The upcoming remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has sparked significant interest among fans, particularly in relation to the character of Vivian. Previews of the game suggest that Vivian, who was originally intended to be a trans woman in the Japanese release of the game, will be portrayed as such in the remake. This is a departure from the controversial decision to remove Vivian’s gender identity from the English version of the original game.
Specifically, a screenshot showcasing Beldam being transphobic towards Vivian indicates that the original storyline will be utilized in the English release of the remake. In the previous English release of The Thousand-Year Door, references to Vivian being trans were omitted, with Beldam’s transphobia changed to insults about Vivian’s appearance. However, the preview for the remake suggests that Vivian’s trans identity will be acknowledged and integrated into the English version of the game.
This change has been eagerly anticipated by fans since the announcement of the remake, and the recent preview provides confirmation of the decision. The implementation of Vivian’s trans identity in the English release is a notable development, as it aligns with the portrayal in the Japanese, Spanish, Italian, and French versions of the game. The inclusion of this aspect of Vivian’s character adds a significant layer of representation and inclusivity to the game, and signals a departure from the original decision to exclude it from the English release.
Overall, the upcoming release of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remake has generated considerable excitement and discussion among fans, particularly in light of the confirmation that Vivian will be canonically portrayed as a trans character in the English version of the game.