It's the end of an era. I never thought I'd see this day come, and I didn't want to believe it, either.

Charles Martinet, the same man who voiced everyone's favorite Italian plumber boy FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, is "stepping back" from the lead voice acting role. Not to mention, he also voiced the other iconic plumbers Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, and YES, he even voiced the Great King Wart as in Super Mario Advance (a.k.a. Mario 2/USA on the GBA).

"Stepping back" could mean a lot of things to different people, like straight up retiring from voice acting altogether, while it may also mean he'll probably still be doing voices for some upcoming games but will inevitably be phasing out into being replaced by new voice actors. Perhaps they'll also reuse previously recorded voice clips as well. I guess we'll eventually find out with some more clarification.

Personally, I thought he'd be willing to do the voice until the end of time, because the man just loves his job THAT much. I know I'd do the same if I was in his position.

Thankfully, it seems he'll still be working closely with Nintendo regardless for the time being as "Mario Ambassador", continuing to spread the joy of Mario however he can.

No disrespect to the new actor(s), but those are some seemingly IMPOSSIBLE shoes to fill. Who else is honestly able to recapture that same magic and talented voice of Martinet? Who else is able to voice several different characters at the same time just as he does? I know I'm not alone in this sentiment, but there can NEVER be anyone big enough to fill Martinet's shoes, no matter whoever takes up that monumental task of voicing gaming's greatest mustachioed heroes. His legacy is so ingrained in our society, it just simply is not replaceable! Part of me hopes Nintendo can still recycle his old voice clips, but I digress.

It's sad that nothing lasts forever, but we all know Charles Martinet always and forever, IS Mario. PERIOD. There'll never anyone else quite like him ever again. May we wish him well on his next grand adventure! Enjoy the fanart I made here, as well!