Mari Illustrious Makinami

{{Short description|Fictional character in Neon Genesis Evangelion}} {{good article}} {{Use Oxford spelling|date=June 2025}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox character | name = Mari Illustrious Makinami | series = Rebuild of Evangelion | image = Mari Illustrious Makinami.png | alt = A slim, bespectacled girl in a school uniform | caption = | first = ''Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance'' (2009) | creator = Studio khara | voice = {{plainlist| * ''Japanese:'' * Maaya Sakamoto * ''English:'' * Deneen Melody (Amazon dub) * Trina Nishimura (Funimation)}} | data31 = Ryoji Kaji | lbl31 = Notable relatives | gender = Female | species = Human | title = | lbl22 = Age | data22 = Unknown | lbl23 = Eye colour | data23 = Teal }} '''{{nihongo|Mari Illustrious Makinami|真希波・マリ・イラストリアス|Makinami Mari Irasutoriasu|lead=yes}}''' or '''{{nihongo|Maria Iscariot|イスカリオテのマリア|Isukariote no Maria|lead=yes}}''' is a fictional character in the anime film tetralogy ''Rebuild of Evangelion'', based on the television series ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' and introduced in the film ''Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance'' (2009). Mari is a pilot for the European branch of the special agency Nerv, founded to counter enemies of humankind known as the Angels. She first appears aboard the mecha Evangelion Unit 05, before fighting on Evangelion Unit 02 in place of Asuka Langley Shikinami. Brave and tenacious on the battlefield, Mari is friendly, lighthearted and humorous with her colleagues. She is originally voiced by Maaya Sakamoto; in the English-language version, she is voiced by Trina Nishimura and Deneen Melody. Besides the ''Rebuild of Evangelion'' films, Mari appears in an extra chapter of the ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' manga, written and illustrated by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, and in several video games.

The character was created after a request by Toshimichi Ōtsuki, producer of the original anime, to introduce a new female character to the ''Rebuild'' to attract a new audience. Hideaki Anno, director and main screenwriter of the original series and the films, decided not to meddle in the pilot and replicate the other main characters, all of whom were based on his personality. He entrusted its development to other members of Khara studio, particularly Kazuya Tsurumaki. The concept went through a complex chain of changes and second thoughts; neither Anno nor the others knew what kind of heroine to create, and were undecided until the last minute. Her character design was entrusted to Sadamoto, the series' character designer, who played on stereotypical elements associated with England.

The character had a mixed reception from critics. Reviewers were divided between those who found her overly sexualized and her role insignificant and those who found her a viable alternative to the characterization of the other protagonists. ''Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time'' (2021) revealed more details about Mari, which generated more mixed reviews; some critics noted a lack of explanation of her nature, and others appreciated her psychology and her role in the finale.

==Conception== For the film ''Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance'' (2009), the second instalment of the ''Rebuild of Evangelion'' saga, King Records representative and former ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' producer Toshimichi Ōtsuki requested a new female character to strengthen its appeal and expand its audience.<ref name=Tsurumaki1>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=『序』の公開直後に大きいな転換点へ|p=}}</ref> Director and main screenwriter Hideaki Anno welcomed the idea as a breath of fresh air which would distance the new films from the original work<ref name=Tsurumaki6>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=エヴァの構造を強固にする存在とは?|p=}}</ref> and give its audience fan service. Anno planned to introduce Mari in the film's opening scenes and play on {{nihongo|''ha''|破}}, a kanji in the film's Japanese title which has the two meanings of "interlude" and "break".<ref name=Anno>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=大きく変えたきっかけは『序』次回予告の反響|pp=352-353}}</ref> Her presence was initially intended to be minor; not speaking, she would be introduced by other characters.<ref name=Tsurumaki1/> Mari's personality, speech and first battle, however, varied during development.<ref name="Anno" /> Anno was conflicted; as producer and director he wanted to introduce changes to the story through her, but as the original series writer he did not want to make major changes.<ref name=Tsurumaki6/>

Mari was introduced in a promotional poster for the film which was noted by fans.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Anime News Network|language=en|access-date=13 February 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-02-19/anno-evangelion-2.0-film-slated-for-june-27-in-japan|title=Anno's Evangelion 2.0 Film Slated for June 27 in Japan (Update 2)|date=19 February 2009|archive-date=23 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723174126/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-02-19/anno-evangelion-2.0-film-slated-for-june-27-in-japan|url-status=live}}</ref> Her first name was revealed in the Nintendo DS game ''Petit Eva: Evangelion@School'',<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Kotaku|url=https://kotaku.com/hideaki-anno-told-evangelion-voice-actor-secrets-shell-1847200799|title=Hideaki Anno Told Evangelion Voice Actor Secrets She Says She'll Take To Her Grave|date=30 June 2021|archive-date=27 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827100832/https://kotaku.com/hideaki-anno-told-evangelion-voice-actor-secrets-shell-1847200799|url-status=live}}</ref> and her surnames were introduced in ''Eva Extra'' magazine.<ref>From the film's ''Complete Record Collection'', pp. 387-388.</ref> Anno, as he did with other characters in ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'', combined two actual warship names.<ref>{{cite web|language=en|access-date=13 February 2021|publisher=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-17/maaya-sakamoto-to-play-new-character-in-eva/2.0-film|title=Maaya Sakamoto to Play New Character in Eva: 2.0 Film (Updated)|date=17 April 2009|archive-date=6 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206173006/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-17/maaya-sakamoto-to-play-new-character-in-eva/2.0-film|url-status=live}}</ref> He chose the aircraft carrier HMS ''Illustrious'', lead ship of the British Royal Navy's class of the same name, for Mari's first surname; her second surname was inspired by the ''Makinami'' from the ''Ayanami'' class destroyer of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. The kanji {{nihongo|''nami''|波||litt. "wave"}} played on the names of the series' other two main female characters, Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu ("Shikinami Langley" in ''Rebuild of Evangelion'').<ref>{{cite web|language=ja|access-date=13 February 2021|url=https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0017756|title=『ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版：破』新美少女キャラは、めがねっ子の真希波・マリ・イラストリアス！|date=20 April 2009|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120161219/https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0017756|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Crunchyroll|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-feature/2021/04/07/spoiler-filled-review-talking-about-that-evangelion-3010-ending|title=Spoiler-filled review: Talking About That Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Ending|date=7 April 2021|author=Daryl Harding|archive-date=22 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822154919/https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-feature/2021/04/07/spoiler-filled-review-talking-about-that-evangelion-3010-ending|url-status=live}}</ref> The new pilot was initially planned to be named {{nihongo|Mariko|マリコ|}}, an homage to a character by Moyoco Anno, Anno's wife. The director also considered {{nihongo|Chizuru|ちづる|}}, in reference to Chizuru Nambara in ''Combattler V''. The name Mari was finally chosen in homage to Mari Sakurano's character in ''Brave Raideen''.<ref name=Anno4>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=ギリギリまで粘って変更したマリの出番|p=}}</ref>

thumb|upright=1.2|left|alt=A bespectacled Hideaki Anno in front of a microphone|''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' and ''Rebuild of Evangelion'' director Hideaki Anno Anno struggled with the character, unable to decide on Mari's role and personality.<ref name=Tsurumaki2>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=マリの登場シーン増加で発生したこと|p=}}</ref> He first feared that he was forcing her into the story to distance ''Rebuild of Evangelion'' from the classic series; his early drafts were uneven, and she only appeared in the film's opening scene.<ref name=MariAnno/> Anno rewatched the original anime, trying to come up with original ideas, but was constrained by the main characters' rigid roles. The inclusion of novelty, in his opinion, could have ruined the whole work. Anno was thus vague at first, giving generic directions to his colleagues at studio Khara, such as the new character loving animals.<ref name=MariAnno>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=なかなか異物として入っていかないマリ|p=355}}</ref> Anno's generic guidance complicated the staff's work; assistant director Kazuya Tsurumaki<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=庵野秀明 interview|p=357}}</ref> said that Mari seemed to have "multiple personalities" and was a different character in each scene, and it was difficult to make her consistent.<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=キャラクターを貫く声の存在感|p=}}</ref> Anno's instructions included, "In this scene, she looks for her glasses"; "She says {{nihongo|meow"|にゃ|nya}} at the end of the sentence", and "Her breasts need to get bigger".<ref name=Tsurumaki340>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=鶴卷和哉 interview|p=340}}</ref> Wanting to make the character foreign, he decided to hang back so she would be different from the existing characters in the classic series and entrusted her creation to others, particularly Tsurumaki.<ref name="Anno4" /><ref>{{Cite book|title=Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Theatrical Pamphlet|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|year=2021|location=Japan|chapter=Kazuya Tsurumaki|asin=B08Y85RJ9Q}}</ref>

In the first version of Anno's storyline, Mari became active in the third chapter and appeared briefly in the second. The opening scene of ''2.0'' tried to break with the old ''Evangelion'', with dialogue in Russian and English. The familiar voice of Ryoji Kaji, the first character to interact with Mari, was added to reassure viewers and not be confused by the innovations.<ref name="Anno" /><ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=庵野 秀明 interview: メインキャラにも様々な変化が|p=}}</ref> Anno wanted to avoid exploring her in depth, preferring to emphasize Asuka. After the premiere of ''Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone'' at Shinjuku Milano, however, a rewrite of the second film began.<ref name=Anno/><ref name=P324>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=鶴卷和哉 interview|p=324}}</ref> About forty changes were made to the script until the last minute;<ref name=Anno4/> when the roles of Rei, Asuka, and Misato Katsuragi became clear, Anno still found problems with Mari's.<ref name=Anno2/> He attempted to create an as-yet-untried character type,<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=庵野秀明 interview|p=356}}</ref> but did not know what exactly to do.<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=鶴卷和哉 interview|p=349}}</ref> Due to fan demand, Anno expanded Mari's scenes from the script's first drafts. Some ideas were rejected by other staff members and discarded,<ref name=Anno2>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=改稿に改稿を重ね、難航したシナリオ|pp=353-354}}</ref> such as a scene in which Mari and Asuka would fight in the same Evangelion against the eighth Angel in a ''nininbaori'', a Japanese comedic act where two people wear the same large coat and pretend to be one person.<ref name=Tsurumaki2/><ref>CUT-0549.</ref> Another shelved suggestion saw her in the role of Asuka's European classmate, which would have weakened Asuka's isolation.<ref name=MariAnno/> Other possibilities involved Mari meeting Shinji Ikari near a railroad track<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=|p=311}}</ref> and drinking tea on the roof of a school; after several drafts, however, her character was still unclear to Anno.<ref name=MariAnno/>

