New voice of Mario, Kevin Afghani says Charles Martinet is “amazing”

New voice of Mario, Kevin Afghani says Charles Martinet is "amazing"

By Sickr on January 15, 2026

USA Today has published an exclusive interview with the new Mario voice actor Kevin Afghani and have asked him a range of questions. One of the more interesting ones is how Afghani felt stepping into the shoes of the beloved voice actor, Charles Martinet. Afghani says that he was incredibly nervous being handed the baton and has nothing but love and respect for the job Charles has done over the years.

You took over the job from (longtime Mario voice actor) Charles Martinet. Were you nervous stepping into his shoes?

Look, Charles, as far as I'm concerned, IS Mario. 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.

I'm the second guy who's doing Mario. Charles is THE guy. There is such an unbelievable respect for Charles. He is amazing.

Thanks to SonicGalaxy27 for sending in the news tip!

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SEGA announces Sonic 35th anniversary plans

By Sickr on January 15, 2026

Today, Sonic the Hedgehog, one of the most iconic and beloved brands in the industry, is thrilled to announce its 35^th anniversary this year! Since his debut in 1991, Sonic has defined generations with his signature speed, attitude, and style, expanding far beyond his innovative video game origins into new characters and worlds, blockbuster films, animated television, music, merchandise, and more. To commence the festivities, SEGA released a new anniversary trailer to build hype and rewind through Sonic's best moments over the last 35 years.

Throughout the upcoming year, SEGA will roll out a high-energy slate of anniversary programs designed to celebrate Sonic's legacy while bringing fans together around the world. Planned activities include digital content highlighting Sonic's evolution across the decades, fan meet-ups and community gatherings, exclusive brand and retail partnerships featuring limited merchandise, museum pop-ups and art exhibits, live concert celebrations, and a brand-new narrative podcast.

"We're incredibly proud to celebrate 35 years of our beloved Sonic franchise with our fans," said Marcella Churchill, Vice President of SEGA/ATLUS Brand Marketing at SEGA of America. "This milestone is not just a reflection of our past, but also a look toward the future as we continue to innovate and grow. We want to bring our community together and create memorable experiences for all our fans throughout 2026!"

Additional 35th anniversary-inspired content, partnerships, collectibles, and fan experiences will be revealed throughout the year. Head to the official Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary website for the latest news, updates, and media surrounding the year's programs.

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