Kevin Afghani Discusses Taking On Mario Voice Role and Honors Charles Martinet’s Legacy
The legacy of Nintendo’s Mario continues to evolve as Kevin Afghani steps into the iconic shoes previously filled by Charles Martinet.
As the new voice behind the world-famous plumber, Afghani’s role marks one of the most significant changes in the Mario series’ history on the Nintendo Switch platform.
After making his debut as Mario, Afghani is now set to meet fans face-to-face for the first time at Charlie’s ComicCon in Estero, Florida, cementing his presence among the Nintendo community. Since Charles Martinet’s departure from voicing Mario—a role that defined Nintendo’s brand for nearly three decades—fans and industry insiders have watched closely as Afghani assumes the mantle.
In a recent interview with USA Today ahead of his ComicCon appearance, Afghani candidly discussed the weight of responsibility and the respect he holds for Martinet’s enduring contribution to Nintendo’s most recognized character. Responding to questions about the transition, Afghani expressed deep admiration for his predecessor, emphasizing the challenge of following Martinet’s iconic legacy.
Afghani stated, “To me, Charles truly is Mario.
He crafted a voice that became a cornerstone of gaming culture, and his mastery set the standard.
It would be impossible not to feel nervous stepping into such a revered role.
Charles is the definitive Mario, and my respect for his work is immense.” This acknowledgement reflects the heartfelt appreciation within the Nintendo fanbase for Martinet's legacy.
Since stepping down as Mario’s voice, Martinet has continued to support the brand by serving as the official Mario series brand ambassador, participating in community events and sharing stories from his remarkable career. Afghani also addressed and clarified rumors regarding his past involvement with Nintendo Direct presentations.
Refuting unverified claims, he explained, “I hadn’t worked with Nintendo prior to becoming Mario.” This transparency underscores Afghani’s new role within the company and signals the start of a fresh chapter for the Mario franchise as it continues to thrive on the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo eShop. Afghani’s first official fan event at Charlie’s ComicCon offers an exciting opportunity for long-time Mario enthusiasts and new players alike to connect with the enthusiastic voice behind Nintendo’s iconic mascot.
As the Mario series continues to evolve under Afghani’s direction, the spirit of Charles Martinet’s legacy remains ever-present, ensuring that the joy and energy that define Mario will endure for generations of Nintendo gamers.
As the new voice behind the world-famous plumber, Afghani’s role marks one of the most significant changes in the Mario series’ history on the Nintendo Switch platform.
After making his debut as Mario, Afghani is now set to meet fans face-to-face for the first time at Charlie’s ComicCon in Estero, Florida, cementing his presence among the Nintendo community. Since Charles Martinet’s departure from voicing Mario—a role that defined Nintendo’s brand for nearly three decades—fans and industry insiders have watched closely as Afghani assumes the mantle.
In a recent interview with USA Today ahead of his ComicCon appearance, Afghani candidly discussed the weight of responsibility and the respect he holds for Martinet’s enduring contribution to Nintendo’s most recognized character. Responding to questions about the transition, Afghani expressed deep admiration for his predecessor, emphasizing the challenge of following Martinet’s iconic legacy.
Afghani stated, “To me, Charles truly is Mario.
He crafted a voice that became a cornerstone of gaming culture, and his mastery set the standard.
It would be impossible not to feel nervous stepping into such a revered role.
Charles is the definitive Mario, and my respect for his work is immense.” This acknowledgement reflects the heartfelt appreciation within the Nintendo fanbase for Martinet's legacy.
Since stepping down as Mario’s voice, Martinet has continued to support the brand by serving as the official Mario series brand ambassador, participating in community events and sharing stories from his remarkable career. Afghani also addressed and clarified rumors regarding his past involvement with Nintendo Direct presentations.
Refuting unverified claims, he explained, “I hadn’t worked with Nintendo prior to becoming Mario.” This transparency underscores Afghani’s new role within the company and signals the start of a fresh chapter for the Mario franchise as it continues to thrive on the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo eShop. Afghani’s first official fan event at Charlie’s ComicCon offers an exciting opportunity for long-time Mario enthusiasts and new players alike to connect with the enthusiastic voice behind Nintendo’s iconic mascot.
As the Mario series continues to evolve under Afghani’s direction, the spirit of Charles Martinet’s legacy remains ever-present, ensuring that the joy and energy that define Mario will endure for generations of Nintendo gamers.
