Nintendo and Illumination have finally revealed major details about Super Mario Bros. 2—now officially titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie—the highly anticipated sequel to the 2023 animated hit The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
All eyes were on the recent Nintendo Direct, which also marked the franchise’s 40th anniversary, on September 12.
In addition to new Nintendo titles and key updates for the Switch, the event also unveiled the cast and release window for Super Mario Bros. 2.
When will The Super Mario Galaxy Movie be Released?
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is set to release in April 2026—two years after the first film. The original movie was a massive success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide.
It followed Mario and Luigi’s journey from Brooklyn plumbers to heroes of the Mushroom Kingdom after being transported through a mysterious pipe.
"We are hard at work on the next movie, and we’re working very closely with the team at Nintendo,” Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri said. “It’s my hope that the movie will entertain and be embraced by the core fans first, but we also hope that the film will appeal to new fans who have not yet embraced Mario and the world of Nintendo."
Is There a The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Trailer?
The first teaser for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie was also unveiled during the Nintendo Direct.
While it doesn’t reveal much, it showcases the film’s high-quality animation—matching, if not surpassing, the original.
The teaser features Mario leaning against a tree before taking viewers on a scenic journey through the Mushroom Kingdom, ending with a shot of Princess Peach’s stained-glass window.
As the camera rises above the clouds, the sequel’s official title is revealed.
Who are the Cast of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie?
So far, Nintendo and Illumination have only confirmed the return of the original cast from the first movie.
Chris Pratt will reprise his role as Mario, alongside Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, and Jack Black as Bowser.
Keegan-Michael Key and Kevin Michael Richardson will also return as Toad and Kamek, respectively.
It’s yet to be seen who will play the new characters, like Rosalina.
What is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is About?
While Nintendo and Illumination have yet to reveal the official plotline of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, we can get some clues from its source material, the game Super Mario Galaxy.
The game begins with the Star Festival, where residents gather to watch a passing comet. However, Bowser crashes the event, kidnapping Princess Peach and lifting her castle into space.
Mario tries to stop him but ends up in space as well, where he meets Rosalina, the caretaker of tiny star-shaped creatures called Luma.
Rosalina’s home, the Comet Observatory, had previously been attacked by Bowser, who stole its power source, the Power Stars, leaving it stranded.
After hearing her story, Mario sets out to collect the Power Stars, restore the Observatory, and rescue Peach.
However, the sequel won’t be a direct adaptation of the game. In fact, Meledandri teased that the film will expand beyond its inspiration.
“While the Super Mario Galaxy games are the core inspiration for our story, this next film holds surprises for fans of every Mario era,” he said. “Our directors, Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, along with our team of artists, are working hard to deliver a film that earns its place in the history we’re here to celebrate. Brian Tyler is also returning to compose a score that incorporates themes from Mario’s incredible game heritage.”