The result was a character somewhat similar to Rei, Asuka, and Misato; Tsurumaki remained dissatisfied, believing that he could not detach ''Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance'' from the original series.<ref name=P324/> He wanted to have Mari do something bizarre, such as parachute from the sky;<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=|p=341}}</ref> her meeting with Shinji was storyboarded just in February 2009, while Tsurumaki and other staff members continued to work close to the deadline.<ref name=Anno4/> To decide on her personality, Anno asked other staff members, including Yoji Enokido, for their opinions. Enokido, remembering harem anime stereotypes, proposed a fighter like Sapphire in Osamu Tezuka's ''Princess Knight'', so a neutral, carefree and innocent character.<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=榎戸洋司 interview|p=233}}</ref> Anno then came up with a childlike girl similar to Chiyoko Wato in Tezuka's ''Mitsume ga Tōru'', considering her more realistic. Other ideas were proposed; studio staff suggested that Mari belonged to a wealthy English family, owned several cats, and had tattoos of her pets' names.<ref name=Enokido>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=榎戸 洋司 interview|p=}}</ref> Ikko Todoroki suggested making Mari a guest at Hikari Horaki's house<ref>"Evangelion New Theatrical Edition: Break", Screenplay Retreat Memo, 2007/10/31--11/2 Atami.</ref> and a rival with Asuka for Kaji's attention and control of Unit 02.<ref>Evangelion New Theatrical Edition: Break, Organizational Plan Draft, 2007/10/13 Yōji ENOKIDO.</ref> Another proposal by Enokido included a romantic subplot with Shinji.<ref name=Anno/>

===Design=== thumb|left|upright=0.8|alt=A number of drawings of Mari|Early designs of Mari by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto Character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto gave Mari a stereotypically English look.<ref name=Booklet>{{cite AV media|publisher=Khara|title=Evangelion 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance - DVD Booklet|date=2010}}</ref> Anno tried to influence her design as little as possible, giving very rough guidelines to Sadamoto and Tsurumaki and only checking the completed work.<ref name=MariAnno/> Using the stereotype of a ''meganekko'' girl, Sadamoto added Mari eyeglasses.<ref>From the Yoshiyuki Sadamoto interview in {{cite journal|date=2009|title=Osada-bon 2009|journal=Young Ace|issue=3|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|language=ja}}.</ref> This succeeded in aesthetically differentiating her from the other protagonists; glasses were seldom used for the characters in the classic series to simplify the animators' work.<ref name=MariAnno/> Anno finally chose the sketch with the eyeglasses for Mari's preview in the credits of ''You Are (Not) Alone'', which was later refined by Sadamoto.<ref name=CRC222>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=|p=222}}</ref> The only guidelines Sadamoto received from the staff were for a "British-style" girl who was a student at a private Christian institution. When he asked Anno what he meant by a "private Christian institution," however, Anno said that he did not know.<ref name=Skirt>{{cite web|language=en|access-date=14 February 2021|url=http://sekai-seifuku.org/en/interview2_2/|title=Mr. Sadamoto Yoshiyuki - Interview|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304091240/http://sekai-seifuku.org/en/interview2_2/|archive-date=4 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Sadamoto imagined Mari with Victorian-era clothes and a parasol<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=|p=23-24}}</ref> before opting for a plaid skirt.<ref>{{cite web|language=en|access-date=14 February 2021|url=http://sekai-seifuku.org/en/interview1_2/|title=Interview with Mr. Sadamoto Yoshiyuki (PART2)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304035715/http://sekai-seifuku.org/en/interview1_2/|archive-date=4 March 2012}}</ref> Anno gave him photographs of British schoolgirls as a reference, and Sadamoto noticed that most of them wore tights and jackets with colourful borders. First giving Mari a long-sleeved jacket inspired by the protagonists in Danny Boyle's 1996 film ''Trainspotting'', he opted for a simple white shirt and tie because of the anime's summer setting.<ref name=Skirt/>

The studio required a character who would appeal to a new audience, and Sadamoto had to keep that requirement in mind.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animeclick.it/news/36125-milano-manga-festival-reportage-dei-sadamoto-days|title=Milano Manga Festival: Reportage dei Sadamoto Days|publisher=AnimeClick.it|language=it|date=11 July 2013|access-date=9 December 2013|archive-date=12 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712051527/http://www.animeclick.it/news/36125-milano-manga-festival-reportage-dei-sadamoto-days|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dummy-system.com/2013/07/11/sadamoto-yoshiyuki-intervista/|language=it|title=Intervista a Yoshiyuki Sadamoto|access-date=29 August 2021|date=11 July 2013|archive-date=28 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028101337/http://www.dummy-system.com/2013/07/11/sadamoto-yoshiyuki-intervista/|url-status=live}}</ref> Merging the characteristics of Asuka and Rei at first, he found that too derivative.<ref name=CRC222/> To visually distinguish her from the two protagonists of the classic series, he gave Mari straight, dark hair and a thinner head and body than her colleagues.<ref name=CRC223>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=|pp=223-224}}</ref> He also designed her with long and well-defined eyes, giving her a cute appearance. Sadamoto then decided to give her two braids; since Asuka has a similar hairstyle, Anno suggested adding a headband. The artist took inspiration from Umemura Hikari, a character from the dorama ''My Boss, My Hero'', played by Yui Aragaki.<ref name=CRC222/>

Anno decided to have Mari wear two battle suits, one older and one newer, to further distinguish her from the other pilots.<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=『破』で変化するEVAのデザイン|p=}}</ref> During the film's early production, a green, indigo, or yellow plug suit was considered;<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=|p=28}}</ref> pink, a popular color in the Japanese animation industry, was ultimately chosen to give Mari a more feminine touch. Sadamoto later noticed that pink had less visual impact than Rei and Asuka's red and white designs, so he designed her an old green suit, a more "outrageous" color stereotypically associated with England,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sekai-seifuku.org/en/interview2_3/|title=Mr. Sadamoto Yoshituki - Interview|publisher=Sekai-seifuku.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304151905/http://sekai-seifuku.org/en/interview2_3/|archive-date=4 March 2012|access-date=4 December 2013|language=en|url-status=dead}}</ref> at the suggestion of colorist Kikuchi Kazuko. For Mari's old costume design he took inspiration from the uniforms of the Gamilas in ''Space Battleship Yamato'' and from the space suits in the British television series ''UFO''.<ref name=CRC223/> Cold War Soviet space-suit design inspired Sadamoto to color the lower part of the old plug suit checkered-green.<ref name=YA>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=en|url=http://theplanetsthatmatter.com/features/yoshiyuki_sadamoto_young_ace_interview/yoshiyuki_sadamoto_young_ace_interview.html|title=Yoshiyuki Sadamoto Young Ace interview|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125160538/http://theplanetsthatmatter.com/features/yoshiyuki_sadamoto_young_ace_interview/yoshiyuki_sadamoto_young_ace_interview.html|archive-date=25 November 2009}}</ref> Sadamoto wanted to make the new plug suit more modern than the green one, taking advantage of technology and noting the differences between the first and second series of the Lotus Elise spyder.<ref name=YA/> Anno also decided to give Mari a helmet, covering her face until the end of the first battle for dramatic effect, and Sadamoto took his cue from bicycle helmets. The design of her lower clothing was based on a fencing suit, suggesting membership in the European aristocracy.<ref name=CRC223/>

===Voice=== thumb|upright=0.8|alt=A smiling Trina Nishimura with a microphone at a 2018 Arizona comic fest|Trina Nishimura voiced Mari in the first English-language version.

The choice of Mari's voice actress was postponed for a long time, since Anno tried to avoid meddling too much in the character's creation. During a studio party, however, Ōtsuki said that the production was close to recording but the role had not been cast and the director had provided no input. Anno asked the other staff members who they thought would be most suitable.<ref name=Anno4/> Sadamoto discussed the matter with Tsurumaki, who suggested several actors, including Maaya Sakamoto, who had previously worked with him on ''Diebuster''. Tsurumaki noted that Sakamoto's voice would make Mari more endearing and suggested her to Anno, who immediately accepted.<ref name=Pamphlet>{{cite book|language=ja|date=2009|title=『ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版:破』パンフレット|publisher=Khara|chapter=鶴卷和哉 Interview}}</ref><ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=|p=339}}</ref> Sakamoto, hired without an audition, felt "under pressure" at first; when she began recording, however, the atmosphere changed.<ref name=Qbook>{{cite book|title=ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版:Q 記録集|language=ja|date=17 November 2012|pages=55–57}}</ref> With no precise information about Mari, she had to voice her intuitively. Anno immediately stopped Sakamoto's initial exaggerated acting. She synchronized with Mari dubbing her in the first battle, channelling her nervousness into the character,<ref name="Qbook" /> and the staff praised her performance.<ref>{{cite journal|title=特集:『破』が教える、エヴァンゲリオンは生き続ける|journal=CUT|language=ja|date=August 2009|issue=251|pages=18–39}}</ref>

Sakamoto wanted further instruction from Anno, who remained vague. She turned to Tsurumaki, who was precise, detailed, and helped her interpret the character. Sakamoto eventually made Mari an "alien" element, breaking with the old ''Evangelion''.<ref>{{cite book |chapter=Maaya Sakamoto as Makinami mari Illustraious |title=Newtype |location=Tokyo |publisher=Kadokawa Shoten |date=July 2009 |page=91 |language=ja |url=http://www.evangelion-not-end.ru/images_news/090-091_aug09.jpg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111063245/http://www.evangelion-not-end.ru/images_news/090-091_aug09.jpg |archive-date=11 November 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=31 May 2022 }}</ref> Her performance was praised by Sadamoto,<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=貞本義行 interview|p=227}}</ref> and Tsurumaki said that after hearing her voice he began to understand the character for the first time.<ref name=Tsurumaki340/><ref name=Pamphlet/> Anno eventually made suggestions to Sakamoto,<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=庵野秀明 interview|p=374}}</ref> by giving it the keyword {{nihongo|"father of the Shōwa period"|昭和のおやじ|Shōwa no oyaji}}, so a typical 1970s Japanese parent.<ref name=Qbook/> She was asked to act like a beast in the scene where Mari uses the Beast mode, lowering her tone of voice until it became hoarse.<ref name=Sakamoto/>

