The following page charts the various references, homages and parallels to the games which inspired the film. Some of these are very explicit and obvious while many others aren't so clear. This list aims to help people understand that while the film is not an exact translation of the games it still heavily features characters, places and other elements iconic to the series.
Remember, the writers sought to craft a world that functioned as the "true events" that inspired the games in much the same way that the Land of Oz alluded to the people and issues that Dorothy was experiencing in her life. Approach it with that in mind and you should have no problem enjoying it for what it is.
Main Characters - Other Characters - Items/Gameplay - Locations
MARIO |
MARIO |
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One of the more direct translations, Mario eventually builds his reputation to that of the game character wearing a similar style of outfit. Dungarees were dropped but the co-ordination of colours matched his early game artwork. |
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LUIGI |
LUIGI |
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Same style of outfit as Mario, except with a cap worn backwards. However in the games he started off with a green t-shirt and white/blue dungarees, which makes his movie outfit a little less accurate than Mario's. In the movie he is also missing his trademark moustache. |
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BOWSER |
KOOPA |
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![]() | The blonde cornrows and spiked leathers were similar to his original Super Mario Bros artwork. He also introduced himself to the brothers as Larry Lazard, which is a reference to another Koopaling. |
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PRINCESS DAISY/TOADSTOOL |
DAISY |
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![]() | A composite of Daisy and Princess Toadstool, taking elements from both. In the original game it was foretold that only the Toadstool would be able to undo Koopa's spell, just as Daisy is the only one able to merge the dimensions. Likewise, the parallel world being largely desert is a reference to Daisy's home of Sarasaland. |
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TOAD |
TOAD |
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Toad is named after the game character, complete with sleeveless jacket. His name and involvement in the script changed constantly, which meant the number of references he incorporates is more than many other characters. His hairstyle appears to be based on Lakitu's shell. |
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PAULINE |
DANIELLA |
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![]() | According to background materials, Daniella's full name is Daniella Pauline Verducci, which makes her a translation of Mario's in-game first girlfriend 'Pauline'. Indeed, the two share a similar fashion taste and facial structure. No doubt when Daniella was made up for the restaurant scene, the look was based on Pauline. |
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IGGY |
IGGY |
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![]() | Aids his father's plot to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom. It's worth noting that in Super Mario Bros 3, Iggy turned the king of Giant Land into a dinosaur (Like Koopa), which remakes turned into a Donkey Kong Jr remake (Like Scapelli). |
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FOREMAN SPIKE |
SCAPELLI |
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![]() | Anthony Scapelli is a composite of at least two characters. Foreman Spike in Wrecking Crew (1985) hindered the Mario Bros to rake in money for himself from their jobs, using unethical standards of business as Scapelli does. His devolution also resembled Donkey Kong (See Donkey Kong in this section). |
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DONKEY KONG |
SCAPELLI (De-Evolved) |
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Anthony Scapelli's transformation to a monkey refers to Donkey Kong, especially in earlier scripts where he has a close connection to Daniella (The film's interpretation of (Pauline). Notice he's also at a construction site, where the Donkey Kong arcade game was set. |
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MUSHROOM KING |
KING BOWSER |
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![]() | Despite the movie scripts calling him King Bowser, the Mushroom King is a real character from the Super Mario Bros instruction manual. Not seen until the comics, his return to human form is a reference to the World Kings returning to normal after saving them in Super Mario Bros 3. |
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SPIKE |
SPIKE |
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Named after an enemy which debuted in Super Mario Bros 3, Spike's hairstyle in the film is close to the one worn by Spike in the game. |
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YOSHI |
YOSHI |
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A miniature dinosaur with a prehensile tongue, just like his videogame counterpart. Yoshi is also held captive by Koopa, much like in his Super Mario World debut. |
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REFERENCES OF OTHER CHARACTERS
REFERENCES OF ITEMS/GAMEPLAY ELEMENTS