Mario, the beloved video game character, is an icon in the gaming industry. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto and first appearing in the arcade game “Donkey Kong” in 1981, Mario has since starred in countless games and has become a pop culture phenomenon. Despite his popularity, many fans still wonder what Mario’s last name is. The truth is that Mario does not officially have a last name, but there are a few theories and speculations as to what it could be.
When Mario first appeared in “Donkey Kong,” he was simply known as “Jumpman.” It wasn’t until the release of “Mario Bros.” in 1983 that he was officially named Mario. However, even in this game, there is no mention of his last name. Throughout the years, various Mario games and media have referred to him simply as “Mario,” without any additional name.
One popular theory is that Mario’s last name is Mario, making his full name Mario Mario. This theory gained traction after an interview with the creators of the 1993 “Super Mario Bros.” film. In the interview, the filmmakers referred to Mario and his brother Luigi as the “Mario brothers,” suggesting that Mario’s last name is indeed Mario. This idea was further cemented in the film itself, where Mario introduces himself as “Mario Mario.”
However, it is worth noting that the “Super Mario Bros.” movie is not considered canon by Nintendo, the company behind the Mario franchise. This means that the events and characters in the film are not part of the official Mario universe. As such, the idea of Mario’s last name being Mario is not necessarily accepted by all fans.
Another theory is that Mario’s last name is Jumpman, which was his original name in “Donkey Kong.” This theory is supported by the fact that Mario is often referred to as “Jumpman” in various Mario games and media. However, this theory is not widely accepted, as it would mean that Mario’s full name is Mario Jumpman, which doesn’t sound quite right.
There are also those who believe that Mario simply doesn’t have a last name. After all, there are many fictional characters who are referred to by their first name only, such as Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, and Homer Simpson. It’s possible that Mario falls into this category, and that his lack of a last name is intentional.
In recent years, there have been a few instances where Mario has been given a last name, but these instances are not considered canon by Nintendo. For example, in the 1993 novel “Super Mario Bros.: Trapped in the Perilous Pit,” Mario’s last name is given as “Mariozzi.” This name has not been used in any official Mario media since then.
In conclusion, while there are various theories and speculations about Mario’s last name, the truth is that he does not officially have one. Mario is simply known as Mario, without any additional name. While some fans may prefer to give him a last name, it is ultimately up to each individual’s interpretation. Regardless of whether or not he has a last name, Mario remains one of the most beloved and iconic video game characters of all time.