The Traitor in the Mushroom Kingdom

In the Super Mario Bros. movie, fans were captivated by the colorful and vibrant world of the Mushroom Kingdom, the humor, and the epic battles between Mario, Princess Peach, and the villainous Bowser. But one lingering question remains: how did Bowser know so much about Mario and Peach's plans? Could it be that there was a spy feeding him information all along?

Here’s a wild theory: Toad, the lovable, loyal companion of Princess Peach and friend to Mario, was secretly working as an undercover spy for Bowser – until he wasn’t. Let’s dive into this conspiracy and break down the evidence.

Bowser’s Information Network: A Hole in the Plot?

Throughout the movie, Bowser seems remarkably well-informed. He always seems one step ahead, whether it’s about Mario’s arrival in the Mushroom Kingdom, Peach’s plans to recruit the Kongs, or the impending final battle. But how exactly is Bowser getting his intel?

Sure, Bowser has his army of Goombas and Koopa Troopas, but none of them seemed close enough to the action to gather this level of detail. This raises the question: Who could have had access to Princess Peach’s plans?

Enter Toad.

Toad’s Suspicious Loyalty

At first glance, Toad appears to be the ultimate good guy—fiercely protective of Princess Peach and Mario. He sticks by their side even when the other Toads let them go. Throughout the journey to seek help from the Kongs, Toad is constantly assisting Mario and guiding them through obstacles. But what if this seemingly unwavering loyalty wasn’t as genuine as it seemed?

What if Toad’s insistence on staying close to Princess Peach was because he was secretly reporting her every move to Bowser?

It’s possible that Bowser, ever the mastermind, placed Toad as an undercover agent long ago. Toad’s innocence, cheerful demeanor, and close relationship with Peach would make him the perfect informant. No one would suspect him, and he would always have access to the Princess’s most confidential plans.

Interestingly, there are key moments when Toad is noticeably absent, coinciding with Bowser receiving crucial information. For example, after the fight with Donkey Kong, Mario, Peach, DK, and Cranky Kong gather for a meeting, yet Toad is nowhere to be found. Why? Because he could have been relaying information to Bowser. In the very next scene, we see Bowser receiving intelligence about Mario and the gang traveling to Rainbow Road. Coincidence? Maybe not.

Why Toad Turned on Bowser

Here’s where things get even more interesting. Toad may have started out working for Bowser, but like many spies, his loyalty could have wavered. Initially, Toad stayed behind not to protect Princess Peach, but to serve Bowser. However, things changed when Bowser captured both Princess Peach and Toad, following the evacuation of the other Toads. Bowser, in his usual tyrannical fashion, threatened Princess Peach, demanding she marry him or Toad (his undercover spy) would face dire consequences.

This threat was the turning point. Princess Peach, forced to accept Bowser’s ultimatum, made Toad reconsider his loyalties. Witnessing Bowser’s cruelty firsthand, Toad had a change of heart, realizing that Bowser saw him as just another disposable pawn.

Throughout the movie, Bowser is portrayed as a ruthless tyrant who mistreats even his closest subjects. It’s easy to imagine him dismissing Toad’s efforts, showing no appreciation for the valuable information he provided. This mistreatment, combined with Princess Peach’s kindness, sparked Toad’s change of heart. He realized his true place was with Princess Peach and Mario, who treated him as a friend and equal, not as a tool.

The Bouquet with the Freeze Power-Up: Toad’s Redemption

One of the movie’s most pivotal moments involves a bouquet of flowers. Near the film’s climax, during Peach’s forced wedding to Bowser, Toad hands her a bouquet that secretly contains a Freeze Flower. Peach uses this power-up to freeze Bowser and take control of the situation.

This seemingly small act is where the theory truly clicks into place. Toad’s decision to give Peach the freeze power-up isn’t just a clever plot twist—it’s a sign of his final betrayal of Bowser. It’s his moment of redemption. After all the spying and working in the shadows, Toad fully switches sides and helps Princess Peach defeat the villain he once served.

 A Spy Turned Hero

In the end, Toad’s journey could be viewed as a classic tale of redemption. He may have started as a spy, working under Bowser’s command to gather information on Princess Peach and Mario. But over time, he realized where his true loyalties lay—with the heroes, not the villain.

Toad’s transformation from secret informant to brave ally is a testament to the idea that even those who make mistakes can choose the right path when given the chance. By the time the movie ends, Toad is no longer a spy. He’s a hero who stands with Peach and Mario, ready to protect the Mushroom Kingdom.

So, the next time you watch the Super Mario Bros. movie, keep an eye on Toad. His cheerful, innocent persona may hide a deeper, more complex story of deception, betrayal, and ultimately, redemption.

What do you think? Was Toad really Bowser’s spy? Let me know your thoughts on this theory!