Samantha Kelly, best known as the voice behind the beloved Princess Peach and Toad, has confirmed that Nintendo has chosen to recast the roles after 18 years.

The details:

Kelly announced on Instagram that Nintendo had informed her that both characters would be recast, marking the first time she will not voice Peach since 2007's Mario Strikers Charged. “Thank you for so many years of friendship and joy,” she wrote. “I’m sad that it’s over, I truly would have wanted to voice Peach and Toad forever. Nintendo let me know yesterday that they decided to recast these roles. I’m grateful that I got to do these voices for so many years. Peach and Toad are such strong and beautiful characters that I pray they live forever no matter who voices them. So much love.”
It is unclear why Nintendo chose to replace Kelly or who they have lined up, but the voice actor confirmed that she was informed of the decision on June 5, the release date of the Switch 2 and its main launch title, Mario Kart World. Due to the timing, it is assumed that the company is attempting to secure a younger talent to take over the role as it enters a "new era."
Nintendo confirmed in August 2023 that Mario voice actor Charles Martinet would no longer be providing the iconic plumber's voice after over 25 years, starting with Super Mario 64. Kevin Afghani took over the role of Mario, and Martinet became a "Mario Ambassador," though he later revealed he had little knowledge of what the role would involve.

More gaming news:

Atlus has announced Persona 4 Revival following months of fan speculation.
People Can Fly has cancelled two projects following a "lack of communication" from a publishing partner.