On the occasion of the Blu-ray release of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” MeinMMO received an exclusive worldwide Q&A with Bowser actor Jack Black.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie conquered the cinemas and is now one of the most successful animated films ever, in terms of box office numbers.
Since June 8, 2023, the film has been available digitally for home viewing. From June 22, 2023, you can also get it as a DVD, Blu-ray, and 4k UHD.
On the occasion of the Blu-ray release, MeinMMO received an exclusive Q&A with Jack Black, who thrilled moviegoers as the video game villain Bowser. We did not conduct the interview, but we are allowed to publish it exclusively on MeinMMO.
In it, the actor talks about what it was like for him to play one of the most famous villains in video game history, how he interprets the character, and why he believes we all have a little Bowser inside us.
Here you can see a trailer for the “Super Mario” movie with Jack Black as Bowser:
Jack Black has been a fan of Nintendo games from an early age
Super Mario Bros. from Nintendo is the most well-known game ever. What is your connection to it?
Jack Black: I started playing Nintendo in the eighties. I think I was 13 years old when I stumbled upon Donkey Kong in the arcade at the Corner Market.
I remember the magic of that game and thinking, “This game makes Pac-Man look pretty pitiful!” The character of Mario and his fight against Donkey Kong, who throws barrels down the street, had something very hypnotic and charismatic about it because you had to jump and hop at the right moment.
Grab the hammer, hit the barrels to score points, and rescue Princess Peach at the top. And that’s it! Donkey Kong, Princess Peach, and Mario were like the Holy Trinity. And I remember playing it for hours. I put so many coins into those machines!
Were you excited to take on the role of the villain Bowser in The Super Mario Bros. Movie?
Jack Black: Bowser is one of the most iconic villains in the entire history of video games! Who wouldn’t want to grab the opportunity to bring him to life on the big screen? He is intimidating, powerful, and full of insecurities; a great character to explore.
Jack Black is not only an actor but also a passionate gamer:
“Bowser is terrifying, strong, and a monster”
How did you approach the character?
Jack Black: I approached this character as the most powerful, evil, but also somewhat sensitive and insecure monster that he is.
It’s really fun to play such a terrible character that has no redeeming qualities and is just plain evil.
And I believe we all have a little Bowser in us somewhere, hopefully buried deep. That was a cool thing I wanted to explore because I don’t get a lot of opportunities to play supervillains.
Why would you say it’s important to show his softer side as well?
Jack Black: Bowser is terrifying, strong, and a monster, but the funny thing about him is that he is also sensitive and insecure. And it’s great to play with that, as it usually doesn’t go hand in hand.
One wouldn’t think that this big, fire-breathing monster is also a kind of romantic who falls in love and wants to have a fairytale wedding with Princess Peach. This contrast is funny.
He has always been in love with Princess Peach.
Jack Black: Yes, but it’s unrequited because she never loved him back, which only makes him
madder with love.
Perhaps he was deprived of his parents’ love, and he thinks that if he finds love in Princess Peach, it might heal the wounds of his fiery childhood. Who knows?
Bowser has always loved Princess Peach from afar, but he doesn’t know how to approach her. Also, how could she ever love him? He is such a beast.
Bowser expresses his love for Peach in the celebrated ballad Peaches in the movie:
A little Bowser slumbers in each of us
How can you identify with him?
Jack Black: Well, it would be really embarrassing to admit that I resemble Bowser in any way; but I also believe that everyone has a little Bowser in them:
A little anger, a bit of rage. Whenever you’re driving down the street and want to yell at someone in traffic, your Bowser comes out. Whenever you’re jealous or want something that someone else has, that’s Bowser.
Whenever you find the darkest places of your soul, you find Bowser because he hides in the shadows. I’ve dug deep to find my inner Bowser.
They say it’s fun to play the villain because you can express more of yourself through the character. Do you agree?
Jack Black: Yes, it is a lot of fun. And let’s be honest, often a film is only as good as its villain.
What would Star Wars be without Darth Vader? You need them; you need the dark side. To have good, you must have evil. So it feels great to let that evil muscle play out. It’s a necessary and powerful ingredient in the soup; it’s the spice.
Bowser’s obsession has even led to discussions about the villain’s behavior:
Bowser and Princess Peach are completely different rulers
What do you think is the reason why Bowser is so obsessed with Princess Peach?
Jack Black: Why is anyone obsessed with something? I mean, obviously he is taken by her beauty, her softness, but she is also tough! She can really hold her own in a fight, and Bowser appreciates that.
How do Bowser and Princess Peach differ as rulers of their respective kingdoms?
Jack Black: Princess Peach rules with love, respect, and compassion, while Bowser rules with an iron fist and rage.
He controls his population with fear and intimidation. Bowser also likes heavy metal music, and he rules with the power of rock.
He will destroy anything that stands in his way! When Princess Peach and Bowser face off on the battlefield, there will be an explosion of colorful lights like you’ve never seen before.
“This movie will be great, no matter where you see it”
Illumination is an animation studio like no other.
Despicable Me is one of my favorite animated films of all time. Illumination has consistently shined with incredible creativity and humor over the years.
They really know how to do it! I don’t know how they do it or what the secret ingredient is, but the group of experts responsible for these projects never ceases to amaze. I am super excited to be part of a masterpiece from Illumination.
And what do you think makes Nintendo characters like Mario, Donkey Kong, Princess Peach, or Bowser so timeless?
Jack Black: Nintendo has a magic, and their characters evoke something in you. Their games are just fun! I believe the Nintendo world has something that dates back far into the past, even before video games.
Nintendo and Illumination seem to fit perfectly together.
Jack Black: It’s a great collaboration, and I’m glad for it because here we are now. I’ve seen the film, and it’s really awesome, and I can’t wait to unleash it upon the world. It’s like when peanut butter and chocolate first came together. Hmm, delicious…
What was it like working with directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic on the project?
Jack Black: Fantastic! We got into a good rhythm and always tried to make each other laugh and find new approaches for each scene.
How would you describe The Super Mario Bros. Movie?
Jack Black: Exciting, funny, romantic, thrilling, psychedelic, nostalgic… This movie will be great, no matter where you see it, but I highly recommend seeing it on the big screen because the worlds you see, like the Mushroom Kingdom, are so beautiful. Any way you slice it, it will definitely blow you away!
