While the long road ahead for the sequel’s production, The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 may not see the return of one of its original stars. Sebastian Maniscalco, who voiced Foreman Spike in the 2023 animated movie, expressed doubts about his character’s return for the sequel.
During a recent interview, Maniscalco shared that while he couldn’t find a toy of his character at Universal Studios, a lack of merchandise may indicate he won’t be invited back for the sequel. He also stated, “Your guess is as good as mine” when asked about his potential return, leaving the door open for a possible comeback.
Despite Maniscalco’s doubts, there is still a chance he could appear in the sequel. With over a year until the release, there is ample time for the studio to reach out and begin negotiations. As a smaller character in the first movie, he may not be needed for voice work until later in the production cycle, making it possible for him to reprise his role.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 has yet to confirm its cast, with Keegan-Michael Key, who played Toad, teasing the possibility of more Easter eggs and lore from the Nintendo games in the sequel.
If Maniscalco does return, it could provide deep-cut ties to the original Nintendo games, such as the Wrecking Crew games, which feature Mario and Luigi. A return by Foreman Spike could also introduce new plotlines or character arcs, making his eventual return meaningful.