After Voicing Toad In The Mario Galaxy Movie, Keegan-Michael Key Is Ready For Something Rated Mature
Overview & Key Takeaways
Though the reviews might be mixed, there's no denying that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a major commercial success. Earlier this month, it was announced that the movie has grossed over $940 million since its release on April 1, making it one of the highest-grossing video game movies of all time. Following the film's tremendous success--and its recent digital release--GameSpot met up with one of its key voice actors, Keegan-Michael Key, to discuss his role as Toad, what he'd like to see next in the Nintendo cinematic universe, and if he's open to voicing any other video game characters.
Similar to something like the MCU, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie kind of established this Nintendo universe. What's it like being a part of that? Is there any part of you that's maybe overwhelmed at the commitment?
I will tell you straight out, I am not overwhelmed by the commitment. I am thrilled by the commitment. I never knew that this was going to be part of my professional journey, and I am absolutely over the moon about it.
Though the reviews might be mixed, there’s no denying that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a major commercial success. Earlier this month, it was announced that the movie has grossed over $940 million since its release on April 1, making it one of the highest-grossing video game movies of all time. Following the film’s tremendous success–and its recent digital release–GameSpot met up with one of its key voice actors, Keegan-Michael Key, to discuss his role as Toad, what he’d like to see next in the Nintendo cinematic universe, and if he’s open to voicing any other video game characters.
Similar to something like the MCU, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie kind of established this Nintendo universe. What’s it like being a part of that? Is there any part of you that’s maybe overwhelmed at the commitment?
I will tell you straight out, I am not overwhelmed by the commitment. I am thrilled by the commitment. I never knew that this was going to be part of my professional journey, and I am absolutely over the moon about it.
Also, it makes me feel a great deal of care for the product–for the franchise. It’s such an iconic historic product from a very iconic historic company. Now I feel this intense loyalty to Nintendo and also to Illumination. They’re two really amazing companies. And to Universal for going, “We’re going to be the ones who are going to put this out here.” Everyonesays [they’re] honored, but I’m honored. Really I’m thrilled–I’m thrilled about it more than I’m even honored.
What is a Nintendo movie that you’d really love to see made?
This is very self-serving, but I would love to see more of the history of the Mushroom Kingdom. Before Peach, what was that place like? How did people exist before this catalyst took place–before this entry of this other being into their world? Why are they so nurturing? Why do they run their lives and their world this way? I would love to see that. I mean, I know this is in the Mario world of the Nintendo world, but it’s something that’s been fascinating to me from the beginning of the first film. I want to know more about how that society works. What’s a little drama or an action story that we can learn about within that context?
Oh, that’s cool. I thought that maybe you would say Captain Toad Treasure Tracker, but I like a different perspective.
I’m also a method guy. I’m one of those people where, I want to know the background of the character–all that kind of stuff. And then if you can exploit that for entertainment, then I’m all in.
Toad obtains a penguin power-up.
If you could voice any other video game character, or be a part of any other video game franchise, what would you want to do?
Oh gosh. I have so much fun with Toad, I don’t even know if I want to do anything else. Maybe one of the Mortal Kombat characters. If they did that in an animated capacity, that sounds like that might be fun. Whatever it is, because I love variety, I’d want it to be diametrically opposed to Toad.
I have heard actors say that one of the key parts of acting is finding something [about your character] that resonates with you. So I want to know, how do you identify with Toad?
Probably the biggest kernel for me that I linked myself to was I am a people person. I enjoy meeting new people and I will follow a new person around and ask them questions about themselves.
The springboard–the first moment we see Toad on screen in the first movie–he meets Mario. And then, even from the first movie into the second movie for him, there’s still a honeymoon period of meeting a new person and learning about what makes them amazing. That’s what hooked me in. I also think about the people in the world that I admire, and Toad admires Peach in I think the way that I admire the people who have had the biggest influence on my life, or have had some kind of “wow factor” in my life.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is now available to watch at home via premium video on demand. Those interested can purchase the movie for $30 on Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video.
