Charlie Day Backs Danny DeVito as Wario in Next Mario Movie

The Super Mario Bros. Movie shattered expectations in 2023, raking in a cool billion dollars and cementing Nintendo's beloved plumber as a true cinematic powerhouse. Hot on its heels, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is already breaking records, further solidifying the franchise's big-screen success. With two massive hits under their belt, fans are naturally looking ahead to the future of the Mushroom Kingdom on film. And for many, including one of the film's own stars, the next logical step involves a certain greedy, garlic-loving rival: Wario – ideally voiced by none other than the legendary Danny DeVito.

Luigi's Dream Pick: Day and DeVito, Reunited?

The internet has been buzzing with the idea of Danny DeVito portraying Wario for quite some time, and it seems the sentiment has reached the highest echelons of the Mario movie cast. Charlie Day, the voice of the perpetually anxious Luigi, recently shared his "dream casting pick" for the iconic villain with ScreenRant. His choice? His long-time co-star from the cult classic TV show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Danny DeVito.

“Danny would fit so well in this universe, and he would be a good Wario, I think,” Day enthusiastically stated. This isn't just a random celebrity endorsement; it comes from someone deeply entrenched in the creative world of the Mario movies, and someone who knows DeVito's comedic genius intimately. The idea of Day's Luigi facing off against DeVito's Wario, with their established on-screen chemistry, is enough to get any fan giddy.

The People's Champion: DeVito for Wario (and Pikachu!)

Day's endorsement isn't happening in a vacuum; it echoes a powerful, sustained fan campaign that has championed DeVito for the role since The Super Mario Bros. Movie's initial success. In fact, DeVito himself has playfully engaged with the idea, joking that he'd demand a substantial fee to lend his iconic voice to the purple-clad antagonist. This level of mutual interest – from fans, a cast member, and the actor himself – creates a potent synergy that's hard to ignore.

It's also worth noting that this isn't the first time the internet has collectively rallied behind DeVito for a prominent gaming role. Years prior, there was a massive online movement to cast him as the voice of Detective Pikachu. While that particular casting never came to fruition, it demonstrates the widespread belief that DeVito's unique vocal delivery and comedic timing are perfectly suited for bringing beloved, unconventional video game characters to life.

Charting the Course for Mario's Cinematic Future

The question of Wario's inclusion naturally ties into the broader future of the Mario cinematic universe. Neither The Super Mario Bros. Movie nor the recently released The Super Mario Galaxy Movie featured Wario. However, with the second film already dominating the box office, a third entry in the series feels less like a possibility and more like an inevitability.

Jack Black, the electrifying voice behind Bowser, has even offered a speculative timeline, suggesting a third Mario movie could arrive around 2029. This would maintain the three-year gap seen between the first two films, which debuted in April 2023 and early 2026, respectively. While no official announcement for a third movie has been made, Nintendo and Illumination did confirm plans to produce "another Mario animated movie" back in March 2024. If a similar pattern holds, we might expect news on a potential third film around May 2027. The stage is certainly being set for more Mushroom Kingdom adventures, and Wario feels like a natural escalation of the franchise's rogue's gallery.

Why DeVito is the Perfect Pick for the Purple Plumber

Wario is Mario's antithesis: greedy, boisterous, often crude, and undeniably hilarious. He’s a character that demands a voice actor with immense personality, a distinctive growl, and impeccable comedic timing. Danny DeVito brings all of this in spades. His filmography is littered with iconic characters defined by their unique voices and often questionable morals, from Frank Reynolds in It's Always Sunny to the Penguin in Batman Returns. Imagine that gravelly, unmistakable voice delivering Wario's signature "Waaah!" or his conniving schemes against Mario and Luigi. It’s a match made in character heaven, offering a perfect blend of villainy and comedic relief that would resonate deeply with both long-time fans and new audiences. Charlie Day's conviction that DeVito would "fit so well in this universe" speaks volumes to this potential synergy.

The Hope for a Wario Debut

The Super Mario Bros. Movie franchise has proven its ability to introduce new characters and expand its world. While Wario has yet to make his cinematic debut, the widespread fan demand, combined with an actual cast member's enthusiastic endorsement, makes his eventual arrival seem increasingly likely. And if Nintendo and Illumination are listening, the voice of that arrival should be clear: loud, proud, and unmistakably Danny DeVito.

FAQ

Q: Has Wario been confirmed for the next Mario movie?

A: No, Wario was not included in The Super Mario Bros. Movie or The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and his appearance in a potential third film has not been officially announced.

Q: Has Danny DeVito officially been cast as Wario?

A: No, while Charlie Day expressed his support for DeVito in the role and DeVito himself has playfully addressed the idea, there has been no official casting announcement made by Nintendo or Illumination.

Q: When might we hear more about a third Mario movie?

A: While nothing is official, Jack Black suggested a third movie could arrive in 2029. Given Nintendo and Illumination's past announcement patterns, news about a possible third film could potentially emerge around May 2027.