LogInThe parody trailer reimagines the Mushroom Kingdom merging it with the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us.
Pedro Pascal, best known recently for starring in a successful TV adaptation of Naughty Dog's The Last of Us, made his debut as a host of the latest episode of Saturday Night Live.
Certainly, his appearance on the show couldn't do without references to the post-apocalyptic drama. Ahead of the episode, the actor had acknowledged the HBO series in a teaser showing Pascal on the SNL set encountering a "clicker". Just like Joel from The Last of Us show, the actor was ready to defeat the clicker until the SNL cast informed him that it was now part of the cast.
But the most exciting and unexpected reference was during the SNL episode where Pascal appeared in a parody trailer for Mario Kart which merged elements from Super Mario Bros. into a post-apocalyptic world similar to The Last of Us.
The fake trailer features Pascal as a tougher version of the famous plumber who is tasked with protecting Princess Peach (whose role in the trailer is similar to Ellie's in The Last of Us) while escorting her to Rainbow Road, a well-known track from Mario Kart video games. The video shows the duo traveling through a gloomy version of Mushroom Kingdom, with cameo appearances from familiar characters such as Bowser, Luigi, and Yoshi.
It's not surprising that SNL is featuring The Last of Us in this manner, as the show has rapidly gained immense popularity. The series received widespread praise and continues to attract new fans each week.
Meanwhile, the Super Mario Bros. franchise is receiving its own big-screen adaptation, set to release in North America on April 7, 2023 and in Japan on April 27, 2023. The movie stars Chris Pratt as Mario, Jack Black as Bowser, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, and Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong.
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