Nintendo's Mario Kart World has made headlines with the unexpected replacement of long-time voice actress Samantha Kelly, who voiced Princess Peach and Toad for 18 years. Kelly learned of her departure only on the launch day of the game. Paul Castro Jr. and Courtney Lin have stepped in as the new voices for Toad and Princess Peach, respectively. Both actors expressed their gratitude to Nintendo for the opportunity to voice these iconic characters. The shift in voice actors comes in the wake of Charles Martinet's retirement, who voiced Mario for nearly 30 years, signaling a new era for the franchise's voice talent.

Why did Nintendo replace voice actors for Mario Kart World?

Nintendo has opted to refresh the voice roster for Mario Kart World, marking a significant change as several long-established voice actors have been replaced. This decision aligns with the company's strategy to introduce new talent, evident with the replacements of characters like Donkey Kong as well.

Mario Kart World continues the legacy of the beloved racing franchise, allowing players to engage in high-speed races featuring iconic Nintendo characters. With its focus on family-friendly gameplay and nostalgic elements, the game has attracted both new players and long-time fans of the series. The introduction of new voice actors highlights an evolving approach as Nintendo looks to refresh its character portrayals while maintaining the charm and essence of its iconic figures.