By ''Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo'' (2012), the third instalment of the saga, Sakamoto felt less anxious and as if Mari "had been there [from] the beginning".<ref name=Qbook/> Unclear about the film's plot, since Mari appears mainly in action scenes and does not interact much with the other characters, she tried not to worry about it and continued delivering an energetic performance.<ref name=Qbook/> Sakamoto was guided by Anno, who gave her secret instructions she stated to want to take "to the grave".<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Cinema Today|url=https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0124375|title=坂本真綾、マリ役を理解する苦悩語る！庵野秀明監督からのヒントは「墓場まで持っていきます」|date=27 June 2021|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711022832/https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0124375|url-status=live}}</ref> In ''Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time'' (2021), the last chapter of the ''Rebuild of Evangelion'', she tried to play the role simply and convey positivity, joy, and innocence. Mari, who recalled a Showa-era father, had to appear neither old nor young, neither male nor female. Sakamoto adopted this neutral technique for the scene in which Mari talks to Deputy Commander Fuyutusuki, and it worked on her first attempt. She had to do the post-recording nearly alone, without seeing the other voice actors except for Yuko Miyamura, the voice of Asuka.<ref name=Sakamoto>{{Cite book|title=Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Theatrical Pamphlet|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|year=2021|location=Japan|chapter=Maaya Sakamoto|asin=B08Y85RJ9Q}}</ref>

Trina Nishimura voiced Mari in the first English-language version,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=26 February 2021|url=https://www.otakustudy.com/anime/2019/10/trina-nishimura-interview/|title=A Conversation With Trina Nishimura|date=25 October 2019|publisher=The Otaku's Study|archive-date=29 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629002735/https://www.otakustudy.com/anime/2019/10/trina-nishimura-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref> while Deneen Melody voiced the character in the Amazon Prime Video release of ''Rebuild''.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=4 September 2021|url=https://collider.com/evangelion-movies-english-cast-prime-video/|title='Rebuild of Evangelion' Movies Get New English Dub Cast Ahead of Prime Video Release|date=7 August 2021|author=Lauren Massuda|website=Collider |archive-date=12 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812223941/https://collider.com/evangelion-movies-english-cast-prime-video/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=2 June 2022|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Evangelion-3-0-1-0-Thrice-Upon-a-Time/Mari-Illustrious-Makinami/|title=Mari Illustrious Makinami|publisher=Behind Voice Actors|archive-date=2 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602093020/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Evangelion-3-0-1-0-Thrice-Upon-a-Time/Mari-Illustrious-Makinami/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Appearances== ===''Rebuild of Evangelion''=== Mari is a girl of English descent who is introduced in the film ''Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance''. Nothing is revealed about her life or origins, except that she has a mysterious relationship with Ryoji Kaji, apparently her superior.<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=40|pages=3–4|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> In the first scenes of the film, she boards a mecha named Unit Evangelion 05, or Eva-05,<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=33|pages=15–16|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> with Kaji's permission. She makes her first sortie in a place named Bethania base, where she faces the third in a series of enemies named Angels.<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=38|pages=11–12|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> Mari acts instinctively, moving without a clear plan, and says that she does not want to involve adults in her goal.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=ja|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1611076918|title=『ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版：破』がこれまでの『エヴァンゲリオン』を破壊したポイントとは？【「金曜ロードSHOW!」地上波放送記念】|date=22 January 2021|publisher=Animate Times|archive-date=26 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226151259/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1611076918|url-status=live}}</ref> Although she seems to have the worst of it at first, she defeats her enemy.<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=38|page=7|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> The Angel generates a large explosion, from which Mari escapes.<ref name=Film1/>

She parachutes to the roof of the Tokyo-3 Municipal Middle School some time later, colliding and getting acquainted with Evangelion Unit 01 pilot Shinji Ikari. The city is then attacked by the tenth Angel, Zeruel;<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=40|pages=15–16|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> Mari, unbeknownst to the special agency Nerv, takes control of Evangelion Unit 02, formerly owned by Asuka Langley Shikinami.<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=35|pages=15–16|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> She uses several weapons to pierce Zeruel's AT Field barrier, repeatedly striking the enemy and demonstrating familiarity with Evangelion units. Despite the attacks, the Angel is unharmed. Mari then activates a mode called the Beast;<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=40|page=8|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> the mecha begins to walk like a four-legged animal and furiously attacks the target.<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=37|pages=13–14|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> Zeruel defends itself by cutting off the arms and striking the head of Eva-02, and Rei Ayanami's Evangelion Unit 00 begins to fight it.<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=34|page=20|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> The Eva-02 bites the enemy's AT Field, which counterattacks; Rei saves Mari by flinging her unit away from the battlefield. Mari's mecha falls on a civilian shelter where Shinji Ikari, intent on abandoning Nerv, is located; Mari lifts him with her mecha hand, and shows him the annihilation of the 00. Shinji boards the Eva-01 and confronts Zeruel to save Rei.<ref name=Film1>{{cite AV media|people=Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki, Masayuki (directors)|title=Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance|type=Film|publisher=Studio Khara|date=2009}}</ref>

In ''Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo'', set fourteen years after the second chapter in a nearly-unlivable world, Mari is part of an organization formed to destroy Nerv known as Wille. Her body, like that of the other pilots, has remained unchanged due to what is called "the curse of the Evas".<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=en|url=https://www.cbr.com/rebuild-of-evangelion-questions-need-answered-by-fourth-movie/|title=Rebuild Of Evangelion: 10 Questions We Need Answered By The Fourth Movie|date=31 October 2020|publisher=Comic Book Resources|author=Daniel Kurland|archive-date=2 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902223743/https://www.cbr.com/rebuild-of-evangelion-questions-need-answered-by-fourth-movie/|url-status=live}}</ref> She often works with Asuka Shikinami, with whom she has a close relationship, and obeys the orders of Captain Misato Katsuragi. She and Asuka head with Mari's Evangelion Unit 08 into space to intercept and recover 01, with Shinji inside it. Sometime later Asuka's 02 and Mari's 08 faces another Evangelion, the Evangelion-13 with Shinji and Kaworu Nagisa aboard in the Nerv base. Mari covers Asuka during the fight and pulls Shinji out of the robot's cockpit,<ref name="cinemarche">{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=ja|url=https://cinemarche.net/column/evangelion-sin-q/|title=エヴァンゲリオンQ｜ネタバレ解説考察と感想評価。最後ラストシーンで希望の"前進"を描くシンジとファンの"qual"の物語｜終わりとシンの狭間で4|work=Cinemarche |date=21 January 2021|archive-date=30 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630043543/https://cinemarche.net/column/evangelion-sin-q/|url-status=live}}</ref> asking him to save Asuka.<ref>{{cite AV media|people=Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki, Masayuki (directors)|title=Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo|medium=Film|publisher=Studio Khara|date=2013}}</ref>

In ''Evangelion 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon a Time'', the final instalment of the saga, Mari prepares with Asuka and Shinji at the Wille and they head to the South Pole, the epicenter of the catastrophic Second Impact. Mari and Asuka, on their respective Evangelions, face a series of enemies known as Mark.07. At the end of the battle, Mari has Shinji board the Eva-01 to confront Gendo Ikari; she enters the ship containing Nerv's deputy commander, Kozo Fuyutsuki,<ref name="cinemarche" /> and says goodbye to him. At the end of the film, Mari and Shinji meet on a beach and say goodbye again to the Evangelions. They meet much later on the platform of a train station. Mari removes a collar named DSS Choker<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=en|url=https://www.thegamer.com/rebuild-of-evangelion-ending-explained/|title=Rebuild Of Evangelion Has Given Me The Happy Ending I've Always Wanted|date=17 August 2021|publisher=The Gamer|archive-date=17 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817180057/https://www.thegamer.com/rebuild-of-evangelion-ending-explained/|url-status=live}}</ref> from Shinji's neck and they take each other by the hand, ready to live in a new world.<ref name=Shin>{{cite AV media|title=Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time|date=2021|people=Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki, Katsuichi Nakayama, Mahiro Maeda (directors)|publisher=Studio Khara|medium=Film}}</ref>

===''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' manga=== Mari appears in an extra chapter in the last volume of the ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' manga, written and drawn by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto between 1994 and 2013, in which she is introduced as a sixteen-year-old student enrolled at Kyoto University, the same school attended by researcher Yui Ikari, who plays the role of her ''senpai'' and spiritual guide. The rector summons her to his office, proposing an internship in England; Mari is uncomfortable with Gendo Rokubungi, a colleague who has recently become romantically involved with Yui. Mari declares her feelings to Yui at the end of the story, wishing her a happy life with Gendo.<ref>{{cite book|language=ja|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion|volume=14|chapter=Extra Stage|year=1995 |publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|isbn=978-4-04-101932-0}}</ref>

