Peach’s New Voice Actor in Mario Kart World Revealed
▼ Summary
– Samantha Kelly, the longtime voice actor for Toad and Princess Peach, was unexpectedly recast after 18 years when Mario Kart World released without her involvement.
– Paul Castro Jr. and Courtney Lin have been announced as the new voice actors for Toads and Peach in Mario Kart World, respectively.
– Castro Jr. voices the non-playable Toads in the game, while another actor will voice the playable Toad character.
– Lin expressed gratitude for the role and honored previous actors, also mentioning she voices Baby Peach in the game.
– Other recastings include Kouji Takeda as Donkey Kong and Kevin Afghani replacing Charles Martinet as Mario, Luigi, and Wario.
The iconic voices of Princess Peach and Toad in Mario Kart World have officially changed hands, marking a new chapter for these beloved Nintendo characters. Following Samantha Kelly’s unexpected departure after 18 years in the role, fans have been eager to learn who would step into these cherished parts.
Kelly, who had voiced both characters since 2006, shared her heartfelt farewell last month, expressing gratitude for the opportunity while acknowledging the bittersweet nature of the transition. “Peach and Toad are such strong and beautiful characters that I pray they live forever, no matter who voices them,” she said at the time.
Now, the new talent behind these roles has been revealed. Paul Castro Jr. takes on the vocal duties for Toad, while Courtney Lin now voices Princess PeachNone. Castro Jr., known for his work in NEO: The World Ends with You, described the opportunity as a “childhood dream” and expressed deep appreciation for Nintendo’s trust. He clarified that his role covers the Toads found throughout the game world, while another actor handles the playable version.
Lin, whose previous credits include Neon White, shared her excitement about joining the franchise, calling it an “honor” to carry on Peach’s legacy. She also voices Baby Peach in Mario Kart World, adding another layer to her connection with the character. “These characters are so much bigger than ourselves,” she wrote, paying tribute to past performers while embracing the responsibility of the role.
This recasting follows a broader shift in Nintendo’s voice talent lineup. Earlier this year, Kouji Takeda replaced Takashi Nagasako as Donkey Kong after his two-decade tenure. Similarly, Charles Martinet, the legendary voice of Mario, Luigi, and Wario, stepped down in 2023, with Kevin Afghani taking over in Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
As fans adjust to these changes, the new actors bring fresh energy to characters that have defined generations of gaming. With Mario Kart World now showcasing these voices, players can experience familiar personalities with a new sound, proving that while voices may change, the magic of these icons endures.
(Source: EUROGAMER)
