Mario Kart cast change sparks actor outcry

The new voice actors for Mario Kart World's Toad and Peach have spoken out following Samantha Kelly's unexpected departure after 18 years in the role.

Veteran voice actor Samantha Kelly learned her 18-year run voicing Super Mario's Princess Peach and Toad had ended on Nintendo Switch 2's launch day - when Mario Kart World released without her voicework. Since her debut in 2007's Mario Strikers Charged, Kelly had voiced these characters across more than 70 Nintendo titles spanning DS, 3DS, Wii, Wii U, and Switch generations.

As first reported by Eurogamer, newcomers Paul Castro Jr. and Courtney Lin - now voicing Toad and Peach respectively - have officially confirmed their casting via social media.

"I'm thrilled to reveal I voice TOAD!(s) in Mario Kart World," Castro shared. "All the male Toads you'll encounter throughout the game are brought to life by me! Playing during my commutes has been an absolute blast. Huge thanks to Nintendo for making this childhood dream come true."

Lin posted: "The news is out... I'm the new voice of Princess Peach and Baby Peach in Mario Kart World! Forever grateful to Nintendo for entrusting me with this iconic legacy."

"These characters transcend any individual performer. I'm deeply honored and still pinching myself. I have immense respect for all previous Peaches, especially the one I grew up hearing. I'll give my all to every opportunity and hope players are enjoying the game. Wahooo!! Sweet."

Nintendo has intensified its confidentiality policies regarding game credits before official releases - often withholding development team details until launch day.

In related news, Takashi Nagasako - Donkey Kong's voice for 21 years - was also omitted from Mario Kart World's credits. Kouji Takeda is now listed as Donkey Kong across all language versions, including Bananza. Takeda previously voiced the character in the Japanese Super Mario Bros. Movie dub and appears to have transitioned into the game role as well.

These casting changes follow the retirement of Charles Martinet, who voiced Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi for nearly three decades.