According to Sadamoto, the chapter should be understood as separate from the feature story; it was conceived and developed without input from the Khara studio staff.<ref name=Mari>{{cite web|url=https://wavemotioncannon.com/2017/02/21/the-current-status-of-gainax-interview-hiroyuki-yamaga-yoshiyuki-sadamoto-september-2016/|author=Josh Dunham|title=The Current Status of Gainax|date=21 February 2017 |language=en|access-date=23 February 2017|archive-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224054539/https://wavemotioncannon.com/2017/02/21/the-current-status-of-gainax-interview-hiroyuki-yamaga-yoshiyuki-sadamoto-september-2016/|url-status=live}}</ref> The artist made it as an homage to Mari and an opportunity to explore unusual aspects of the character, such as her habit of calling Gendo "Gendo-kun" and singing songs from the Showa period, representing as a young woman in love with Yui. The manga artist assumed that Mari is part of the same generation as Shinji's mother and became a pilot, never growing up.<ref name=Mari/><ref>{{cite web|access-date=4 September 2021|language=es|url=https://www.alfabetajuega.com/noticia/entrevista-a-yoshiyuki-sadamoto-n-68208|title=Entrevista a Yoshiyuki Sadamoto|work=Alfa Beta Juega |date=12 July 2017 |publisher=Alfa Beta|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120232855/https://www.alfabetajuega.com/noticia/entrevista-a-yoshiyuki-sadamoto-n-68208|url-status=live}}</ref> Some fans similarly speculated that Mari's physique remained unchanged due to the Eva curse.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://br.ign.com/evangelion-30-10-thrice-upon-a-time/92084/feature/evangelion-30-10-final-explicado|title=Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0: Final Explicado|author=Henrique Padula|publisher=IGN|date=16 August 2021|language=pt|access-date=4 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901155020/https://br.ign.com/evangelion-30-10-thrice-upon-a-time/92084/feature/evangelion-30-10-final-explicado|archive-date=1 September 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Megumi Ogata, Shinji Ikari's Japanese voice actress, provided a similar interpretation about her true age.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://webnewtype.com/report/article/1033811/|title=「エヴァ」が終わった感覚がない――「シン・エヴァンゲリオン劇場版」碇シンジ役緒方恵美インタビュー|publisher=Web Newtype|date=21 May 2021|language=ja|access-date=4 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524183950/https://webnewtype.com/report/article/1033811/|archive-date=24 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Other media=== Mari is featured in ''Neon Genesis Evangelion: Anima'', a light novel by series mecha designer Ikuto Yamashita set three years after the events of the original animated series. In the light novel, Mari is a seven-year-old girl artificially created by the North American branch of Nerv to become a pilot for a unit called {{nihongo|US Evangelion/Wolfpac|US エヴァンゲリオン/ウルフパツク}}.<ref>''Neon Genesis Evangelion: Anima'', sec. 2, chapter 19.</ref> Due to hybrid genes used in her development, Mari has feline traits,<ref>''Neon Genesis Evangelion: Anima'', sec. 2, chapter 28.</ref> loves animals and is a close friend of Rei Six, a clone of Ayanami.<ref>''Neon Genesis Evangelion: Anima'', sec. 2, chapter 22.</ref> Chibi versions of Mari and her Eva-05 also appear in the ''Petit Eva: Evangelion@School'' comic strip, a parody of the original series.<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=40|pages=17–18|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> In addition to the video<ref>{{cite web|access-date=4 September 2021|language=en|url=https://www.thegamer.com/evangelion-battlefield-toys-to-life-mobile-game/|title=Evangelion Meets Skylanders In New Game From Gitaroo Man Creator|date=9 March 2020|publisher=The Gamer|author=Sean Murray|archive-date=8 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608215614/https://www.thegamer.com/evangelion-battlefield-toys-to-life-mobile-game/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''pachinko'' games from the original animated series,<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=35|page=21|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=37|pages=21–24|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> Mari has appeared outside the ''Evangelion'' franchise, such as in the video games ''Puyopuyo!! Quest'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamebiz.jp/?p=217563|title=セガゲームス、『ぷよぷよ!!クエスト』で「エヴァンゲリオン」コラボを開始！ 「葛城ミサト」役・三石琴乃さんナレーションのテレビCMも放映中|language=ja|access-date=12 September 2018|date=10 August 2018|archive-date=11 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911222435/https://gamebiz.jp/?p=217563|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Battle Cats'',<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2018-04-20/crossover-event-the-battle-cats-join-forces-with-evangelion/.130615|title=Crossover Event: The Battle Cats Join Forces with Evangelion|date=20 April 2018|archive-date=3 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103062849/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2018-04-20/crossover-event-the-battle-cats-join-forces-with-evangelion/.130615|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Monster Strike'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://g123.jp/gnews/post-12687|title=【モンスト】「エヴァンゲリオン」コラボ第3弾が開催！限定ガチャや「葛城ミサト」も新登場|date=5 October 2017|access-date=4 June 2018|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141751/https://g123.jp/gnews/post-12687|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Tales of Zestiria'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/11/11/evangelion-costume-set-for-tales-of-zestiria-offered-in-america-and-europe|title="Evangelion" Costume Set for "Tales of Zestiria" Offered in America and Europe|date=12 November 2015|language=en|access-date=7 June 2018|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142205/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/11/11/evangelion-costume-set-for-tales-of-zestiria-offered-in-america-and-europe|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Puzzle & Dragons'',<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Cinema Blend|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Puzzle-Dragons-Gets-Collaborative-With-Neon-Genesis-Evangelion-Content-62843.html|title=Puzzle And Dragons Gets Collaborative With Neon Genesis Evangelion Content|date=17 March 2014|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829124855/https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Puzzle-Dragons-Gets-Collaborative-With-Neon-Genesis-Evangelion-Content-62843.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Million Arthur'',<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-06-15/gendo-finally-steps-up-as-support-character-in-kai-ri-sei-million-arthur-mobile-game/.103252|title=Gendo Finally Steps Up as Support Character in Kai-Ri-Sei Million Arthur Mobile Game|date=15 June 2016|archive-date=31 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031005310/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-06-15/gendo-finally-steps-up-as-support-character-in-kai-ri-sei-million-arthur-mobile-game/.103252|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Hortensia Saga'',<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-10-29/hortensia-saga-evangelion-collaboration-holds-shinji-twitter-campaign/.123295|title=Hortensia Saga's Evangelion Collaboration Holds Shinji Twitter Campaign|date=29 October 2017|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829130000/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-10-29/hortensia-saga-evangelion-collaboration-holds-shinji-twitter-campaign/.123295|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Keri hime sweets'', ''Summons Board'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamedeets.com/archives/205937|title=『ケリ姫スイーツ』と『エヴァンゲリオン』コラボが復活！「第13号機 疑似シン化」などの新キャラクターが登場|language=ja|date=25 November 2016|access-date=9 July 2017|archive-date=9 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209152349/https://gamedeets.com/archives/205937|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://app.famitsu.com/20161019_866892/|title=『サモンズボード』に使徒、再び！『エヴァンゲリオン』コラボ情報まとめ|date=19 October 2016|language=ja|access-date=9 July 2017|archive-date=9 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209161049/https://app.famitsu.com/20161019_866892/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Othellonia'',<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Gamebiz|url=https://gamebiz.jp/news/233216|title=DeNA、『逆転オセロニア』で3月8日からエヴァコラボを開催 RTキャンペーンで豪華報酬も手に入る！！|date=6 March 2019|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829114855/https://gamebiz.jp/news/233216|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Final Gear''<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Gamebiz|url=https://gamebiz.jp/news/285546|title=ビリビリの『ファイナルギア』がApp Store売上ランキングでトップ30に復帰 開催中の「エヴァ」で新たに「渚カヲル」らのピックアップ募集を開始で|date=6 January 2021|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829114857/https://gamebiz.jp/news/285546|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Gamebiz|url=https://dengekionline.com/articles/61358/|title=『エヴァンゲリオン』×『ファイナルギア』コラボキャラの入手方法は？|date=23 December 2020|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829124849/https://dengekionline.com/articles/61358/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the RPG ''Kotodaman''.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Famitsu|url=https://app.famitsu.com/20190428_1449227/|title=『エヴァンゲリオン』×『コトダマン』コラボに役立つ『エヴァンゲリオン』ワードを一挙公開！|date=28 April 2019|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127021429/https://app.famitsu.com/20190428_1449227/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Characterization== {{quote box|quote=No matter what circumstances she was living under, Mari is fundamentally an optimist and does not worry too much. She may have her own worries, but she's not the type to show them, and she always seems to be having fun. I think that's what makes her such a contrast to Shinji and the other characters. She has no two faces, so I tried to play the role with as few complex nuances as possible. No matter how desperate the scene may seem, Mari believes that things are going in the right direction, and she is happy, which is the nuance of joy I tried to convey in my voice.|source=–Maaya Sakamoto<ref name=Sakamoto/>|width=30%|align=left}}

Mari is a cheerful,<ref>{{cite web|language=en|author=Angelo Delos Trinos|access-date=30 March 2021|url=https://www.cbr.com/anime-rebuild-evangelion-thrice-upon-time-burning-questions-answers/|title=Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0: 10 Burning Questions The Final Film Needs To Answer|date=3 November 2020|publisher=CBR|website=cbr.con|archive-date=4 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904221034/https://www.cbr.com/anime-rebuild-evangelion-thrice-upon-time-burning-questions-answers/|url-status=live}}</ref> outgoing, ironic, self-confident,<ref>{{cite web|language=en|author=Ethan Gilsdorf|access-date=30 March 2021|url=https://archive.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2011/03/04/in_anime_evangelion_sequel_teens_rule_the_hyperworld/|title=Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance|date=4 March 2011|publisher=Boston.com|archive-date=30 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130180109/http://archive.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2011/03/04/in_anime_evangelion_sequel_teens_rule_the_hyperworld/|url-status=live}}</ref> absent-minded and eccentric girl. She seems to have no regard for the limits of her strength or her Eva unit,<ref>{{cite web|language=en|access-date=31 March 2001|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/evangelion/2.0-you-can-not-advance|title=Evangelion: 2.0 You Can [Not] Advance - Review|date=24 November 2009|publisher=Anime News Network|author=Justin Sevakis|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617132106/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/evangelion/2.0-you-can-not-advance|url-status=live}}</ref> piloting it with enthusiasm. Mari is distinguished by her casual and sensual ways.<ref>{{cite web|language=en|access-date=31 March 2021|url=http://nwasianweekly.com/2011/01/%E2%80%9Cevangelion-2-0%E2%80%9D-worthy-of-its-predecessor/|title="Evangelion 2.0" worthy of its predecessor|date=20 January 2011|publisher=North West Asian Weekly|author=Andrew Hamlin|work=Northwest Asian Weekly |archive-date=12 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712083259/http://nwasianweekly.com/2011/01/%e2%80%9cevangelion-2-0%e2%80%9d-worthy-of-its-predecessor/|url-status=live}}</ref> Unlike her colleagues, who are emotionally addicted to the Evangelions or intimidated by confrontations with enemies, she demonstrates strength and self-confidence. In the fight with the tenth Angel, Mari activates the Beast mode without worrying about mental contamination. Her Eva unleashes an animalistic force, biting off the enemy's AT Field. She has a wry, contemptuous smile, even in seemingly-hopeless situations.<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=31|pages=3–4|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> Mari is also clear and forthright; Anno explained to voice actress Maaya Sakamoto her psychology, saying she "does exactly what she says".<ref name=Qbook/>

In ''3.0+1.0'' Mari reveals to love literature, having collected many books with the dream of reading all books written in the whole history of humanity.<ref name=Shin/><ref>{{cite web|access-date=4 September 2021|language=ja|url=https://twitter.com/ikuto_yamashita/status/1388115120287408135|title=山下いくと@エヴァンゲリオンANIMA全5巻|date=30 April 2021|publisher=Twitter|author=Ikuto Yamashita|archive-date=6 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906112105/https://twitter.com/ikuto_yamashita/status/1388115120287408135|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Yoji Enokido, a staff member of ''You Can (Not) Advance'', Mari differed in several respects from Asuka and Rei Ayanami, the two female protagonists of the classic series: "She is not practical like Asuka, but thinks about 'deep' things, like one of those people who can see mysterious things, such as those related to the gods".<ref name=Enokido/> He also compared her to a ''miko'', a young woman who works at Shinto temples and channels deities.<ref name=Enokido/> Enokido also emphasized that Mari was very talkative, different from Rei's otherworldly air.<ref name=Enokido/>

