Anya Taylor-Joy Responds to Princess Peach’s ‘Frozen’ Change in ‘Super Mario Bros: The Movie’

The Super Mario Bros. movie has been released this Holy Wednesday, creating a more faithful big-screen adaptation of the mushroom-loving video game icon than the ill-fated live-action version of the 1990s.

One of the key changes from the games, aside from the fact that Chris Pratt’s Mario (in original version) doesn’t sound like Charles Martinet’s mythical interpretation of the character we all know and love, is that this time it’s Luigi who is kidnapped by Bowser, instead of Princess Peach.

In an interview for Digital SpyAnya Taylor-Joy, who voices Peach in her original version, explained that the decision to swap characters gave the film “modernity.”

I think it is ushering in a new era. I think people are looking forward to seeing the characters in a different way than they’ve ever seen them before. And we are in a period of immense change. When I first walked out of this movie, I was very honored and inspired to see this character. I felt very proud, and she… I don’t know. It’s weird to be inspired by your own character, but I left so excited for the generation of kids that they were going to see a female leader like this. I thought she was great.

Charlie Day, who voices the kidnapped Luigi in the original version, added: “Well, I mean, Luigi in a hurry, it just makes sense. I think it fits his character quite well.”

And I think, emotionally, for Mario, it’s great. It gives the movie different interests. And then he’s more active for Princess Peach, which is great. But they still gave Luigi a lot of fun things to do within that story. Yes, he was very happy with that change.

‘Super Mario Bros: The Movie’ has been in theaters since April 5.