Fox McCloud joins The Super Mario Galaxy Movie with the help of Top Gun: Maverick star Glen Powell.
Glen Powell has officially revealed that he is voicing legendary pilot Fox McCloud in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, adding one of Nintendo’s most beloved space heroes to the highly anticipated animated sequel arriving April 1.
Powell shared the news on social media, instantly sparking excitement among fans eager to see how the iconic Star Fox leader will fit into the expanding world of Nintendo’s blockbuster film franchise. The announcement signals that the new film may explore territory far beyond the Mushroom Kingdom, introducing characters from across Nintendo’s gaming legacy.
The film features an all-star voice cast including Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Benny Safdie, Donald Glover, Issa Rae, Luis Guzmán, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Brie Larson.
Written by Matthew Fogel and directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the film reunites the creative team behind the global hit The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which earned more than $1.3 billion worldwide. Producers Chris Meledandri and Shigeru Miyamoto return to guide the next chapter of Nintendo’s cinematic storytelling.
Fox McCloud’s Legacy in Nintendo History
Fox McCloud first debuted in Nintendo’s groundbreaking 1993 game Star Fox, a title that helped pioneer early 3D polygon graphics on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. As leader of the elite Star Fox team, Fox defends the Lylat System from intergalactic threats, most notably the villain Andross.
The character quickly became one of Nintendo’s most recognizable heroes thanks to his confident leadership style, skilled piloting, and strong sense of loyalty to his team. Fox’s story often centers on honoring the legacy of his father, James McCloud, while protecting the galaxy alongside teammates Falco Lombardi, Slippy Toad, and Peppy Hare.
Fox McCloud’s popularity continued to grow through sequels such as Star Fox 64 and appearances in crossover titles like Super Smash Bros., where he became one of the franchise’s most recognizable fighters.
Introducing Fox McCloud into The Super Mario Galaxy Movie marks one of the biggest steps yet toward blending multiple Nintendo properties within a shared cinematic world.
The Top Gun Connection Makes Glen Powell a Natural Fit
Powell’s casting carries an additional layer of appeal due to his performance in Top Gun: Maverick, where he portrayed confident naval aviator Jake “Hangman” Seresin. That role showcased Powell’s ability to balance charisma, competitive energy, and precision-driven intensity.
Fox McCloud shares many of those same qualities. The Star Fox leader is known for calm decision-making under pressure, strong instincts in aerial combat, and a fearless willingness to lead dangerous missions.
The connection between Powell’s Top Gun role and Fox McCloud’s space pilot reputation creates a natural alignment that strengthens the casting choice while giving audiences a familiar personality type to connect with immediately.
Nintendo’s Film Universe Continues to Grow
The success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie demonstrated that video game adaptations can resonate with global audiences when supported by strong storytelling and faithful world-building. With Fox McCloud entering the picture, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie appears poised to expand the scope of Nintendo’s film universe beyond Mario’s traditional circle of characters.
Nintendo has one of the deepest libraries of recognizable characters in entertainment history, including franchises such as The Legend of Zelda which has a SONY live-action film in the works, Metroid, Kirby, and Donkey Kong who has already been introdued. Adding characters from outside the core Mario world suggests the company may be exploring a long-term strategy that connects multiple properties on the big screen.
Could Super Smash Bros. Be Next?
Fox McCloud’s inclusion naturally raises a larger question among fans. Because the character is also a major presence in the long-running Super Smash Bros. series, his arrival in a Mario-centered film opens the door to speculation about whether Nintendo may eventually bring multiple franchises together in one shared crossover story.
While nothing has been officially announced regarding a Super Smash Bros. film, the expansion of Nintendo’s cinematic universe makes the idea feel more possible than ever. The company has already demonstrated a willingness to carefully introduce fan-favorite characters beyond Mario, and Fox McCloud represents one of the most recognizable crossover figures in Nintendo history.
Film Details
Directors: Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic
Screenplay: Matthew Fogel
Producers: Chris Meledandri and Shigeru Miyamoto
Cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Benny Safdie, Donald Glover, Issa Rae, Luis Guzmán, Kevin Michael Richardson, Brie Larson, and Glen Powell
Release Date: April 1
Read more News on Nerdtropolis. Subscribe to our YouTube.
Discover more from Nerdtropolis - Movie News, Reviews, Interviews, and Trailers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
