Super Mario Bros. Movie Actor Returns as Donkey Kong in Bananza
▼ Summary
– Kouji Takeda voices Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza, reprising his role from the Japanese dub of The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
– Takeda also voiced Donkey Kong in Mario Kart World and Daruk in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s Japanese version.
– Samantha Kelly, previously the voice of Princess Peach and Toad for 18 years, has been recast in the Switch 2 era.
– Jenny Kidd voices Pauline in Donkey Kong Bananza’s English version, differing from Kate Higgins’ portrayal in Super Mario Odyssey.
– Eurogamer’s review praises Donkey Kong Bananza for its core mechanics and design, awarding it four stars.
The voice behind Donkey Kong in the newly released Bananza might sound familiar to fans of Nintendo’s animated adaptations. Kouji Takeda, who previously brought the iconic ape to life in the Japanese dub of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, has returned to voice the character in the latest Switch 2 title. This casting revelation adds another layer of continuity for players invested in Nintendo’s expanding multimedia universe.
Takeda’s involvement isn’t just limited to Bananza, his vocal talents have also graced other major Nintendo franchises. He famously voiced Daruk in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and took over as Donkey Kong in Mario Kart World, succeeding Takashi Nagasako after his two-decade-long tenure. The shift marks a broader trend in Nintendo’s approach to voice acting, with longtime performers like Samantha Kelly (Princess Peach and Toad) also being recast earlier this year.
While Takeda handles the Japanese version, the English localization features Jenny Kidd as Pauline, a departure from Kate Higgins’ portrayal in Super Mario Odyssey. The change aligns with Bananza’s narrative, which presents Pauline as an older, more seasoned character compared to her earlier appearances.
Critics have praised Donkey Kong Bananza for its inventive platforming mechanics and heartfelt storytelling. Eurogamer’s review highlighted the game’s “delightfully sticky 3D adventure” and the endearing dynamic between its leads, earning it a solid four-star rating. With its mix of fresh voices and nostalgic callbacks, Bananza continues Nintendo’s tradition of blending innovation with beloved franchise staples.
(Source: Eurogamer)
