It wasn’t a “Koop” d’etat. But people reacting to the news that U alum Doug Bowser had been named the president of Nintendo of America couldn’t help point out the terrifying irony. The character Bowser (also known as King Koopa) has been the nemesis of Mario, Luigi and the inhabitants of the Mushroom Kingdom since 1985.
Bowser, currently the head of Sales & Marketing at Nintendo of America, succeeds Reggie Fils-Aimé who has served as president and chief operating officer since 2006. Bowser will reign supreme, er, take the reins, beginning in April.
Twitter already took notice of Bowser’s coincidental name (and alma mater) when he was hired as the head of sales in 2015 . . .
The next Mario game reveals Bowser’s first name is Doug and that he suddenly has a communications degree from the University of Utah.
— Moloch-André Fleury (@alex_navarro) May 20, 2015
He’s worn appropriate Halloween costumes . . .
What did you expect me to wear on Halloween?! #Nintendo #SuperMarioOdyssey #HappyHalloween2017 pic.twitter.com/lF1F50Ilsl
— Doug Bowser (@thetruebowser) Oct. 31, 2017
. . . and used a crocheted version of the character to cheer on the Utes in last year’s Pac-12 championship football game.
Ready for tonight’s Pac-12 Championship Game @Utah_Football! Let’s Go UTES! #UtahMan #Pac12FB pic.twitter.com/Cyv0G7fRub
— Doug Bowser (@thetruebowser) Nov. 30, 2018
One Photoshopper envisioned a hybrid between Doug Bowser and King Koopa. . .
doug bowser facereveal pic.twitter.com/DMQXLPdjKf
— ƿ૯ωძɿ૯ƿɿ૯ (@pewdiepie) Feb. 25, 2019
. . . while another blended the evil Bowser with another not-so-evil eponymous character.
introducing Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser pic.twitter.com/YlCzLccoSo
— ǤЯIMΞCRΛFГ® (@GRIMECRAFT) Feb. 21, 2019
Although some are still in stunned disbelief. . .
The new president of Nintendo is named Doug Bowser. Doug Bowser. DOUG BOWSER.
— Emmanuel Perez (@Emantron) Feb. 25, 2019
. . . many are cheering Bowser on.
Good luck, president bowser pic.twitter.com/kTZFOLfino
— Edgardo (@edelatejam1) Feb. 25, 2019
The U joined in the congratulations. . .
BREAKING NEWS: Bowser is the new boss of @NintendoAmerica. He also happens to be a University of Utah alumnus. No really. Congrats, Doug (@thetruebowser)! ?@utahalums #ImagineU
?: https://t.co/V5muQHZONs https://t.co/LZ61QvhWul
— University of Utah (@UUtah) Feb. 21, 2019
. . .to which Bowser responded:
Go Utes!
— Doug Bowser (@thetruebowser) Feb. 22, 2019