Assistant director Kazuya Tsurumaki described her as an "irresponsible," shrewd, and stubborn young woman, the kind of girl who "uses her apparent frivolity to her advantage".<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=鶴巻 和哉 Interview|p=}}</ref> She is portrayed as an "irresponsible," cunning, and stubborn young woman. Her eccentric character is reflected in her colloquial, expressive, and ironic way of speaking; in the original version, Mari calls Asuka {{nihongo|"princess"|姫|hime}} and Shinji Ikari {{nihongo|"puppy"|ワンコ君|wanko-kun}}. She maintains that attitude with elders, using the honorific suffix {{nihongo|''kun''|君|}} for Gendō Ikari, typically used in confidential and informal situations. Mari ends sentences with the onomatopoeic ''nya'', stereotypically associated with cats and ''kawaii'' characters in manga and anime. Sakamoto described her as a simple person who does things her way and does not care about the rest,<ref name=Qbook/> happy to pilot an Eva. According to the actress, Mari "really likes people", particularly Shinji and Asuka; Asuka treats Mari coldly but she still calls her "princess," respecting and protecting her "as if she were a special person".<ref name=Sakamoto/>

===Cultural references and themes=== In the opening scenes of ''Evangelion 2.0'', Anno decided to have Mari sing {{nihongo|''365 no march''|三百六十五歩のマーチ||litt. "the 365-step march"}}, a 1968 song originally performed by Kiyoko Suizenji to which he listened as a child and which was meant to depict her connection to the Showa period.<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=鶴卷和哉interview|p=342}}</ref> The song was intended to induce a "feeling of ease" and relaxation. In the battle against the tenth Angel, Anno had Mari say {{nihongo|''dokkoisho''|ドッコイショ}}{{snd}}typical of traditional ''Sōran Bushi'' dance, to conveying the idea of an "old man" from the era.<ref name=Anno4/> Similarly, in the early scenes of ''Evangelion 3.0'' Mari hums the opening theme of ''Arrow Emblem: Hawk of the Grand Prix'', an anime aired from 1977 to 1978.<ref name=Qbook/> Other songs related to and sung by the character are {{nihongo|''Mamikazumichi no māchi''|真実一路のマーチ|}} by Suizenji, {{nihongo|''Sekai ha futari no tameni''|世界は二人のために|}} by Naomi Sagara and {{nihongo|''Hitori janai no''|ひとりじゃないの|}} by Mari Amachi.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=4 September 2021|language=ja|url=https://utaten.com/specialArticle/index/6046|title=エヴァンゲリオンでマリが歌っていた曲は何？シン・エヴァ・Q・破まで一挙に紹介|date=31 March 2021|publisher=UtaTen|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717072604/https://utaten.com/specialArticle/index/6046|url-status=live}}</ref> Moreover, in ''Evangelion 3.0+1.0'', Sakamoto was asked to imitate Chosuke Ikariya, a Japanese comedian and actor who was the leader of the 1960s musical group The Drifters.<ref name=Sakamoto/>

{{multiple image | footer = Mari has been compared by critics and studio staff to religious figures such as Mary Magdalene, the Virgin Mary and Shinto ''mikos''. | image1 = Albert Edelfelt - Christ and Mary Magdalene.jpg | align = left | width1 = 175 | alt1 = 19th-century painting of Mary Magdalene, in contemporary dress, kneeling before Jesus | image2 = Piotr Stachiewicz - Ave Maria.jpg | width2 = 160 | alt2 = Painting of the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus in a forest | image3 = Miko 001.jpg | width3 = 167 | alt3 = Two young Shinto priestesses walking }}

In ''Evangelion: 2.0'', Mari clashes with Shinji on the roof of the Tokyo-3 school; the boy's Digital Audio Tape, which in the classic series is stuck on tracks 25 and 26, advances to track 27. According to Anno, "the connection between Shinji's S-DAT starting to act up" and Mari's fall to the rooftop was "the result of casuality"; the scene was rewritten many times, and originally conceived to be inserted after a scene in which the Eva-02 is sealed.<ref name=Anno4/>

Mari has been interpreted as a representation of the Other, since she is the only character who was not created by Anno.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=4 September 2021|language=ja|url=https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/439251?page=2|title=エヴァの｢マリ｣TV版にはいなかったキャラの正体|date=10 July 2021|publisher=Toyokeizai Online|archive-date=15 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715222509/https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/439251?page=2|url-status=live}}</ref> Other fans have interpreted her as an alter ego of Moyoco Anno, the director's wife; the parallel was mentioned by Toshio Okada, co-founder of Gainax and an old acquaintance of Anno. Khara staff, however, denied the comparison.<ref name="Moyoco">{{cite web|access-date=4 September 2021|language=ja|url=http://yaraon-blog.com/archives/198024|title=『シン･エヴァ』公式ラジオでスタッフが岡田斗司夫を実名でぼろくそに批判する・・・なぜこんなに扱いが悪いのか|date=9 June 2021|archive-date=11 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611014416/http://yaraon-blog.com/archives/198024|url-status=live}}</ref> Moyoco herself commented on the issue, asking not to be likened to the character.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=4 September 2021|language=ja|url=https://ha-navi.com/eva-my|title=【シンエヴァ】安野モヨコ「私をマリと照らし合わせたりしないで」 メルマガ|work=サイト |date=3 April 2021|archive-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728083159/https://ha-navi.com/eva-my|url-status=live}}</ref>

In ''3.0+1.0'', Professor Fuyutsuki calls Mari "Maria Iscariot"; the name has been interpreted as a reference to Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed and handed over Jesus to the Jewish authorities<ref>{{cite web|access-date=4 September 2021|language=ja|url=https://bibi-star.jp/posts/20603|title=【シン・エヴァンゲリオン】マリの正体「イスカリオテのマリア」とは？なぜマリエンド？|date=28 July 2021|publisher=BiBi|archive-date=8 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908225101/https://bibi-star.jp/posts/20603|url-status=live}}</ref> and Mary Magdalene.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=4 September 2021|language=en|url=https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-3-01-01-mari-illustrious-makinami-explained/|title=Evangelion 3.0+1.01: Mari Illustrious Makinami's True Purpose, Explained|date=21 August 2021|publisher=Comic Book Resources|author=Reuben Baron|archive-date=22 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822233055/https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-3-01-01-mari-illustrious-makinami-explained/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Japanese critic Naoya Fujita, noting that Mari can activate the Beast mode, described her as an "animalistic" character, a symbol of the affirmation of life, humanity, the body, and desire. According to Fujita, Mari would also represent a philosophy different from that of the TV anime. In ''2.0'', Mari urges Shinji to escape from Nerv; this, for Fujita, would make her the first person in the ''Evangelion'' universe to affirm "the need to run away".<ref name=Fujita/> He wrote that Mari is "a being who does not suffer from the Christian sense of original sin or modern self-awareness", and compared her sensuality to that of the protagonist of ''Cutie Honey'', a 2004 film directed by Anno.<ref name=Fujita>{{cite web|access-date=4 September 2021|language=ja|url=https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/439251?page=3|title=エヴァの｢マリ｣TV版にはいなかったキャラの正体|date=10 July 2021|publisher=Toyokeizai Online|archive-date=15 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715145706/https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/439251?page=3|url-status=live}}</ref> Blu-ray.com reviewer Jeffrey Kauffman found elements of Asuka in the character.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=4 September 2021|url=https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Evangelion-2.22-You-Can-Not-Advance-Blu-ray/18023/#Review|title=Evangelion: 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance Blu-ray|date=6 April 2011|author=Jeffrey Kauffman|archive-date=5 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305225550/http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Evangelion-2.22-You-Can-Not-Advance-Blu-ray/18023/#Review|url-status=live}}</ref> Comic Book Resources saw potential romance in the relationship between them, seeing a bisexual subtext in their interaction.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=4 September 2021|language=en|url=https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-3-01-01-rei-ayanami-lgbtqia/|title=Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Casually Confirms a Major Character as LGBTQIA+|date=16 August 2021|publisher=Comic Book Resources|author=Reuben Baron|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818051310/https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-3-01-01-rei-ayanami-lgbtqia/|url-status=live}}</ref> Shinji Higuchi called Mari a female version of Kaworu Nagisa, another character in the classic series.<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=樋口 真嗣 Interview|p=}}</ref> Kazuya Tsurumaki described her as a decisive pilot, similar to Captain Tatsumi Tashiro or Koichirō Outa in ''Gunbuster''.<ref>{{harvp|Khara|2010|loc=鶴卷和哉interview|p=348}}</ref> According to Khara staff, Mari "has Tsurumaki's libido in her" and seems to have come from his ''FLCL'' series;<ref name=Moyoco/> Tsurumaki said that he had tried to create a character who was "not from ''Evangelion''", representing "common ground" between himself and Anno, and did not intend to reproduce a character similar to those in his previous series.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=4 September 2021|language=ja|url=https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20101016-flcl/|title=あれから10年……『フリクリ』ブルーレイ化記念、鶴巻和哉監督が語る作品の魅力|date=16 October 2010|publisher=My Navi News|archive-date=10 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310000431/https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20101016-flcl/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Cultural impact== ===Public response=== Mari was received positively in Japan; although she appeared in only a few scenes, she immediately attracted public attention.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=zh|url=http://www.sohu.com/a/120394439_535062|title=【腥闻】性感白丝沙滩排球！EVA真希波福利COS~ |website=Sohu |date=1 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415190448/http://www.sohu.com/a/120394439_535062|archive-date=15 April 2018}}</ref> She became popular, and appeared in the monthly polls of readers' favourite animated characters in the magazine ''Newtype''; she placed third in September 2009, months after the debut of ''Evangelion 2.0''.<ref>{{cite book|title=Newtype|location=Tokyo|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|date=February 2010|page=94|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=MONTHLY LINE UP|journal=Newtype|location=Tokyo|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|date=September 2009|page=148|language=ja}}</ref> Mari was ranked 24th on ''Newtype''{{'s}} March 2010 list of the best female characters of the 2000s.<ref>{{cite journal|title=2000's|journal=Newtype|location=Tokyo|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|date=March 2010|page=35|language=ja}}</ref> She topped the list in July of that year, and finished eighth in August.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Newtype|location=Tokyo|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|date=August 2010|title=Ranking|language=ja}}</ref> In June 2021, in conjunction with the release of ''Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time'', the character returned to ''Newtype''{{'s}} monthly polls in third place.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Ranking|journal=Newtype|location=Tokyo|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|date=June 2010|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=19 August 2021|url=https://anime.everyeye.it/notizie/evangelion-3-0-1-0-protagonisti-dominano-classifiche-come-migliori-personaggi-524449.html|title=Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0: i protagonisti dominano le classifiche come migliori personaggi|date=17 June 2021|archive-date=19 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819183134/https://anime.everyeye.it/notizie/evangelion-3-0-1-0-protagonisti-dominano-classifiche-come-migliori-personaggi-524449.html|url-status=live|language=it}}</ref>

