Illumination and Universal bring Mario back to the big screen.
Universal Pictures and Illumination have revealed the official title for the highly anticipated sequel to 2023’s record-breaking hit, The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The follow-up will be called The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. It is set to arrive in theaters on April 3, 2026.
From Wii Classic to the Big Screen
The movie draws inspiration from the beloved 2007 Nintendo Wii game, Super Mario Galaxy. The new film will expand Mario’s universe in a cosmic adventure. The announcement was made during Friday’s Nintendo Direct, just in time for the upcoming 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. video game, which first debuted on September 13, 1985.
As part of the celebration, Nintendo also revealed that Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 will be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 2, 2025. This re-release gives fans a chance to revisit the games that inspired the new movie.
A Record-Breaking Predecessor
Released in April 2023, The Super Mario Bros. Movie smashed expectations at the box office. With a lifetime gross of $1.36 billion, it became the most successful video game adaptation ever, surpassing previous records by a wide margin.
The animated blockbuster featured a star-studded voice cast, including Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, and Keegan-Michael Key as Toad.
Nintendo’s Expanding Movie Universe
Nintendo is not slowing down when it comes to cinematic adaptations. In addition to Mario’s return, the gaming giant has teamed up with Sony Pictures for a live-action Legend of Zelda film. Wes Ball, the filmmaker behind Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, directs it. The movie is slated to hit theaters on March 26, 2027.
What’s Next for Mario?
With a title like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, audiences can expect breathtaking intergalactic settings, new characters, and imaginative storylines inspired by the fan-favorite game. For Illumination and Universal, the challenge will be topping one of the most successful animated films of all time.
The countdown begins now—Mario is heading to the stars in 2026.
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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.
