Donald Glover “campaigned” to be cast as Yoshi in the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy film, his co-star Jack Black says.
In an interview with ExtraTV, Black (who reprises his role as Bowser) gave some details about the casting process.
“It’s kind of a cool thing. We got lucky that we got Brie [Larson], who crushes it and loves Nintendo universe,” Black began. “And also Donald, who campaigned for the role.”
“He told his agent, ‘Call [Illumination CEO] Chris Meledandri. Tell him I really want to be Yoshi, I’d love to be in the new Super Mario Bros,’” Black continued. “Because he loves it, and he loves that universe.”
In another recent interview, Glover himself spoke about how he got the part, explaining that he also reached out to Chris Pratt, who plays Mario.
Glover was announced to be a part of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie on Mar. 9. He joins new cast members Luis Guzmán as Wart, Issa Rae as Honey Queen, Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr., and Larson as Princess Rosalina. Returning cast members from The Super Mario Bros. Movie include Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek, and Black as Bowser.
Another major character has been revealed to appear in the film, in the form of Fox McCloud from the Star Fox franchise. He’s set to be played by Glen Powell.
Super Mario Galaxy Movie will follow Mario, Luigi, and Peach as they’re on a new adventure after they beat Bowser in the first film. During this go around, the group goes into space, where they’ll visit a number of other planets.
Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will hit theaters on Apr. 1.
