In a 2013 interview with Polygon, director Bryce Holliday revealed that Luigi's portrayal in the game was influenced by the 1990 British comedy series Mr. Bean. The show served as reference material for Luigi's animations and characterization, with Holliday noting parallels between Luigi and the show's title character as a "hapless fool and reluctant hero." Holliday also felt that these similarities would help audiences sympathize with Luigi, which in turn would supplement the comic relief that his reactions and mishaps provide.