Luigi's Mansion: The Haunted Sequel We Need!

Summary

A Luigi’s Mansion spin-off is the obvious next step for the Mario Cinematic Universe.
Luigi played a secondary role in the first movie, needing more onscreen time.
Illumination Entertainment proved they can create an eerie atmosphere for a potential spin-off.

Imagining a follow-up to “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” numerous scenarios come to mind. With over four decades behind it, the series boasts an eclectic mix of games. From space adventures to tropical getaways, we’ve seen Mario in all sorts of places, even donning a magic hat that allows body-swapping! However, a strong sequel shouldn’t just serve up a smorgasbord of disparate ideas from its vast library. Fortunately, a spin-off series based on the games offers a natural progression for what’s been called the Mario Cinematic Universe, and this time it might center around Luigi as the leading character.

The movie based on Super Mario Bros. drew ideas from various aspects of the series to craft a rather conventional backstory for the main character, which was a strategic move to introduce newcomers to the franchise while satisfying longtime fans seeking authenticity. This approach proved highly effective, as it became the first video game film to earn over $1 billion at the box office. However, a sequel that sticks too closely to this formula could result in an underwhelming continuation.

Charlie Day’s portrayal of Luigi in The Super Mario Bros. Movie was one of its standout performances. His casting seemed fitting, as he brought a mix of charm and anxious energy to the role. Fans of various types have long appreciated Luigi, especially those who are fond of the Luigi’s Mansion series, which is a spin-off from the main games. The original Luigi’s Mansion was released for the GameCube in 2001, and its sequels have continued to garner popularity. To many gamers, these games are highly esteemed as fan favorites. Consequently, when Nintendo seeks additional source material, they might find it best to turn to this beloved classic.

Luigi Needs His Time In The Spotlight

Mario Who?

2023’s movie viewers and critics observed that Luigi, a key character, didn’t appear much on screen. Brad Curran from Screen Rant pointed out an interesting swap: Luigi essentially swapped roles with Princess Peach, reducing his importance in the overall narrative. Instead, the storyline focused heavily on Princess Peach, who became more prominent in the grand scheme of things. She played a crucial role as Mario’s emotional guide, teaching him platforming skills, using power-ups, and navigating the perils of her domain. This change made sense given that the writers aimed to update a damsel-in-distress character who had received minimal development beyond her love triangle with both the game’s protagonist and antagonist.

Luigi played an important role initially, but his mysterious storyline set in the Dark Lands didn’t last long. Following his arrest, confinement, and torment at King Bowser’s hands, he became less prominent in the movie. Although Luigi had a significant scene where he rescued Mario and confronted Bowser in the thrilling climax, it seemed like the film overlooked developing their bond more fully. The movie didn’t delve into or test their brotherly connection during its second act, nor did it offer a fresh perspective on their relationship.

In most games, Mario is portrayed as the brave and boisterous leader, with Luigi appearing more timid. However, in “Luigi’s Mansion”, their roles are reversed – Luigi takes charge while Mario needs rescuing. It would be better if they worked together instead of one being captured first. For the sequel, it would be beneficial for Luigi to take a more active role, as this could help develop his character and show growth on-screen.

A Luigi’s Mansion Spin-Off Already Has A Proof Of Concept

Haunted Houses Are All The Rage

Luigi’s time in the Dark Lands demonstrates that Illumination Entertainment has the talent to create a chilling ambiance. The distorted and nightmarish terrain made Luigi’s solo adventures even more terrifying. The sudden appearance of Dry Bones, the chase that followed, and the horde of undead Koopas were genuinely unsettling yet exciting. For a series primarily aimed at families in which Dry Bones and Shy Guys are usually depicted as cute characters in games like Mario Party and Mario Kart, the movie successfully portrayed them in a spine-tingling manner.

As Luigi eventually sought shelter in the crumbling, run-down castle, it seemed perfectly suited for the world of the Luigi’s Mansion series. Moreover, this scene served as a compelling introduction to how Day might craft a horror movie centered around Luigi’s timidity yet his courage and ingenuity when dealing with supernatural perils.

Which Luigi’s Mansion Title Should The Film Pull From?

Pick Your Proverbial Poison

In the original “Luigi’s Mansion” game, setting up a mysterious mansion offered to Luigi through an unexpected letter (even though he didn’t participate in any contest) would make for an intriguing introduction for any spin-off or sequel. This unconventional scenario could pique curiosity and create an air of mystery. Additionally, this unique beginning could add a fresh twist to a potential second “Mario” movie, keeping even casual viewers guessing.

In crafting the main plot of our movie, let’s draw inspiration from the latest installment: “Luigi’s Mansion 3”. The third game in the trilogy introduces a fresh twist by setting Luigi in a haunted hotel, deviating from the previous games. The vertical layout of the hotel heightens suspense and raises the stakes for the player, as tension is gradually escalated floor by floor. It’s intriguing how the linear progression of an elevator could translate to a movie’s plot structure. Throughout the story, we build to a climactic confrontation between Luigi and his arch-nemesis, King Boo, at the pinnacle of a towering skyscraper, which promises to deliver a thrilling, spine-tingling finale on screen.

In Luigi’s Mansion 3, the intricate puzzles and level designs from the initial two games were further enhanced. The hotel, boasting fitness centers, film studios, shopping malls, and dance floors among its various levels, offers an abundance of possibilities for the creative team to craft the heroes’ exciting journey throughout the story.

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the untapped potential that lies in expanding the Super Mario Bros. Movie franchise. It seems almost inevitable to explore a spin-off centered around our beloved characters, and nothing could be more fitting than a ghost-busting adventure. This twist would add a touch of darkness, elevate the stakes, and provide an edge for any potential sequel. The chilling atmosphere it promises would set it apart from its predecessor, making it truly memorable.

2025-03-10 16:25

Luigi’s Mansion: The Haunted Sequel We Need!