Actor Kevin Afghani is the new voice of Mario (and Luigi), taking over for the iconic and legendary Charles Martinet. He’s now discussed taking up the mantle of voicing one of the best-known characters in gaming and entertainment in general, saying Martinet will always be Mario.
“Look, Charles, as far as I’m concerned, IS Mario,” Afghani told USA Today. “He created something that is so unbelievably iconic. And he did it so masterfully. If I wasn’t nervous, then I’m the wrong guy.”
Afghani said he refers to himself as “the second guy who’s doing Mario,” with Martinet forever standing as “the guy.”

