Jack Black would like to show off more of his vocal chops if a Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel gets greenlit, as he has pitched the idea of a musical titled Bowser's Revenge.
Speaking on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Black explained that he is ready to reprise his role as Bowser for a sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie but admitted that he has not yet heard whether Universal Pictures and Illumination are planning to move forward with a follow-up film to the 2023 animated box office hit.
"It has been radio silence," Black shared. "The only chatter has been coming from me, and I don't even know if I'm allowed to chatter. I've been chomping at the bit to get back to business."
During this period of uncertainty, Black has been mulling over some ideas for a potential sequel. He suggests that a second Super Mario Bros. movie should go full-on musical, like Joker 2, which will apparently see Lady Gaga use her singing prowess, with a title that puts his infamous character in the spotlight.
"Bowser's Revenge," Black pitched as the title before adding his thoughts on the movie's structure. "I think it should be a full musical, like what Todd Phillips is supposedly doing with Joker 2."
Bowser's romantic ode to Princess Peach in The Super Mario Bros. Movie became an instant hit, landing a place on the Billboard Hot 100, but Black was initially hesitant about singing in the film. He told IGN in April that he tries "not to do too many crossovers" where his characters sing, but he couldn't pass up a love song.
Black listened to a 30-second sample of the Peaches mega-ballad and felt he couldn't pass up the opportunity to tap into the spiky, fire-breathing Koopa's softer side. The catchy tune made it into the film, which scored big at the box office, raking in over $1 billion in ticket sales at theaters worldwide.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie received praise from critics for its colourful visuals, well-defined world, and overall faithfulness to the Mario franchise. IGN's own review awarded the film 8/10, calling it "a fireball of animated fantasy" that overcomes "a Paper Mario-thin plot with undeniable charm and energy."
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X @AdeleAnkers.
