Donald Glover Pitched Himself as Yoshi to ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Filmmakers

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Donald Glover’s casting as Yoshi in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie was a big surprise, and he’s now shared how he got the role. Fans were eager to see Yoshi appear on the big screen after a hint at the end of The Super Mario Bros. Movie (where he was originally imagined as a more realistic dinosaur in the early 90s). While the trailer showed Yoshi, his voice actor remained a mystery until Nintendo’s announcement on Mario Day 2026 – revealing it was Glover!

Jack Black recently told Screen Rant he was thrilled about Donald Glover being cast as Yoshi, exclaiming, “Who was the brilliant mind behind that decision?” He then jokingly added, “I volunteer as tribute to play Yoshi!” It turns out Glover actually reached out to Chris Pratt, who voices Mario, to advocate for himself. Originally, Illumination and Nintendo hadn’t planned on casting a well-known actor for Yoshi, but Glover convinced them he could perfectly imitate Yoshi’s signature sounds.

I contacted Chris Pratt about including Yoshi in the movie. I suggested he say ‘Yoshi,’ but they told me they were planning a very simple, traditional approach – just having him say the name. I told them I was happy to do that!

Many fans were surprised to learn Donald Glover will voice Yoshi in the upcoming Super Mario Bros. movie, considering the character doesn’t say much in the games. However, with a star-studded cast including Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Brie Larson, Benny Sadie, and Glen Powell, Glover felt like a natural fit. Glover has suggested Yoshi will remain true to his roots, implying the character won’t suddenly gain the ability to talk like him in the film.

Donald Glover has played many memorable characters throughout his career, including Yoshi. He’s known for his role as Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story and is currently writing a spin-off film focused on the character with his brother, Stephen. He also appeared as Aaron Davis (aka the Prowler) in Spider-Man: Homecoming and made a cameo as the same character in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Glover has lent his voice to Simba in both The Lion King (2019) and Mufasa: The Lion King (2024), and he’s expected to return as Troy Barnes in the upcoming Community movie on Peacock.

Donald Glover’s role as Yoshi could be a smart move for the future of the Super Mario movies. It looks like Universal, Illumination, and Nintendo are planning a whole universe of spin-off films, similar to Marvel or Star Wars. We already know Seth Rogen played Donkey Kong and might get his own movie, and Glen Powell as Fox McCloud hints at a Star Fox film. Yoshi is a good fit too, as the Yoshi’s Island games have been very popular. Plus, with a new Yoshi game, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, coming out on the Nintendo Switch 2 in May 2026 – just after The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – the timing couldn’t be better.

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2026-03-30 23:49