A Long-Time Voice Actress’s Role Comes to an Unexpected End
On the launch day of Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2, veteran voice actress Samantha Kelly discovered that her 18-year tenure voicing iconic characters Princess Peach and Toad had come to an abrupt halt. The release of Mario Kart World marked her absence, with no credits or official explanation initially provided.
Decades of Contributions to the Mario Universe
While Kelly may not be a household name among gamers, her voice has been a staple in the Mario franchise for nearly two decades. Since her debut in Mario Strikers Charged in 2007, she has brought life to Princess Peach and Toad across more than 70 Nintendo titles, including entries on the Nintendo DS, 3DS, Wii, Wii U, and Switch.
Her work has spanned a wide range of beloved games such as Super Mario Bros., Luigi’s Mansion, Mario Kart, and Super Smash Bros.. Kelly also lent her voice to prominent roles in titles like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker and last year’s Princess Peach: Showtime!, showcasing her importance within the franchise.
Beyond Nintendo: A Voice for Princess Peach and Toad Worldwide
Kelly’s vocal talents extend beyond Nintendo’s own games. She has voiced Princess Peach and Toad in titles developed by other companies for Nintendo systems, including Ubisoft’s Mario + Rabbids series and Sega’s Mario & Sonic at the Olympics. Her voice has also been featured in promotional and interactive projects, such as Lego Super Mario toys and Nintendo’s immersive Super Nintendo World theme parks.
Additionally, she voiced these characters in the Super Mario Bros. movie, which achieved massive commercial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. Her contributions have helped shape the characters’ personalities and popularity across various media.
The Shocking Revelation: Recast Without Notice
Despite her extensive work, Kelly was not credited in Mario Kart World. Fans quickly noticed her absence, prompting her to confirm the news via social media. In a heartfelt message on Instagram, she expressed her sadness and gratitude, stating, “Thank you for so many years of friendship and joy. I’m sad that it’s over, but I truly wanted to voice Peach and Toad forever.”
She revealed that Nintendo informed her only on the day of the game’s release that her roles had been recast, a decision she described as disappointing. Kelly emphasized her love for the characters, hoping they continue to thrive regardless of who voices them in the future.
Industry Secrets and Nintendo’s Secrecy Policies
Nintendo has become increasingly secretive about its game credits, often withholding information about voice casts prior to release. This practice has extended to upcoming titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, which has been demoed at Switch 2 events despite ongoing secrecy surrounding its development team.
Kelly’s situation appears to be an extension of this trend. She was kept in the dark about her replacement until after the game’s launch, illustrating the company’s tight-lipped approach to staffing decisions.
Uncertain Future for Voice Casts in Mario Titles
Currently, it remains unclear who has taken over Kelly’s roles as Princess Peach and Toad in Mario Kart World. The change has sparked curiosity and concern among fans, eager to understand how Nintendo will handle voice casting in upcoming games.
Other Veteran Voice Actors Displaced
Fans have also noted the absence of another long-time voice actor from the credits of Mario Kart World. Takashi Nagasako, the voice behind Donkey Kong for over 20 years, was missing from the credits. Interestingly, in his case, Nintendo listed Koji Takeda, who voiced Donkey Kong in the Japanese version of the recent Super Mario Bros. movie, suggesting a strategic decision to align game and film voice actors in Japan.
Nintendo’s Changing Voice Cast Policies and Past Replacements
This isn’t the first instance of Nintendo replacing veteran voice talent. In 2022, Charles Martinet, the beloved actor who voiced Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi for nearly 30 years, was officially retired from his roles. The company announced he would remain involved as a “Mario Ambassador,” though Martinet himself expressed uncertainty about what that role entails.
Potential Implications for the Future
The widespread replacement of experienced voice actors raises questions about how Nintendo values its long-standing creative talents and the impact on fans’ connection to these characters. As the industry continues to evolve, the balance between secrecy, branding, and honoring legacy voices remains a contentious issue.
Alex Hunter
Alex is a passionate gamer with over a decade of experience exploring everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. He specializes in uncovering hidden secrets, mastering complex mechanics, and creating in-depth walkthroughs. Whether it’s a challenging boss fight or a puzzling questline, Alex breaks it all down in a way that’s fun, clear, and engaging for readers of all levels.
