Super Mario Galaxy movie excitement is sky-high as Nintendo and Illumination officially announced that Mario’s next cinematic journey, titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, will debut in theaters on April 3, 2026, in the U.S. and April 24, 2026, in Japan. The confirmation arrived during Nintendo’s September 2025 Direct and has already set social media alight, promising another blockbuster after the $1.36 billion global success of 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
A Galaxy of New Adventures
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is positioned as a direct sequel to the 2023 cinematic hit, elevating the stakes by catapulting its characters—from Mario and Luigi to Princess Peach and Bowser—out of the Mushroom Kingdom and into the vastness of outer space. The film takes its inspiration and visual cues from Nintendo’s 2007 smash-hit Wii game, Super Mario Galaxy, celebrated for its imaginative planets, gravity-defying platforming, and magical cosmic settings.
According to Nintendo and Universal’s announcement, fans can expect the film to be the cornerstone of Mario’s 40th anniversary festivities, making it one of the most buzzworthy movie releases of 2026.
Returning Cast and Creative Team
Promising continuity, the studio confirmed the return of the beloved 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
These returning stars are joined once again by directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, with Matthew Fogel writing the screenplay. Illumination founder Chris Meledandri and Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto will continue their roles as producers, ensuring creative consistency and deep ties to the iconic game franchise.
Teaser Footage and What’s in Store
The first teaser trailer released during the Nintendo Direct gives only a glimpse—a tranquil Mario asleep beneath a tree, Peach’s castle in the distance, then a camera lift through clouds and stars, ending with the iconic Super Mario Galaxy logo. While plot details remain held close to the vest, hints suggest that the new film’s narrative will follow Mario and friends as they venture beyond their world, encounter cosmic creatures, and face new threats amidst the stars.
Game fans will recognize the likely arrival of Rosalina, the mysterious “Guardian of the Cosmos” and Luma, as teased in both the original game and in current speculation about the movie’s character roster.
Box Office and Franchise Impact
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) not only shattered records as the top-grossing video game adaptation, but also reinvigorated interest in Nintendo’s cinematic potential. Analysts expect the Super Mario Galaxy Movie to draw massive crowds with a built-in fan base, cross-generational appeal, and expanded international reach. Nintendo and Illumination’s focus on vibrant, meticulous animation and family-friendly storytelling positions this sequel as a top contender for 2026’s animated film of the year.
Why Move to Space?
- Brings visually spectacular, “gravity-bending” environments from the Galaxy game to the big screen.
- Opens narrative space for new characters and worlds—particularly Rosalina and her Luma companions.
- Expands the Mario movie universe, raising stakes and variety for long-time fans and newcomers.
- Aligns the movie with Mario’s 40th anniversary, connecting nostalgia with forward-looking creativity.
Full Cast Table: Who’s Returning for the Super Mario Galaxy Movie
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Mario | Chris Pratt |
| Luigi | Charlie Day |
| Princess Peach | Anya Taylor-Joy |
| Bowser | Jack Black |
| Toad | Keegan-Michael Key |
| Kamek | Kevin Michael Richardson |
| (TBA) Rosalina | (Unannounced) |
Additional cast for Rosalina and other cosmic characters will likely be announced in coming months.
Nintendo’s Expanding Cinematic Universe
The announcement of the Super Mario Galaxy Movie isn’t the end of Nintendo’s movie ambitions. Alongside this major reveal, Nintendo and Sony Pictures are in development on a Legend of Zelda film, further demonstrating Nintendo’s commitment to translating its beloved franchises to film, potentially opening the door to a Nintendo cinematic universe.
Anticipation and 40th Anniversary Tie-In
Nintendo has timed the release to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Super Mario franchise in 2025, planning celebratory game launches (including Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel for Switch/2) and extensive merchandise and media tie-ins. This cross-media strategy ensures massive cultural footprint and audience awareness heading into April 2026.
Closing Thoughts
The excitement around the Super Mario Galaxy movie is well-founded, thanks to a winning formula: beloved characters, visually stunning settings, a trusted creative team, and a timely release that dovetails with a major anniversary. With the original cast returning and a likely expansion of the Mario mythos into the stars, fans of all ages have plenty of reasons to anticipate a cosmic new chapter for everyone’s favorite plumber.
Are you excited to see Mario take on the galaxy? Share your hopes, reactions, and character wishlists in the comments below.