Exploring the Super Mario Bros. (1993) Extended Rough Cut Pt. 3: Koopa, The Party Poopa

On May 15th 2019, the Super Mario Bros. The Move Archive discovered a tape containing an extended rough cut of the 1993 cult film - Super Mario Bros.

This version is about 15 minutes longer than the theatrical cut, including new and extended scenes that expand the story and character arcs.

We're excited to debut never-before-seen footage of several new scenes from the cut political commentary arc, including the infamous Spike & Iggy rap at the Boom Boom Bar.

Koopa's henchmen Spike & Iggy have an unusual arc, beginning as incompetent enforcers and ending as loquacious rabble-rousers on the heroic side.

Perhaps their defining scene is their denouncement of Koopa after being arrested by Lena at the Boom Boom Bar.

However, many have long wondered what exactly Lena meant by saying that Spike & Iggy were "preaching [Koopa's] overthrow."

The trading cards, Official Movie Magazine, and our very own interview with Spike's actor Richard Edson revealed that a deleted rap sequence was filmed and took place during the Boom Boom Bar, just before Lena's arrival.

Richard Edson was a musician and the original drummer for Sonic Youth. The film's constant rewrites allowed him and Iggy's actor Fisher Stevens the freedom to expand their roles. Edson wrote the lyrics and beat and the two actors pitched the rap to directors Rocky Morton & Annabel Jankel live on-set.

It's unknown exactly why the sequence was cut, though it could have been for the political subject matter, the editing or pacing, or perhaps due to the additional focus on the provocatively dressed go-go dancers.

The likeliest reason may be the political subject matter as the full rough cut reveals additional footage that also focuses on political commentary. It turns out the Spike & Iggy rap is only the culmination of an ongoing transformation brought on by Luigi & Mario.

Viewers might note in the background of Dinohattan many campaign posters for Koopa. This was originally commented on in a cut sequence just after Luigi, Mario, Spike and Iggy hijack a Sludge Gulper to re-enter the city.

Soon after, just as the group enters the Boom Boom Bar, a brief exchange between Spike and Mario was cut.

Spike pleads with Mario to help them overthrow Koopa, but Mario says "It's your world. Do something about it." This exchange paired with the earlier Sludge Gulper scene would have inspired Spike & Iggy to perform the rap.

Finally, the pair unceremoniously exit the narrative just before the final battle after reuniting Daisy with her father the Fungus King.

Although Spike & Iggy do return in the post-credits stinger of the Theatrical Cut pitching "The Super Koopa Cousins" to Nintendo, this was a later addition meant to provide some satisfaction to their arc after their true final scene, which takes place in Koopa Tower, was cut.

The subtext of this scene has incredibly radical implications for the entire film, suggesting that Spike & Iggy orchestrated the downfall of Koopa, and it gives more weight to them being the Fungus King's "most loyal supporters."

The scene also implies that Spike & Iggy intend to take over Dinohattan for themselves.

It's possible this could have been a factor in Daisy's return and the plot of the unmade sequel.