Yahoo! Japan asked in 2009 to anime fans which animated heroine they would like to marry; Mari finished first, with 11,348 votes.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=zh|url=http://comic.yesky.com/224/11055224all.shtml|title=最想娶回家新娘2009版,秋山澪第3真希波夺冠|date=8 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415190401/http://comic.yesky.com/224/11055224all.shtml|archive-date=15 April 2018}}</ref> In 2013, the website AnimeOne asked its users to name the best female character with glasses in the history of Japanese animation; Mari finished 37th, with about two hundred votes.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Crunchyroll|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-news/2013/09/01/poll-best-female-character-with-glasses|title=POLL: Best Female Character With Glasses|date=1 September 2013|archive-date=1 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001190652/https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-news/2013/09/01/poll-best-female-character-with-glasses|url-status=live}}</ref> Similar polls were also taken by the website Goo Ranking<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Goo Raking|url=https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/column/2150/ranking/46044/|title=メガネ姿が可愛いアニメの女子キャラクター（2011年以降）ランキング 1位から10位|date=5 December 2015|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829130335/https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/column/2150/ranking/46044/|url-status=live}}</ref> in which she ranked among the best glasses-wearing characters for several years,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Goo Raking|url=https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/column/5145/ranking/51210/?page=2|title=一番眼鏡が似合ってる女性アニメキャラランキング 11位から20位|date=8 May 2018|archive-date=28 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828003632/https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/column/5145/ranking/51210/?page=2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Goo Raking|url=https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/vote/results/1502/|title=一番眼鏡が似合ってると思う女性アニメキャラは？|archive-date=27 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827234829/https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/vote/results/1502/|url-status=live}}</ref> and was listed among Sakamoto's most memorable roles.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Goo Raking|url=https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/column/4826/ranking/50712/|title=声優・坂本真綾のハマり役だったアニメキャラランキング 1位から10位|date=5 October 2017|archive-date=31 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831141640/https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/column/4826/ranking/50712/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Goo Raking|url=https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/vote/results/1224/|title=声優・坂本真綾のハマり役だったアニメキャラは？|archive-date=31 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831141640/https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/vote/results/1224/|url-status=live}}</ref> In popularity polls of ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' characters, Mari consistently placed in the top ten<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Goo Ranking|url=https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/ranking/53135/|title=【新世紀エヴァンゲリオン】一番好きなキャラクターランキング 1位から10位|date=29 December 2020|archive-date=31 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831141445/https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/ranking/53135/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Goo Ranking|url=https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/vote/results/2615/|title=一番好きな新世紀エヴァンゲリオンのキャラクターは？|date=|archive-date=31 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831141641/https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/vote/results/2615/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Comic Book|url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/neon-genesis-evangelion-poll-confirms-favorite-character-asuka/|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Poll Confirms Asuka Really Is Our Favorite|date=20 May 2020|archive-date=3 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603235120/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/neon-genesis-evangelion-poll-confirms-favorite-character-asuka/|url-status=live}}</ref> but usually the lowest Eva pilot.<ref>{{cite web|date=24 July 2019|language=ja|access-date=30 September 2019|url=https://news.merumo.ne.jp/article/genre/8853263|title=女子が好きな『新世紀エヴァンゲリオン』キャラクターTOP3/ 1位はなんとあの脇役！|work=ニュース&エンタメ情報『めるも』 |archive-date=30 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930154146/https://news.merumo.ne.jp/article/genre/8853263|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|publisher=Animeclick|url=https://www.animeclick.it/news/79592-evangelion-qual-e-il-pilota-piu-amato|title=Evangelion: qual è il pilota più amato?|date=24 February 2019|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901200300/https://www.animeclick.it/news/79592-evangelion-qual-e-il-pilota-piu-amato|url-status=live|language=it}}</ref>

===Critical reception=== Mari received mixed critical reviews. Her erotic fan-service scenes were criticized, and some critics noted the lack of explanation of her character.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Comic Book Resources|url=https://www.cbr.com/rebuild-of-evangelion-comparison/|title=10 Ways The Rebuild Movies Made Evangelion Worse|date=23 March 2021|author=Angelo Delos Trinos|archive-date=3 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403210724/https://www.cbr.com/rebuild-of-evangelion-comparison/|url-status=live}}</ref> In ''The Anime Encyclopedia'', Jonathan Clements and Helen McCarthy wrote that Mari seemed to be inserted into the franchise as a "cynical exercise in justifying new action figures" but "making it clear this story was diverging far from the original".<ref>{{cite book|language=en|first1=Jonathan |last1=Clements |first2= Helen |last2= McCarthy |publisher=Stone Bridge Press|date=2015|title=The Anime Encyclopedia, 3rd Revised Edition: A Century of Japanese Animation|chapter=Neon Genesis Evangelion|isbn=9781611729092 |page=237}}</ref> Mark Sombillo of Anime News Network<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/evangelion-2.22-you-can-not-advance|title=Evangelion: 2.22 - You Can (Not) Advance|date=7 June 2011|author=Mark Sombillo|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315201424/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/evangelion-2.22-you-can-not-advance|url-status=live}}</ref> and Nicole MacLean of THEM Anime Reviews agreed; Browne, appreciating hints about Mari's role in the ''Rebuild'' storyline, criticized the character's lack of depth and absurdly complicated English dialogue which made her seem out of place.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews|url=https://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1385|title=Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance|author=Nicole MacLean|archive-date=5 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705090037/http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1385|url-status=live}}</ref> Rehan Fontes of Comic Book Resources saw Mari as futile and flat, existing only for fan service and to pander to the ''otaku'' fan base.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Comic Book Resources|url=https://www.cbr.com/rebuild-of-evangelion-improves-original-doesnt/|title=Rebuild Of Evangelion: 5 Ways It Improves On The Original Anime (& 5 Ways It Doesn't)|date=25 November 2019|author=Rehan Fontes|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023233145/https://www.cbr.com/rebuild-of-evangelion-improves-original-doesnt/|url-status=live}}</ref> Morgan Lewis of ''VGCultureHQ'', who had favourably reviewed ''You Can (Not) Advance'', disliked Mari because of the fan service and the scene in which she talks to Shinji before he decides to re-board his own Eva detracting from Kaji's character.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vgculturehq.com/evangelion-3-01-0-anime-expo-screening-time-revealed/|title=Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Anime Expo Screening Time Revealed|author=Morgan Lewis|publisher=VGCultureHQ|date=2 July 2019|language=en|access-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615014603/https://vgculturehq.com/evangelion-3-01-0-anime-expo-screening-time-revealed/|archive-date=15 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{quote box|quote=Mari's liveliness and enthusiasm cuts such a sharp contrast to the established Eva pilots that her addition feels incongruous, but that is likely the point: she is intended to shake up the status quo and show that one does not have to be socially maladjusted to pilot an Eva. Though she plays an important role in two of the movies' big fight scenes, she does not get enough screen time here for viewers to figure out much about her motives or purpose, but she is the breath of fresh air that the franchise needs and helps restore the sense of mystery inherent in the original series.|source=—Martin Theron (Anime News Network)<ref name=ANN/>|width=35%|align=left}}

