New voice of Mario, Kevin Afghani says Charles Martinet is “amazing” - My Nintendo News

In an exclusive USA Today interview, Kevin Afghani — the new voice of Mario — expressed deep admiration for longtime Mario voice actor Charles Martinet. Afghani acknowledged the pressure of stepping into such an iconic role and emphasized how profoundly Martinet shaped the character’s legacy. Afghani said he was incredibly nervous to take over, noting that Martinet is, in his view, the definitive Mario. He described himself as the second person carrying the torch while Martinet remains the standard-bearer, calling the veteran actor amazing. Highlighted by My Nintendo News on January 15, 2026, the interview underscores Afghani’s respect for the role and his commitment to honoring what fans love about Mario. Source: https://mynintendonews.com/2026/01/15/new-voice-of-mario-kevin-afghani-says-charles-martinet-is-amazing/