The Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel is officially in production, promising to continue the success of the original film. Nintendo and Illumination confirmed that the upcoming animated movie will be titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, inspired by Mario’s famous interstellar adventures on the Wii console.
Returning to direct are Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, while Matthew Fogel and Brian Tyler reprise their roles as screenwriter and composer, respectively. The main voice cast from the first film also returns, including 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 original movie remains the highest-grossing video game adaptation ever, earning over $1.3 billion worldwide.
Release Date and Studio Details for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
The sequel is set to be released in theaters on April 3, 2026, distributed by Universal Pictures. Production is underway at Illumination’s studio in Paris, where the creative team is working hard to build on the original’s legacy with a story that nods to every corner of Mario’s universe, promising surprises for longtime fans.
Anticipation Grows Around New Casting and Story Developments
Fans are eager to discover who will voice the cosmic princess Rosalina, a beloved character from the Galaxy games, though that casting remains unannounced. Illumination’s founder and CEO, Chris Meledandri, assured audiences that more casting news will be shared as the project progresses.
During a Nintendo Direct livestream commemorating Mario’s 40th anniversary, Meledandri reflected on the franchise’s enduring impact:
“As we celebrate Mario’s 40th anniversary, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the four decades of creativity, imagination, and adventure that Mario has brought to life for fans across generations and around the world,”
he said.
He added further context about the film’s inspiration and ambition:
“From its groundbreaking world-building to its iconic characters and unforgettable music, the Super Mario Bros. have left a lasting impact on the very fabric of our culture. All of us at Illumination feel so fortunate to continue our collaboration with Nintendo as we expand the life of Mario in movies. And while the Super Mario Galaxy games are the core inspiration for our story, this next film holds surprises for fans of every Mario era. Our directors, Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, along with the extraordinary team of artists at our studio in Paris, are very busy working to deliver a film that aspires to earn its place in the history we’re here to celebrate.”
Legacy and Availability of the Original Super Mario Bros. Movie
The original Super Mario Bros. Movie remains a major cultural milestone as the most successful film adaptation of a video game. It continues to be accessible for fans, currently available to own through Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, maintaining its popularity as anticipation builds for the Galaxy sequel.
