Keegan Michael Key on voicing Toad in The Super Mario Bros Movie: Being part of this legacy is really an honour

Every '90s kid will be in for a treat this summer when 'The Super Mario Bros Movie' hits the big screens. The film starring Chris Pratt in the lead voice cast as Mario will also feature Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser and Keegan-Michael Key as Toad.
As the film gears up for its big screen release, Keegan got candid about bringing the Mushroom Kingdom's loyal soldier Toad to life, becoming part of the popular video game's legacy and more.Excerpts:
Were you a fan of 'The Super Mario Bros'? What excited you the most about being a part of the movie?
The game is something that people have played all over the world, and just being part of this legacy is really an honour. Sometimes you get excited about a role because of what’s in it, and other times you get that extra little boost to be honoured to be a part of something that is bigger than you.
What did you enjoy the most about voicing Toad in the film?
I would say that what I enjoyed the most was the process of finding Toad. The actual dialogue is absolutely superb; so, recording it and putting a little twist on it was great. And I think that we've found a marriage between what related to Toad earlier on in his existence and adding something new while honouring what came before.
Toad is a great character, but what makes him special according to you?
There is just an enthusiasm that's infectious about him. I saw it on the page, and I definitely wanted to make sure I was imbuing the performance with that. Toad's big thing is that he's such a proud member of the Mushroom Kingdom, and it's important to him that people understand what a wonderful and special place it is. So, when he encounters Mario, there's this golden opportunity for him to show him his world and what it is all about. And I think that pride is commingled with the loyalty he has for Princess Peach. He’ll do anything to protect the place he’s from. And no matter his size or stature, Toad is fierce and brave.
What can you tell us about Toad's journey in this story?
He wants to be a soldier, the protector of his realm. And now that they're in mortal danger because of Bowser, it’s his opportunity. It's like he's living a dream come true.
Toad is a guy who has these fantasies about wanting everyone to understand how much he loves the Mushroom Kingdom, and then those fantasies come to life.
What was your first impression of the film's story?
I found it very exciting. The script was high-octane and a lot of fun. It was also very interesting that we got a little backstory into who Mario and Luigi are, their family dynamic, where they're from and what they do. I was very impressed.
What are some of the themes in the movie that resonated with you?
There are a lot of things to take away, but one of the main ones has to do with Mario's spirit. His sense of loyalty, while never giving up, is one of the great themes of this movie. And I think that it’s good for kids to learn that sense of never giving up and fighting for what you want. No matter what Mario does, he keeps his eye on the prize and continues looking for his brother. It’s actually quite inspiring and heartwarming. So, I hope people can take from this that if there's something you want badly enough, you really can achieve it. It's all about perseverance and hard work. That's one of the many themes in the film that truly resonated with me.
What makes The Super Mario Bros. Movie perfect for the whole family?
This is a really good family film because the palette, the colours, the action, and the fun are so amazing for kids and for older people who have been part of the gaming world and have had this game be a part of their lives.
Helmed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the film also stars Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike.
Charles Martinet, who voiced the original Mario, will have a cameo in the film.