Charlie Day Being Asked His Favorite Luigi in “Recent American History” Is Just as Funny as You’d Think
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie continues to be the gift that keeps on giving. From Glen Powell’s surprising casting as Smash Bros. fan favorite Fox McCloud, to Brie Larson’s joyous enthusiasm about playing Rosalina, to everything about Donald Glover’s quest to voice Yoshi, the Internet has gotten so much mileage out of the movie and its press tour.
And yet, a new clip involving Luigi voice actor Charlie Day might take the cake. While being interviewed by the Italian film podcast Tintoria, Day was asked the following question: “You play Luigi, a great Italian guy. Who’s your favorite Luigi in recent American history?” As Day’s cast members like Anya Taylor-Joy and Keegan-Michael Key begin to react, Day names none other than Luigi Mangione, the young man connected to the death of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson in December of 2024.
“Well, me, first of all,” Day says, before continuing with: “Number one. Uh, Luigi Mangione…Luigi Mangione number two.”
The answer gets a seal of approval from the interviewer… and it definitely has from social media, as well. An account chronicling Mangione’s updates and legal ordeal shared the clip on X on Wednesday, and it’s an understatement to say that it has been going viral. Part of that might be out of surprise for how the question was worded, as there are arguably no other notable Luigis “in recent American history” for Day to even mention. And honestly, part of it might be due to the surprise of just how candid Day’s answer is in the context of polished press junkets… especially one for a movie as big and family-friendly as an animated Mario sequel.
Some are also seeing it as a sign of how Mangione is being viewed in the public sphere, as he awaits trial later this fall, and as the health insurance marketplace (and just general quality of life) continue to get more dismal every day. As one tweet from @TheoDoesArt puts it: “its so crazy how everyone has cheered for luigi mangione like if you need more proof theres something wrong with the health insurance business look no further than how people reacted to a health insurance ceo getting shot.”
What Is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie About?
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is an animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros., and follows The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which was released in 2023 and earned more than $1.3 billion worldwide. Both the 2023 film and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie are produced by Chris Meledandri of Illumination and Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo. The film is co-financed by Universal Pictures and Nintendo, and will be released worldwide by Universal Pictures.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is directed by returning filmmakers Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, from a screenplay by returning screenwriter Matthew Fogel, with Brian Tyler returning to compose the score. The film stars Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr., Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek, and Brie Larson as Rosalina.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is now playing exclusively in theaters.
(featured image: Universal Pictures)
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