What's Happening?
The sequel to the Super Mario Bros Movie has been officially titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, as announced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and Nintendo Co., Ltd. The film is scheduled for release on April 3, 2026, in the U.S., with a subsequent release in Japan on April 24, 2026. Returning voice actors include Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek. The film is directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, with a screenplay by Matthew Fogel. The movie is co-financed by Universal Pictures and Nintendo, and will be distributed worldwide by Universal.
Why It's Important?
The announcement of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a major development in the entertainment industry, particularly for animated films. The original Super Mario Bros Movie was a significant box office success, becoming the third highest-grossing animated movie globally with $1.36 billion. This sequel is expected to continue the franchise's success, potentially influencing future animated film productions and collaborations between major studios like Illumination and Nintendo. The return of the original cast and production team suggests a commitment to maintaining the quality and appeal of the franchise.
What's Next?
As production progresses, fans can expect further updates on additional cast members and plot details. The film's release could impact the animated film market, setting new benchmarks for box office performance and audience engagement. The success of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie may lead to more adaptations of Nintendo's franchises, expanding the scope of video game-based films.