‘Super Mario Bros. 2’ Gets Official Title, Release Date
The wait is finally over for Mario fans. Universal and Illumination have confirmed that the sequel to 2023’s record-breaking “Super Mario Bros. Movie” will officially be titled “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.” The highly anticipated animated sequel will hit theaters worldwide on April 3, 2026.
The film borrows its title and inspiration from Nintendo’s beloved 2007 video game “Super Mario Galaxy,” which first launched on the Wii console. The official reveal was made during a Nintendo Direct presentation on Friday, just ahead of the 40th anniversary of the original 1985 “Super Mario Bros.” video game release on September 13.
Teaser and First Look
The Nintendo Direct gave fans a short teaser to set the tone for the sequel. The footage opened with Mario sleeping peacefully under a tree, while Princess Peach’s castle loomed in the background. As the camera panned upward toward the stars, the teaser dropped quick glimpses of Monty Mole tunneling underground, Cheep Cheeps splashing through streams, and bustling Toads around the castle. The visual hint made it clear that this sequel is heading to the vast and magical world of space.
Returning Star-Studded Cast
Much like the first film, the sequel will feature a star-studded voice lineup. Chris Pratt returns as Mario, alongside 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.
Their return ensures continuity for audiences who helped turn the first movie into one of the biggest animated blockbusters in history.
A Billion-Dollar Success Story
When “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” launched in April 2023, it smashed records across the globe. The film went on to gross an astonishing $1.36 billion worldwide, making it the most successful video game adaptation ever. It currently ranks as the fifth highest-grossing animated film of all time, sitting just behind “Ne Zha 2,” “Inside Out 2,” Disney’s 2019 remake of “The Lion King,” and “Frozen 2.”
The first installment followed the journey of Brooklyn plumbers Mario and Luigi as they were pulled into the Mushroom Kingdom. Teaming up with Princess Peach, Toad, and Donkey Kong, Mario fought to rescue his brother from the clutches of the Koopa King Bowser.
Given the huge box office returns and the passionate fanbase, it was inevitable that a sequel would happen.
Nintendo’s Expanding Film Universe
Nintendo’s partnership with Universal and Illumination is not the gaming giant’s only venture into Hollywood. The company is also collaborating with Sony Pictures for a live-action “Legend of Zelda” movie set to premiere on March 26, 2027. Directed by Wes Ball, the fantasy film will star Bo Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link.
This expansion signals Nintendo’s clear ambition to build a long-term cinematic universe inspired by its most iconic franchises.
What’s Next
With the sequel now officially titled “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” anticipation is already soaring. Fans are eager to see how Illumination adapts one of Mario’s most beloved game adventures, especially with its intergalactic settings and cosmic gameplay elements.
Between its April 2026 release and the Zelda movie following in 2027, Nintendo fans have much to look forward to on the big screen.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
