-Man movies - another character that’s known for his fast mouth and unwavering loyalty to his friends. The actor seems like a perfect fit for Yoshi in The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, and he’s also got the vocal talents to make the character work.

Although Alan Tudyk is a little older than most actors being considered to play Yoshi, it’s his vocal talent and existing filmography that make him a suitable choice for the role. In recent years, Tudyk has voiced animated characters such as Heihei in Moana, Iago in Aladdin, and Tuk Tuk in Raya and the Last Dragon. He’s clearly got the versatility to transform himself into any kind of character, and Yoshi is the kind of character that definitely requires an actor to disappear into the role. Turning Yoshi into a speaking character in The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 would be much less jarring with somebody as talented as Tudyk involved.

Diego Luna has appeared in plenty of movies throughout his career, but it was undoubtedly Rogue One that really propelled him to new heights. The role of Cassian Andor also landed him the lead role in Disney Plus’ Andor series, which made the actor even more popular. Luna’s casting as Yoshi in The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 would be a huge draw for countless audiences across the world, building even more hype for the project and hopefully selling more tickets. Not only that, but Luna has also proven himself to be a talented voice actor with roles such as Manolo in The Book of Life and Krel in Trollhunters.

Mark Hamill is another actor that’s a little older than most audiences would be expecting for Yoshi, but there’s no doubt that he’d be able to tackle the role with ease. The Star Wars superstar has done plenty of voice work throughout his career, with many even citing his portrayal of the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series as the best-ever interpretation of the character. He always gives 100% to each of his roles, and his age has never prevented him from tackling challenging, high-pitched voices like Yoshi. The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 would be lucky to have Hamill onboard.

Bill Hader has recently found plenty of fame for his dark, gritty comedy Barry, which just wrapped up its fourth season, but the comedian has actually given plenty of more lighthearted, family-friendly voice performances throughout his career. Hader famously provided the voices of both Flint Lockwood in the Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs series and Fear from Disney’s Inside Out - two completely different characters with bold, eccentric voices similar to what would be expected of Yoshi in The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2. Hader also has that sharp sense of humor that would undoubtedly make his line deliveries funnier than most actors.

Although Tom Holland’s box office record isn’t great at the moment, The Super Mario Bros Movie 2 could be a perfect opportunity for the Hollywood superstar to get himself back on track commercially. He’s got that young, enthusiastic voice that could work excellently with Yoshi, keeping up with the other eccentric characters in the Mushroom Kingdom. Holland would also be an extremely interesting choice for Yoshi since he’s worked with lead actor Chris Pratt before on Disney’s Onward, where they played brothers - hopefully giving Mario and Yoshi some real on-screen chemistry.

While it’s true that Jim Carrey is unofficially retired, the actor has stated that he’d continue to act if the right script ever came his way. After starring in Sonic the Hedgehog as the evil Dr. Robotnik, it’s clear that Carrey is willing to have fun with his roles and try out new things. His comedic work from the 1990s and early 2000s proves beyond doubt that he’d be a perfect choice to play Yoshi in The Super Mario Bros Movie 2, bringing out some of the comedic voices that he’s used throughout his career in projects such as How The Grinch Stole Christmas and The Mask. Carrey’s retirement isn’t set in stone, so it remains possible.

Despite the majority of The Super Mario Bros Movie’s cast being comprised of Hollywood stars rather than professional voice actors, the character of Yoshi is one that would really benefit from some experience in the field. Tom Kenny, better known as the voice of Spongebob Squarepants, would be a brilliant choice to bring Yoshi to life since he’s spent most of his career playing bold, high-pitched characters with distinctive voices. However, given how concerned the movie seems to be with casting popular, famous actors, this seems unlikely.

The most obvious choice for Yoshi in The Super Mario Bros Movie 2, and arguably the best, is the person that’s been voicing him ever since he was created. Kazumi Tokati is the voice actor that was originally brought in to play Yoshi in 1990’s Super Mario World after composing the music for several successful Nintendo games before that. The actor is still doing voice work from time to time, so there’s no reason he couldn’t return to play Yoshi and maintain that connection between the video games and the movies. Yoshi has a very distinctive voice that few actors would be able to replicate, so Tokata would be a smart choice.