Mari's role in ''Evangelion: 3.0'' was also criticized for the same reasons,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Kotaku|url=https://kotaku.com/evangelion-3-0-is-not-the-film-you-were-expecting-5961452|title=Evangelion 3.0 is (Not) the Film You Were Expecting|date=19 November 2012|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712012859/https://kotaku.com/evangelion-3-0-is-not-the-film-you-were-expecting-5961452|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uk-anime.net/anime/Evangelion_3.33:_You_Can_(Not)_Redo.html|title=Evangelion 3.33: You Can (Not) Redo|publisher=UK Anime Review|date=24 February 2016|author=Dan Barnett|access-date=2 June 2022|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420044000/https://uk-anime.net/Anime/Evangelion_3.33:_You_Can_(Not)_Redo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> with ''Anime Reign'' magazine describing her as a superfluous character who contributes nothing noteworthy to the plot.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Evangelion 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo|journal=Anime Reign Magazine|date=2013|page=32|publisher=World Anime Club|issue=2}}</ref> Nicole MacLean of T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews called her entertaining, but enigmatic and underdeveloped.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews|url=https://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1838|title=Evangelion 3.0: You Can (Not) Redo|author=Nicole MacLean|archive-date=7 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307200951/http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1838|url-status=live}}</ref> Chris Homer of ''The Fandom Post'' gave Mari an honourable mention in his 2019 list of the ten best British characters in Japanese animation, praising her lighthearted and combative attitude. He found the character underdeveloped, however, and apparently included for fan service.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2015/04/26/top-10-british-characters-in-anime/|title=Top 10 British Characters In Anime|date=26 April 2015|author=Chris Homer|work=The Fandom Post |archive-date=2 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002163121/https://www.fandompost.com/2015/04/26/top-10-british-characters-in-anime/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Other reviewers praised Mari and her introduction.<ref name=ANN/> Bryan Morton of ''The Fandom Post'' liked her personality, describing her as a welcome dose of uncertainty in a familiar story.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=en|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2011/08/12/evangelion-2-22-you-can-not-advance-uk-anime-blu-ray-review/|title=Evangelion 2.22: You Can (Not) Advance UK Anime Blu-ray Review|date=12 August 2011|author=Bryan Morton|work=The Fandom Post |archive-date=23 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323162742/http://www.fandompost.com/2011/08/12/evangelion-2-22-you-can-not-advance-uk-anime-blu-ray-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> Josh Tolentino of ''Japanator'' listed her among the best British anime characters and liked the fact that, unlike the other pilots, she seemed happy to board an Eva; this made her "more interesting" than the franchise's other characters.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=en|url=https://www.japanator.com/japanaten-the-10-best-british-anime-characters-19344.phtml|title=JapanaTen: The 10 best British anime characters|date=29 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205042031/https://www.japanator.com/japanaten-the-10-best-british-anime-characters-19344.phtml|author=Josh Tolentino|work=Japanator |archive-date=5 December 2017}}</ref> Anime News Network's Martin Theron wrote, "She is the breath of fresh air that the franchise needs and helps restore the sense of mystery inherent in the original series".<ref name=ANN>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/evangelion-2.22/you-can-not-advance/bluray|title=Evangelion 2.22: You Can (Not) Advance|date=31 March 2011|author=Martin Theron|archive-date=15 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615175808/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/evangelion-2.22/you-can-not-advance/bluray|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Evangelion 3.0+1.0'', the final chapter in the ''Rebuild'' saga, also received mixed reviews. Some fans were puzzled by the final scene in which Mari takes Shinji's hand in Ube Station; the gesture was interpreted as indicating a romantic relationship between them, contradicting the idea that the young man would get involved with Asuka.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Toyo Keizai Online|url=https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/439251|title=エヴァの｢マリ｣TV版にはいなかったキャラの正体|date=10 July 2021|archive-date=15 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715222431/https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/439251|url-status=live}}</ref> Several English-speaking reviewers criticized the character, finding her role underdeveloped<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2021/08/23/evangelion-3-01-0-thrice-upon-a-time-anime-movie-review/|title=Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time Anime Movie Review|date=23 August 2021|author=kyler Allen|work=The Fandom Post |access-date=2 June 2022|archive-date=28 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828180707/https://www.fandompost.com/2021/08/23/evangelion-3-01-0-thrice-upon-a-time-anime-movie-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> and noting the lack of explanation about her.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/evangelion/3.0-1.0/thrice-upon-a-time/.170407|title=Evangelion: 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon A Time|date=9 March 2021|author=Richard Eisenbeis|archive-date=10 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310210156/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/evangelion/3.0-1.0/thrice-upon-a-time/.170407|url-status=live}}</ref> Other critics praised the character and her role in the latest film. Henrique Padula of IGN, calling her the shallowest of the saga's pilots, nevertheless appreciated the clarity of her role.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=pt|publisher=IGN|url=https://br.ign.com/evangelion-30-10-thrice-upon-a-time/91694/review/review-evangelion-30-10-thrice-upon-a-time|title=Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0: Thrice Upon a Time - Review|date=14 August 2021|author=Henrique Padula|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818081944/https://br.ign.com/evangelion-30-10-thrice-upon-a-time/91694/review/review-evangelion-30-10-thrice-upon-a-time|url-status=live}}</ref> Raul Velazquez of ''Game Rant'' praised her battle scenes, saying that she may deserves as much cosplay as Rei and Asuka.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Game Rant|author=Raul Velazquez|url=https://gamerant.com/evangelion-3-01-0-thrice-upon-time-review/|title=Evangelion 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon A Time Review|date=13 August 2021|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901200301/https://gamerant.com/evangelion-3-01-0-thrice-upon-time-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> Rebuen Baron of Comic Book Resources called her uninteresting compared to the characters in the classic series, but "she actually serves more of a purpose beyond simple fan service"; Baron wrote that her stability positively affects Shinji, a factor "extremely important to make the ending work as well as it does".<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Comic Book Resources|url=https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-3-0-1-01-thrice-upon-a-time-review/|title=Evangelion: 3.0 + 1.01 Thrice Upon A Time Justifies the Rebuild Movies' Existence|date=15 August 2021|author=Reuben Baron|archive-date=28 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828203959/https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-3-0-1-01-thrice-upon-a-time-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> Comic Book Resources colleague Daniel Kurland said that Mari would be a vital element in the growth of Shinji and the other characters and, interpreting her as a metaphor for Anno's wife, described her as an "even more poignant and important" element for the protagonist.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Comic Book Resources|url=https://www.cbr.com/nge-end-of-evangelion-thrice-upon-a-time-comparison/|title=NGE: 5 Ways End Of Evangelion Was A Perfect Finale (& Why Thrice Upon A Time Is Better)|date=24 August 2021|author=Daniel Kurland|archive-date=2 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902223557/https://www.cbr.com/nge-end-of-evangelion-thrice-upon-a-time-comparison/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Legacy=== [[File:Mari Illustrious Makinami taxi in Sapporo 20130224.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|alt=A purple taxi decorated with Mari|A cab decorated with Mari's picture in Sapporo]] Mari has been used for merchandising items,<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=31|page=30|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=39|pages=23–24|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> including dolls,<ref>{{cite web|language=en|access-date=19 August 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-10-16/mari-illustrious-makinami-gets-sword-wielding-kimono-doll/.94301|title=Mari Illustrious Makinami Gets Sword-Wielding Kimono Doll|date=16 October 2015|publisher=Anime News Network|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829124908/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-10-16/mari-illustrious-makinami-gets-sword-wielding-kimono-doll/.94301|url-status=live}}</ref> action figures,<ref>{{cite web|language=|access-date=19 August 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/astro-toy/2011-02-20/figma-mari-makinami-illustrious|title=Figma Mari Makinami Illustrious|date=20 February 2011|publisher=Anime News Network|archive-date=25 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125014723/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/astro-toy/2011-02-20/figma-mari-makinami-illustrious|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=38|page=24|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> Nendoroids,<ref>{{cite web|language=ja|access-date=19 August 2021|url=https://gigazine.net/news/20190728-evangelion-asuka-rei-wf2019s/|title=エヴァからアスカ＆レイのフィギュアがねんどろいどで登場、さらにプラグスーツ姿からジャージを着こなした私服姿まで盛りだくさん|date=28 July 2019|publisher=Gigazine|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829124904/https://gigazine.net/news/20190728-evangelion-asuka-rei-wf2019s/|url-status=live}}</ref> pins, and a variety of collectible models.<ref>{{cite web|language=en|access-date=20 August 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2019-09-27/robotech-evangelion-and-sailor-moon-added-to-udon-nycc-collectible-line-up/.151624|title=Robotech, Evangelion, & Sailor Moon Added to Udon's NYCC Collectible Line Up|date=27 September 2019|publisher=Anime News Network|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829130358/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2019-09-27/robotech-evangelion-and-sailor-moon-added-to-udon-nycc-collectible-line-up/.151624|url-status=live}}</ref> Clothing lines<ref>{{cite web|language=en|access-date=20 August 2021|url=https://soranews24.com/2020/07/11/evangelion-teams-up-with-fashion-brand-glamb-to-bring-us-seriously-cool-street-art-apparel/|title=Evangelion teams up with fashion brand glamb to bring us seriously cool street art apparel|date=11 July 2020|publisher=SoraNews24|author=Katy Kelly|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815200351/https://soranews24.com/2020/07/11/evangelion-teams-up-with-fashion-brand-glamb-to-bring-us-seriously-cool-street-art-apparel/|url-status=live}}</ref> and articles of clothing were produced with the character, including sweatshirts,<ref>{{cite web|language=en|access-date=20 August 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-04-22/toddler-evangelion-rody-rompers-now-come-in-more-colors/.87382|title=Toddler Evangelion Rody Rompers Now Come in More Colors|date=22 April 2015|publisher=Anime News Network|author=Lynzee Loveridge|archive-date=5 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205101623/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-04-22/toddler-evangelion-rody-rompers-now-come-in-more-colors/.87382|url-status=live}}</ref> bags,<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=37|page=30|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> kimonos,<ref>{{cite web|language=en|access-date=20 August 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-10-14/tokyo-otaku-mode-launches-full-graphic-evangelion-kimono-project/.107675|title=Tokyo Otaku Mode Launches Full-Graphic Evangelion Kimono Project|date=14 October 2016|publisher=Anime News Network|author=Lynzee Loveridge|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829124948/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-10-14/tokyo-otaku-mode-launches-full-graphic-evangelion-kimono-project/.107675|url-status=live}}</ref> jerseys,<ref>{{cite web|language=ja|access-date=20 August 2021|url=https://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/evastore/a81041.html|title=エヴァンゲリオン マリ&8号機 Tシャツ（COSPA）|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819231205/https://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/evastore/a81041.html|archive-date=19 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=32|page=27|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> replica clothing,<ref>{{cite web|language=|access-date=20 August 2021|url=https://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/evastore/d70002.html|title=【受注生産品】真希波・マリ・イラストリアス制服（CONOMi）【初回特典ピンバッチ付】|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820233720/https://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/evastore/d70002.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|language=|access-date=20 August 2021|url=https://kotaku.com/got-6-000-like-rubber-suits-5691996|title=Got $6,000? Like Rubber Suits?|date=17 October 2011|publisher=Kotaku|author=Brian Ashcraft|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829214558/https://sourcepoint.kotaku.com/mms/get_site_data?requestUUID=cd99da39-472c-4878-941d-87ab0248d391&account_id=1195&href=https%3A%2F%2Fkotaku.com%2Fgot-6-000-like-rubber-suits-5691996|url-status=live}}</ref> boots<ref>{{cite web|language=ja|access-date=20 August 2021|url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1409/30/news133.html|title=アスカ、マリ、レイがモチーフ 「ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版」のブーティ登場|date=30 September 2014|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119092155/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1409/30/news133.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and underwear.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-08-05/rei-asuka-and-mari-plug-suits-inspire-official-lingerie/.91318|title=Rei, Asuka, and Mari's Plug Suits Inspire Official Lingerie|date=5 August 2015|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829130843/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-08-05/rei-asuka-and-mari-plug-suits-inspire-official-lingerie/.91318|url-status=live}}</ref> Other merchandise included glasses,<ref>{{cite web|language=en|access-date=20 August 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-12-30/own-gendo-visor-and-misato-sunglasses-from-evangelion|title=Own Gendo's Visor and Misato's Sunglasses from Evangelion|date=30 December 2013|publisher=Anime News Network|author=Bamboo Dong|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617210907/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-12-30/own-gendo-visor-and-misato-sunglasses-from-evangelion|url-status=live}}</ref> necklaces,<ref>{{cite web|language=en|access-date=20 August 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-10-21/30-evangelion-branded-things-that-have-no-reason-to-be-evangelion-branded|title=30 Evangelion-Branded Things That Have No Reason to Be Evangelion-Branded|date=21 October 2013|publisher=Anime News Network|author=Bamboo Dong|archive-date=5 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205103212/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-10-21/30-evangelion-branded-things-that-have-no-reason-to-be-evangelion-branded|url-status=live}}</ref> jewellery,<ref>{{cite web|language=en|access-date=20 August 2021|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-news/2017/10/24-1/wear-a-plug-suit-around-your-neck-with-new-eva-jewelry|title=Wear a Plug Suit (Around Your Neck) with New "Eva" Jewelry|date=25 October 2017|publisher=Crunchyroll|author=Kara Dennison|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829130844/https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-news/2017/10/24-1/wear-a-plug-suit-around-your-neck-with-new-eva-jewelry|url-status=live}}</ref> lighters,<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=34|page=32|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> iPhone stickers,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-11-23/evangelion-bling-buttons-revealed-for-iphones|title=Evangelion Bling Buttons Revealed for iPhones|date=23 November 2012|archive-date=25 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125002632/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-11-23/evangelion-bling-buttons-revealed-for-iphones|url-status=live}}</ref> coffee,<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=35|pages=31–32|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> alcohol and other drinks.<ref>{{cite web|language=en|access-date=20 August 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-11-07/evangelion-energy-drinks-with-12-character-labels-offered|title=Evangelion Energy Drinks with 12 Character Labels Offered|date=7 November 2011|publisher=Anime News Network|author=Jennifer Sherman|archive-date=1 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001195600/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-11-07/evangelion-energy-drinks-with-12-character-labels-offered|url-status=live}}</ref> Mari's glasses were particularly popular.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Ranking Goo|url=https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/column/2150/|title=メガネ姿が可愛いアニメの女子キャラクターランキング|date=5 December 2015|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829124900/https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/column/2150/|url-status=live}}</ref>

