Brie larson's mario obsession: from evicting boyfriends to a galaxy return
Brie Larson, the acclaimed actress known for her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is about to step into a far more vibrant and pixelated world. She's voicing Rosalina/Stella in the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy film, a sequel to one of animation’s biggest hits, and it’s a casting that feels less like a surprise and more like a natural progression for a lifelong Nintendo devotee. The film arrives in theaters next week, and her history with the franchise is surprisingly extensive—and occasionally, comically, disruptive.
A history of mario mania: beyond the silver screen
Larson’s affection for Nintendo isn’t a recent marketing ploy; it's a deeply ingrained passion. Dating back over a decade, her enthusiasm for Mario and his crew is well-documented. In a rather memorable anecdote from 2012, Larson recounted booting her then-boyfriend out of her apartment while engrossed in Super Mario Galaxy. “Oh my God, I definitely have an embarrassing story with a guy,” she confessed, laughing. “I kicked my first boyfriend out of my house. I was trying to beat the final level of Super Mario Galaxy. He said I was taking it too seriously, so I kicked him out.” Few celebrities can claim such a commitment to a game—or such a decisive response to a perceived interruption.
But the story doesn't end with a former boyfriend. Larson’s fandom extends beyond just Mario. She’s a vocal fan of Paper Mario, praising its innovative gameplay and dimensional mechanics: “You're flat, you're one-dimensional. So you can fold into an airplane, fold into a boat, and roll under things. It's really cool.” Her allegiance hasn’t always been with the current trends either. Back in 2003, amidst the PlayStation 2’s dominance, Larson boldly defended the GameCube, stating, “I can’t with the PlayStation. I can’t with all those shooting games. I like the Mario brothers, the mushrooms, the happy music, and Bowser. I can’t with shooting games, so I never really got into the PlayStation. The GameCube is like perfect for me.”
Her dedication manifested in playful ways, too. A 2018 Halloween post on Instagram featuring her as Zero Suit Samus went viral, sparking calls for a live-action Metroid film—a role she enthusiastically embraced, citing Samus as her favorite character in Super Smash Bros.—and later, a glimpse into her meticulously crafted Animal Crossing: New Horizons island during the pandemic offered a relatable peek into her downtime, solidifying her image as an approachable and genuine gamer.
The casting of Larson in Super Mario Galaxy isn’t just a job for the actress; it's a homecoming. It’s a return to the world of characters and adventures that have resonated with her since childhood, a world that even inspired her fifteenth birthday party—a Nintendo-themed extravaganza where all her friends dressed as iconic characters. Her passion is palpable, and it’s a compelling reason why Universal Pictures and Illumination chose her to bring Rosalina/Stella to life.
The success of the original Super Mario Bros. Movie proved that Nintendo’s beloved plumber has transcended the realm of video games, capturing the hearts of multiple generations. With Brie Larson now joining the cast, the franchise’s star continues to rise, offering a nostalgic journey for longtime fans and an exciting introduction for new audiences alike.