The Super Mario Galaxy Movie just got officially confirmed, and Nintendo fans everywhere are losing their minds. After months of speculation and leaks, Nintendo finally pulled back the curtain during their September 2025 Direct presentation, revealing that everyone’s favorite plumber is heading to space in 2026.
This isn’t just any ordinary sequel announcement. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie represents Nintendo’s bold move to expand their cinematic universe after the incredible success of 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which raked in a jaw-dropping $1.36 billion worldwide.
What We Know About The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
The official announcement came with some fantastic news for fans. First off, the entire original voice cast is returning. Chris Pratt will once again don the red cap as Mario, while Anya Taylor-Joy returns as Princess Peach. Charlie Day brings back Luigi’s nervous energy, and Jack Black will undoubtedly steal scenes again as the villainous Bowser.
The supporting cast includes Keegan-Michael Key as Toad and Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek. Notably absent from the initial announcement was Seth Rogen’s Donkey Kong, though rumors suggest he might be getting his own standalone film.
Behind the camera, directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic are returning after their successful work on the first film. Matthew Fogel is back to write the screenplay, ensuring continuity in storytelling style. Even composer Brian Tyler is returning to create what will likely be another memorable soundtrack.
Release Date and Global Rollout
Mark your calendars for April 3, 2026 – that’s when The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits theaters across the United States. Japanese fans will have to wait just a bit longer, with their release scheduled for April 24, 2026. Other international markets will see releases throughout April 2026.
Universal Pictures will handle global distribution, just like they did with the first film. The partnership between Nintendo, Illumination, and Universal has proven to be a goldmine, so expect the same level of production quality and marketing push.
Why Super Mario Galaxy Makes Perfect Sense
The choice to base the sequel on Super Mario Galaxy is brilliant from both creative and commercial perspectives. The original 2007 Wii game is considered one of the greatest platformers ever made, introducing innovative gravity-based gameplay and stunning cosmic environments.
The space setting opens up incredible possibilities for visual storytelling. Instead of being confined to the familiar Mushroom Kingdom, Mario and friends can explore diverse planets, each with unique physics and challenges. This gives Illumination’s animation team the chance to create truly spectacular sequences that wouldn’t be possible in a more grounded setting.
Plus, the galaxy theme aligns perfectly with Nintendo’s 40th anniversary celebrations for Super Mario Bros., which originally launched in Japan on September 13, 1985. Nintendo is clearly positioning this film as the centerpiece of their anniversary festivities.
What the Teaser Revealed
The brief teaser trailer showed Mario peacefully sleeping under a tree with Princess Peach’s castle in the background. We glimpsed familiar characters like Monty Mole digging underground and Cheep Cheeps swimming in streams, suggesting the film will blend familiar elements with new galactic adventures.
Interestingly, the teaser featured music from Super Mario World, which had been rumored as the film’s title before the official announcement. The appearance of Luma, the adorable star character from the Galaxy games, confirms that space exploration will be central to the plot.
Building on Unprecedented Success
The original Super Mario Bros. Movie shattered expectations and records. It became the most successful video game adaptation in cinema history and currently ranks as the fifth highest-grossing animated film ever. With numbers like that, a sequel was inevitable.
What makes this success even more impressive is how the film managed to appeal to both longtime Nintendo fans and general audiences. Kids loved the colorful animation and humor, while adults appreciated the countless gaming references and nostalgic elements.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has the advantage of building on that proven formula while introducing fresh elements that can surprise even dedicated fans. The space setting provides natural opportunities for spectacular action sequences and creative problem-solving scenarios that should translate beautifully to the big screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will The Super Mario Galaxy Movie be released?
The film is scheduled for April 3, 2026 in the United States and April 24, 2026 in Japan, with other international releases throughout April 2026.
Is the original voice cast returning for the sequel?
Yes, Chris Pratt (Mario), Anya Taylor-Joy (Princess Peach), Charlie Day (Luigi), Jack Black (Bowser), Keegan-Michael Key (Toad), and Kevin Michael Richardson (Kamek) are all returning to reprise their roles.
Who is directing The Super Mario Galaxy Movie?
Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic are returning as directors, with Matthew Fogel writing the screenplay and Brian Tyler composing the score.
Will this movie be based on the Super Mario Galaxy video game?
Yes, the film takes inspiration from the beloved 2007 Wii game Super Mario Galaxy, which introduced gravity-based gameplay and cosmic exploration elements.
How successful was the first Super Mario Bros. Movie?
The 2023 film earned $1.36 billion worldwide, making it the most successful video game adaptation ever and the fifth highest-grossing animated film of all time.
What animation studio is producing the sequel?
Illumination Entertainment, the studio behind Despicable Me and Minions, is producing the film in partnership with Nintendo.
Are there plans for more Nintendo movies after this?
Yes, Nintendo is expanding their film universe with a Legend of Zelda movie scheduled for March 26, 2027, and there are rumors about a standalone Donkey Kong film.
Conclusion
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie represents everything fans could want from a sequel – familiar characters, proven creative team, and a fresh setting that promises spectacular visuals and creative storytelling. With the space theme offering unlimited possibilities for adventure and the entire original cast returning, this looks like it could match or even exceed the success of its predecessor.
Nintendo’s decision to tie this release to Mario’s 40th anniversary shows just how important this film is to their overall strategy. They’re not just making movies – they’re building a comprehensive entertainment empire that spans games, films, and beyond.
April 2026 can’t come soon enough for fans eager to see Mario take his biggest adventure yet to the stars. If the first film proved anything, it’s that Nintendo knows how to translate their gaming magic to the big screen.