Nintendo officially revealed the title of its Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel during September’s Nintendo Direct! “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” will hit theaters on April 3, 2026, bringing the beloved space-themed adventures from the 2007 Wii game to the big screen through Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment.
From Brooklyn to Space: Mario’s Cosmic Adventure
The animated sequel takes inspiration from Nintendo’s acclaimed Super Mario Galaxy video game, originally released in 2007 for the Nintendo Wii. This space-themed approach promises to expand Mario’s cinematic universe beyond the Mushroom Kingdom into cosmic adventures featuring gravity-defying gameplay elements.
| Cast & Crew | Role | Returning Status |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Pratt | Mario | Confirmed returning |
| Anya Taylor-Joy | Princess Peach | Confirmed returning |
| Charlie Day | Luigi | Confirmed returning |
| Jack Black | Bowser | Confirmed returning |
| Matthew Fogel | Screenwriter | Returning from first film |
40th Anniversary Celebration Centerpiece
Nintendo President Shigeru Miyamoto announced that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will headline Mario’s 40th anniversary celebrations throughout 2026. This positions the film as a major milestone in the franchise’s history, celebrating four decades of the iconic plumber’s adventures.
Universal Appeal Beyond Game Fans
Producer Chris Meledandri emphasized that while the movie carries the Super Mario Galaxy name, it will appeal to fans of all Mario games. This approach ensures broad audience accessibility while incorporating beloved space-themed elements from the Galaxy series.
Building on Record-Breaking Success
The original Super Mario Bros. Movie became a massive box office hit, making this sequel one of the most anticipated animated films of 2026. The space setting offers unlimited creative possibilities for stunning visuals and innovative storytelling that could surpass the original’s success.
What to Expect: Galaxy Elements in Cinema
The Galaxy theme suggests audiences can expect:
- Gravity-defying action sequences
- Colorful cosmic environments
- Iconic music from the beloved game soundtrack
- New planetary worlds and characters
- Enhanced visual spectacle through space settings
Release Timeline and Marketing Strategy
The April 3, 2026 release date positions the sequel perfectly for spring family entertainment, following the successful release pattern of the original film. This timing allows for extensive marketing campaigns and merchandise tie-ins throughout Mario’s anniversary year.
Industry Impact and Expectations
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie represents Nintendo’s continued confidence in theatrical releases following the original’s billion-dollar success. The space theme could set new standards for animated adventure films while strengthening Nintendo’s entertainment expansion beyond gaming.
FAQs
Will the Galaxy Movie feature the same voice cast as the first film?
Yes, Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, and Jack Black are all confirmed to return.
Do I need to play Super Mario Galaxy to understand the movie?
No, the film is designed to appeal to all audiences, not just game players.
