Unfortunately, the filmmakers never gave her the opportunity to do so. Despite her obvious talents, the Princess was relegated to the role of cheerleader; she spent most of the movie standing on the sidelines, watching Mario and Luigi battle Bowser. It was a step backward for the character and a missed opportunity to show that a female character can be just as capable and heroic as her male counterparts.
The Super Mario Bros. movie was a missed opportunity to show that female characters can be just as capable and heroic as their male counterparts. Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) was given a much-needed update in the movie, transforming her from a damsel in distress to a capable interdimensional monarch. However, despite her obvious talents, the filmmakers relegated her to the role of cheerleader, never giving her the opportunity to show off her skills. This was a step backward for the character, and it speaks to the larger issue of female representation in Hollywood.
It’s important to recognize the positive steps that have been taken over the years to improve female representation in movies, but it’s also important to remember that there is still work to be done. If filmmakers are going to give female characters the chance to be heroic, they must also be given the opportunity to show off their skills. Princess Peach’s role in the Super Mario Bros. movie was a missed opportunity to do just that.
It’s time for Hollywood to take the next step and give female characters the agency they deserve. By creating characters like Princess Peach who are capable, heroic, and active participants in the story, filmmakers can help to create a more balanced and equal representation of women in movies.