The Super Mario Bros. Movie, in my mind, was a huge success. All demographics enjoyed watching our favorite plumber on the silver screen in his classic adventure, rescuing… his brother Luigi? Somehow, someway, Illumination made the unconventional storyline work with much praise from die-hard franchise fans since its 2023 release.
But considering how strict Nintendo can be with standards, it’ll be hard to top the surreal experience on premiere day. No longer can the studio rely on the novelty and elation of watching the first official animated Nintendo movie, so while the IP will do its part in putting butts in seats, the bar is as high as Bowser's flagpole at the end of a level.
If anyone can reach those, it's Mr. Video Game himself, who still has plenty of lore and characters up his red shirt’s sleeve, but just out of mere curiosity, what could those aces look like? Here are our predictions for the long-awaited sequel, Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
1. Wario Namedrop, at the Very Least
Not only did the teaser trailer reveal Super Mario Galaxy character Rosalina, who will be voiced by Brie Larson, but it also showcased many new and returning elements of the two-game saga. Lumas are making a comeback, whilst we get a first glance at one of the new antagonist toys, Megaleg.
Speculated by many, this menacing Meccha could very well be controlled by none other than our protagonist’s long-time rival, Wario, as international trailers have fans scrambling for answers, listening to different world-renowned voice actors listed as the machine operator.
While it can be a stretch to expect both Bowser Jr. and Wario to be introduced in the same film and share the screen, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to think that to bail out his dad from his miniature prison, little Koopa had to call in a favor or two.
2. Protagonist’s Big Reaction to Yoshi’s Powers
The post-credits scene of the first instalment was magical to witness spoiler-free, and while many thought this Yoshi egg set up a Super Mario World sequel, Super Mario Galaxy is where I believe Yoshi really enters his prime in modern mainline releases.
As we already know, Chris Pratt’s iteration of the Italian hero definitely has its differences with the moustache man we’ve grown up with. Moody, sassy, loopy are his reactions to name a few, so it wouldn’t be surprising that the first hover, swallow, or egg hatch will get a big reaction from the Mario brothers. Incoming wows, ews, and ohs.
3. Piantas, Piantas, Piantas – Maybe Even II Piantissimo
In my wishful thinking, the sequel was going to be a Super Mario Sunshine movie, so in the name of keeping fresh and multiversal, I wouldn’t be shocked if we got a cameo or even a full sidekick appearance for a beat or two of the movie from Delfino’s finest, the Piantas.
I mean, Tostarena was already featured in a travelling montage and now will be a point of interest location in the second film. Who’s to say they can’t sneak a Pianta’s mumbling line for comedic effect? Heck, they could even become the next Lumas if scripted correctly. Let me think wishfully, alright? Maybe II Piantissimo will be the key to victory against Bowser Jr. You heard it here first.
4. A Different Power-Up to Defeat Bowser Jr.
Naturally, the first movie’s climax is written around the star’s power and how Bowser was beaten by his own greedy desire. They say it comes in threes, but I don’t necessarily see the writers coming up with the same deus ex machina two entries in a row.
Yes, the Power Star is iconic, but Super Mario Galaxy introduced four types of it that can be essential to defeating the final boss. Red stars for one of Mario’s slickest looks, plus flight, green stars to maybe now let Luigi be our timely hero, or even the same concept of the first film, but with Grand Stars, like a Super Saiyan 3 version of Mario giving him a longer, bushier mustache. I’m just spitballing here, Illumination, take notes.
Whatever the case may be, know that come release day, I’ll be seated, teary-eyed, and overwhelmed with emotion by the soundtrack alone. That might be enough to distract me from the writers making Daisy the mastermind behind the breakout plan all along.
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