The voice actor behind the long-lasting character Mario has introduced he's stepping down after 27 years.

Charles Martinet has voiced the Italian plumber since Super Mario 64 was launched in 1996. He has not nevertheless been the one voice of Mario, with Chris Pratt taking the position for the latest The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Writing on social media platform X, previously often called Twitter, Nintendo stated it had been an "honour" to work with 67-year-old Martinet. It additionally stated he would proceed to play a job in Mario's future.

He will now work as a "Mario ambassador", travelling the world assembly Mario followers. He welcomed the news on social media.

A Nintendo spokesman stated: "Charles Martinet has been the original voice of Mario for a long time, as far back as Super Mario 64. Charles is now moving into the brand-new role of Mario ambassador.

"With this transition, he will probably be stepping down from recording character voices for our video games, however he'll proceed to journey the world sharing the enjoyment of Mario and interacting with you all.

"It has been an honour working with Charles to help bring Mario to life for so many years and we want to celebrate him."

Martinet added: "My new Adventure begins! You are all Numba One in my coronary heart! #woohoo !!!!!!!

As nicely as voicing Mario, Martinet has performed Wario, Luigi, Waluigi, and the infant variations all through the collection. However, within the latest movie he was heard performing as Giuseppe and Mario's dad.

It is at the moment unclear who will voice Mario sooner or later. Although social media customers have been suggesting Pratt might tackle the job full-time after the film's success.

The movie revamped $1 million on the field workplace.