Nintendo and Illumination have officially revealed the much-anticipated sequel to their record-breaking animated hit The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The new installment has been titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and will release in theaters worldwide on April 3, 2026.
This exciting announcement was made during a special Nintendo Direct presentation, perfectly timed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game, which first launched on September 13, 1985. The reveal came with a teaser that immediately set the internet ablaze with fan theories, nostalgia, and sky-high expectations.
🌌 From the Mushroom Kingdom to the Stars
The short teaser begins peacefully in the Mushroom Kingdom, showing Mario sleeping under a tree near Princess Peach’s castle. But soon, the perspective shifts — the camera pans beyond the clouds, soaring into deep space. Fans caught glimpses of beloved characters, including Monty Mole, Cheep Cheeps, Toads, and even the star-shaped creatures known as Lumas, central figures in the 2007 Nintendo Wii classic Super Mario Galaxy.
This intergalactic setting signals a dramatic expansion of the Mario universe, promising gravity-defying adventures across planets, asteroids, and galaxies. Fans are already buzzing about whether the space princess Rosalina—a key figure in the Super Mario Galaxy games—will make her cinematic debut.
🎭 Returning Cast & Possible New Faces
Just like the first movie, the sequel boasts an all-star voice cast:
Chris Pratt as Mario
Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach
Charlie Day as Luigi
Jack Black as Bowser
Keegan-Michael Key as Toad
Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek
All these fan-favorite voices are confirmed to return. However, speculation is running wild about who might voice Rosalina and whether Yoshi, teased in the post-credits of the first movie, will finally step into the spotlight.
💰 Box Office Expectations After a Billion-Dollar Debut
The first Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) was nothing short of a phenomenon. Grossing $1.36 billion globally, it became the highest-grossing video game adaptation in history and the fifth most successful animated film of all time.
Given this record, industry experts predict that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie could surpass even those numbers. With its space-themed narrative, broader character roster, and nostalgic ties to one of Nintendo’s most beloved games, the sequel is positioned to dominate the box office in 2026.
🎶 Music, Direction & Creative Team
The film will once again be directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, with Matthew Fogel returning as screenwriter. Longtime Mario fans will be pleased to hear that Brian Tyler is back to compose the soundtrack, which will blend cinematic orchestration with iconic melodies from Nintendo’s legendary music library.
Illumination founder Chris Meledandri described the project as a love letter to four decades of Mario history:
“While Super Mario Galaxy is the heart of our story, this film is designed for fans of every Mario game. We want this sequel to feel like a milestone in Mario’s journey, one that honors his past and boldly expands his future.”
🎮 Nintendo’s Expanding Cinematic Universe
The announcement of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is part of Nintendo’s broader push into Hollywood. Alongside Mario, the company is also working with Sony Pictures on a Legend of Zelda live-action movie, slated for release in 2027 and directed by Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes).
This multi-franchise expansion suggests that Nintendo is building a shared cinematic universe, not unlike Marvel or DC — but rooted in its own iconic game worlds.
🚀 Why This Sequel Matters
For many fans, Super Mario Galaxy (2007) represents one of Nintendo’s most groundbreaking titles. Its inventive use of gravity, planetary exploration, and introduction of Rosalina and the Lumas left a permanent mark on gaming history. Translating this into film allows Illumination to create a visually breathtaking, cosmic-scale adventure unlike anything seen in the first movie.
If successful, this sequel could elevate video game movies to new heights, proving they can carry the same cultural weight as superhero franchises.
🌍 Release Plans
North America & International: April 3, 2026
Japan: Late April 2026
As the countdown begins, fans are already marking their calendars and sharing theories across social media. Whether you’re a lifelong Nintendo player or someone who simply enjoyed the first movie’s humor and heart, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie promises to be one of the biggest cinematic events of the decade.
Ugur is an editor and writer at Need Some Fun (NSF News), covering world news, history, archaeology, cultural heritage, science, entertainment, travel, animals, health, and games. He delivers well-researched and credible stories to inform and entertain readers worldwide. Contact: [email protected]
