Mario Kart Actors React to Toad, Peach Voice Change

The voice actors stepping into the roles of Toad and Peach in Mario Kart World have spoken out for the first time, following Samantha Kelly's unexpected departure after 18 years with the franchise.

Samantha Kelly, who voiced Princess Peach and Toad for Nintendo, learned her 18-year run had ended on the day Nintendo Switch 2 launched—when Mario Kart World arrived without her involvement. Since her debut in 2007's Mario Strikers Charged, she had voiced the characters across more than 70 titles for Nintendo DS, 3DS, Wii, Wii U, and Switch.

Now, as reported by Eurogamer, Paul Castro Jr. and Courtney Lin—who voice Toad and Peach respectively—have each confirmed their new roles via posts on X/Twitter.

"I can finally share my role in Mario Kart World... I voice the TOADs!" Castro said. "All the male Toads you encounter in Mario Kart World are voiced by me! I've been playing during my travels, and it's an absolute blast. I can't thank Nintendo enough for helping me live out this childhood dream."

Lin commented: "It's official—I'm the voice of Princess Peach and Baby Peach in Mario Kart World! I'm eternally grateful to Nintendo for trusting me to help carry on the legacy of this beloved icon."

"These characters are bigger than any one person. I'm deeply honored and still pinching myself. I have immense respect for all the previous Peaches, especially the one I admired growing up. I'll give my all in every opportunity, and I hope everyone is enjoying the game. Wahooo!! So sweet."

Nintendo has tightened its policy on sharing video game credits ahead of launch, often withholding developer details until after release.

In related news, Takashi Nagasako, who voiced Donkey Kong for 21 years, is no longer credited for the character in Mario Kart World. Kouji Takeda is now listed as Donkey Kong in all language versions, including Bananza. Takeda previously voiced Donkey Kong in the Japanese dub of the Super Mario Bros. Movie and has now assumed the role in the video games as well.

These voice casting shifts follow Charles Martinet's retirement as the voice of Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi after nearly three decades.