A life-size reproduction of the character was displayed at Fuji-Q HighLand amusement park in 2011 with other ''Evangelion''-themed installations.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Kotaku|url=https://kotaku.com/neon-genesis-evangelions-most-illustrious-character-rec-5788954|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion's Most Illustrious Character Recreated|date=4 May 2011|archive-date=1 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001184549/https://kotaku.com/neon-genesis-evangelions-most-illustrious-character-rec-5788954|url-status=live}}</ref> Her picture appeared the following year on buses in Hakone, near the series' fictional Tokyo-3.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-04-27/take-a-tour-of-tokyo-3-on-an-evangelion-bus|title=Take a Tour of Tokyo-3 on an Evangelion Bus|date=27 April 2014|archive-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430044650/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-04-27/take-a-tour-of-tokyo-3-on-an-evangelion-bus|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same city, Panasonic installed electric-vehicle charging stations in 2013 with her picture and those of other characters from the ''Rebuild of Evangelion''.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-11-27/juice-up-your-electric-car-at-an-evangelion-charging-station|title=Juice Up Your Electric Car at an Evangelion Charging Station|date=27 November 2013|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829133426/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-11-27/juice-up-your-electric-car-at-an-evangelion-charging-station|url-status=live}}</ref> The interactive attraction "Evangelion The Real 4D" was unveiled in 2016 to commemorate the original series' twentieth anniversary, recreating the battle against the tenth Angel from Mari's point of view.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2016-03-23/toole-japan-part-ii-attack-on-titan-and-evangelion-at-universal-studios-japan/.100161|title=Toole Japan Part II: Attack on Titan and Evangelion at Universal Studios Japan|date=23 March 2016|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126072301/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2016-03-23/toole-japan-part-ii-attack-on-titan-and-evangelion-at-universal-studios-japan/.100161|url-status=live}}</ref> "Evangelion The Flight", a ride with seats covered by a screen showing a sightseeing trip to Mount Fuji guided by Mari, was announced in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|publisher=Everyeye.it|url=https://anime.everyeye.it/notizie/neon-genesis-evangelion-attacco-angelo-esperienza-mozzafiato-monte-fuji-454291.html|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: L'Attacco dell'Angelo in un'esperienza mozzafiato sul Monte Fuji|date=27 June 2020|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829124853/https://anime.everyeye.it/notizie/neon-genesis-evangelion-attacco-angelo-esperienza-mozzafiato-monte-fuji-454291.html|url-status=live|language=it}}</ref> For the last chapter of ''Rebuild'', one million copies of two A4 posters of Mari and Kaworu were distributed to Japanese cinemas in June 2021.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Famitsu|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202106/21224457.html|title=『シン・エヴァンゲリオン劇場版』最後の入場者プレゼントが6月26日より配布決定。マリ、カヲルのキャストサイン入りミニポスターが100万名に配布|date=21 June 2021|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829133805/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202106/21224457.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=New Yahoo|url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/e822ada45b2589adfac73e82c10d1864860df457|title=【コラム／細野真宏の試写室日記】どこよりも早い「夏休み映画」の総括。勝ち組ランキング・ベスト9は？|date=27 August 2021|archive-date=27 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827071532/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/e822ada45b2589adfac73e82c10d1864860df457|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mari, Rei and Asuka became popular cosplay characters.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Goo|url=https://news.goo.ne.jp/article/moviewalker/entertainment/moviewalker-1016145.html|title=「エヴァ」コスプレを厳選20連発！『シン・エヴァンゲリオン劇場版』公開でコスプレ人気も爆上げ？|work=gooニュース |date=2 January 2021|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829214614/https://news.goo.ne.jp/article/moviewalker/entertainment/moviewalker-1016145.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A number of celebrities have cosplayed her, including idol Jurina Matsui, former member of the group AKB48,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-10-14/ske48-jurina-matsui-cosplayed-as-evangelion-mari-for-a-handshake-event/.79917|title=SKE48's Jurina Matsui Cosplayed As Evangelion's Mari For A Handshake Event|date=14 October 2014|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829133457/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-10-14/ske48-jurina-matsui-cosplayed-as-evangelion-mari-for-a-handshake-event/.79917|url-status=live}}</ref> Airi Shimizu,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Nico Nico Video|url=https://news.nicovideo.jp/watch/nw3067342|title=ピチピチのヒップが超セクシー！人気Hカップグラドル・清水あいりのエヴァ"真希波マリ"コスプレに歓喜の声「めちゃくちゃいいピッチリ感」|date=14 November 2017|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829124914/https://news.nicovideo.jp/watch/nw3067342|url-status=live}}</ref> singer Shoko Nakagawa,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2010-10-14/idol-shoko-nakagawa-models-evangelion-themed-wetsuit|title=Idol Shoko Nakagawa Models Evangelion-Themed Wetsuit|date=14 October 2010|archive-date=25 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125005025/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2010-10-14/idol-shoko-nakagawa-models-evangelion-themed-wetsuit|url-status=live}}</ref> First Summer Uika,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Yahoo News|url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/aed35469ff7614771ebea462026857f094b568e9|title=ファーストサマーウイカ、『エヴァ』"真希波マリ"コスプレに絶賛集まる「めっちゃいい」|date=22 August 2021|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829125915/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/aed35469ff7614771ebea462026857f094b568e9|url-status=live}}</ref> Tenka Hashimoto,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=|url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/2105/25/news116.html|title=てんちむ、「エヴァ」真希波・マリのコス姿が"3次元優秀賞"モノ スラッとした腰のくびれに「鼻血出そう」|date=25 May 2021|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829134038/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/2105/25/news116.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Mea Shimotsuki,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=|url=https://sirabee.com/2021/07/13/20162615528/|title=「似合いすぎ…」 霜月めあの「真希波マリ」コスプレにファンため息|work=Sirabee |date=13 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712211737/https://sirabee.com/2021/07/13/20162615528/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ayana Tsubaki<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|volume=40|pages=31–32|publisher=Sony Magazines|language=ja}}</ref> and actress Natsuki Kato.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=ja|publisher=Cinema Today|url=https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0024616|title=加藤夏希、エヴァの新キャラ"真希波・マリ・イラストリアス"のコスプレ姿で登場！まさかのまだ観ていません！|date=26 May 2010|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829124855/https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0024616|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010, in conjunction with the Blu-ray release of ''You Can (Not) Advance'', a cosplayer dressed as Mari appeared at the Animate's store in Tokyo's Akihabara district.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=zh|url=http://acg.178.com/201005/68957172050.html|title=真希波眼镜娘Cos当街卖萌，为「EVA：破」发售造势~|date=28 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415191721/http://acg.178.com/201005/68957172050.html|archive-date=15 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=zh|url=http://acg.178.com/201006/69900336271.html|title=完美再现EVA眼镜娘！美女COS真希波系列照片奉上|date=7 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415124836/http://acg.178.com/201006/69900336271.html|archive-date=15 April 2018}}</ref> The song "365 no march", which Mari hummed in her introductory scene, again became popular.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=31 August 2021|language=zh|url=http://comic.yesky.com/138/11497138.shtml|title=阿宅钱多超好骗!!Gainax真希波红色眼镜上市|date=24 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415190259/http://comic.yesky.com/138/11497138.shtml|archive-date=15 April 2018}}</ref> D.Va's character in ''Overwatch'' has been compared to Mari; critics noted that D.Va also owns a pink robot, an armed drone known as Meka.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=29 August 2021|language=en|publisher=|url=https://win.gg/news/overwatch-anniversary-event-brings-returning-modes-legendary-skins/|title=Overwatch Anniversary event brings returning modes, legendary skins|date=20 May 2019 |archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829124803/https://win.gg/news/overwatch-anniversary-event-brings-returning-modes-legendary-skins/|url-status=live}}</ref> There is also a reference to Mari in an episode of ''Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku''.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=20 October 2021|url=https://www.cbr.com/anime-neon-genesis-evangelion-references-homage-tribute/|title=10 Anime That Referenced Neon Genesis Evangelion|date=16 September 2021|author=Angelo Delos Trinos|publisher=Comic Book Resources|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925040139/https://www.cbr.com/anime-neon-genesis-evangelion-references-homage-tribute/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== References == {{reflist}}

=== Sources === * {{cite book|date=2010|title=ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版：破 全記録全集|publisher=Ground Works|isbn=978-4-905033-00-4|language=ja|author=Khara}}

{{Neon Genesis Evangelion}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Makinami, Mari Illustrious}} Category:Anime and manga characters introduced in 2009 Category:Female characters in animated films Category:Female characters in anime and manga Category:Fictional English people Category:Fictional female child soldiers Category:Fictional child soldiers Category:Fictional hāfu Category:Fictional mecha pilots Category:Neon Genesis Evangelion characters Category:Teenage characters in anime and manga