Fans celebrate as trans character is returned to ‘Paper Mario’ remake

Fans have been celebrating following the return of a trans character in the remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door was originally released in 2004, and Nintendo is due to release an expansive remake featuring upgraded visuals, a newly-arranged soundtrack, an improved hint system and battle master alongside art and sound galleries as well a new fast travel mechanic.

The Paper Mario remake is set for release tomorrow (May 23) but those with early access have shared an image that confirms the return of an openly-trans character. Vivian starts off the game as a member of the villainous Shadow Sirens but eventually joins Mario on his quest to find the crystal stars in Rogueport.

In the original Japanese version of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, it was heavily implied that Vivian was transgender and faces transphobic comments from her sisters, but the script for the English and German releases removed any mention of this.

However, the new version of the game has seemingly restored this element of the character’s backstory. In one conversation from the game (via Resetera), Vivian can be seen telling Mario “truth is, it took me a while to realise I was their sister, not their brother. Now their usual bullying feels heavier”.

I’m so fucking happy. Thousand Year Door was my favorite game for AGES well before I came out, and to see canonically, EXPLICITLY trans Vivian in game with her character arc revolving around her transness like it was always supposed to- I’m just vibrating through the floorboards. pic.twitter.com/OlsZoukflf

— 🌕 Vicious Emotion 🌕 (@OriginalZin) May 21, 2024

“The thing that’s so wonderful about the confirmation that Vivian is trans is that we can shift from celebrating the presence of transphobia in the game and JUST celebrate the fact that there is a transgirl in the game and her story is about her being happy and loved and accepted,” said one fan on social media, while another added: “Vivian having her trans identity restored honestly makes her being the one to help Mario finding his name again is so fucking good.”

“I’m so fucking happy. Thousand Year Door was my favourite game for AGES well before I came out, and to see canonically, EXPLICITLY trans Vivian in game with her character arc revolving around her transness like it was always supposed to- I’m just vibrating through the floorboards,” added another Paper Mario fan.

“Can’t understate how amazing this is for trans people. Vivian has always been an amazing character held back by odd wording. A truly well written official trans character in a Mario game,” explained one Resetera user, with another saying they were “pleasantly surprised that Nintendo allowed this in a Mario game. It feels like a huge deal,” they added.

Nintendo Life’s Paper Mario TTYD Remake review CONFIRMS Vivian’s trans identity has been restored in the english version!!! pic.twitter.com/OrQCzVr1r5

— GoogalyBoyThe10th (@GoogalyB) May 21, 2024

“Join Mario and friends on a journey to discover the legendary treasure behind the ancient Thousand-Year Door. A hilarious adventure full of colourful characters and foldable fun awaits,” reads the official description.

In a four-star review, NME wrote: “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’s is irresistible for nostalgic gamers and Mushroom Kingdom newcomers alike. Though its combat and recycled areas leave something to be desired, two decades have done little to dull this game’s charisma.”

In other news, FromSoftware has shared a new story trailer for upcoming Elden Ring DLC Shadow Of The Erdtree, and lore fans are stoked.