Who Kissed Mario? Exploring Mario's Romantic Moments
Mario, Nintendo's iconic plumber, has had his fair share of romantic encounters throughout the Super Mario franchise. While he's usually busy saving Princess Peach from Bowser, there have been memorable moments where Mario himself received a kiss. Let's dive into the details!
Key Takeaway: Princess Peach is the most notable character to have kissed Mario, especially in the 1993 "Super Mario Bros." movie. Pauline, Mario's original love interest, also shares a close bond with him.
Princess Peach's Kiss in the Super Mario Bros. Movie
The most famous kiss Mario ever received was from Princess Peach in the live-action 1993 "Super Mario Bros." movie starring Bob Hoskins as Mario. In the film's climax:
- Peach (played by Samantha Mathis) kisses Mario to break a spell
- The kiss restores Mario's confidence and helps defeat King Koopa
- This remains one of the most iconic romantic moments in Mario history
Pauline: Mario's Original Love Interest
Before Peach, there was Pauline:
- First appeared in the 1981 arcade game "Donkey Kong"
- As Mario's girlfriend, she was frequently kidnapped by Donkey Kong
- In modern games like "Mario vs. Donkey Kong" and "Mario Odyssey," their bond is hinted at
- While no direct kiss is shown, their chemistry is evident
Other Potential Romantic Interests
While not confirmed kisses, these characters have shown affection:
- Rosalina - Shares a close friendship with Mario in the "Mario Galaxy" series
- Daisy - Mostly linked to Luigi, but has friendly moments with Mario
- Toadette - Occasionally shows admiration for Mario in spin-off games
Why Peach is Mario's Main Love Interest
- Central to the main game plots
- Consistent romantic tension with Mario
- Official Nintendo merchandise often pairs them
- Movie and TV show adaptations favor this pairing
Challenges to the Peach-Mario Romance
- Pauline's historical significance as first girlfriend
- Nintendo keeps relationships vague for family-friendliness
- Some fans prefer Mario to remain single
FAQs About Mario's Romantic Life
Has Mario ever kissed Peach in the games?
No direct kisses are shown in main series games, but romantic tension is implied through storylines and character interactions.
Is Pauline still Mario's girlfriend?
Pauline remains an important character, especially in the "Mario vs. Donkey Kong" series, but Peach is now considered Mario's primary love interest.
Why doesn't Nintendo show more romance in Mario games?
Nintendo prioritizes gameplay and family-friendly content over complex romantic storylines, keeping relationships lighthearted.
Conclusion
While Mario's love life isn't the focus of his adventures, the franchise has given us some memorable moments. Princess Peach's movie kiss stands out as the most significant, while Pauline represents Mario's original romantic connection. Whether rescuing princesses or jumping on Goombas, Mario's charm continues to win hearts worldwide!