Nintendo and Illumination have just revealed exciting news: the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) will officially be titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The film is set for release in U.S. theaters on April 3, 2026, as part of the celebration of Mario’s 40th anniversary. 

It’s based heavily on the beloved video game Super Mario Galaxy (2007). While the exact plot is still under wraps, the teaser gives fans a strong sense of the vibe. Expect mushrooms, cosmic hints, peaceful Mushroom Kingdom moments, and a butterfly leading toward space. 

Return of the Cast & Creative Team

All of the major voice actors from the 2023 film are returning. That includes Chris Pratt (Mario), Anya Taylor-Joy (Princess Peach), Charlie Day (Luigi), Jack Black (Bowser), Keegan-Michael Key (Toad), and Kevin Michael Richardson (Kamek). 

Behind the scenes, directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic are back at the helm. Matthew Fogel is returning as the screenwriter. Nintendo and Illumination are clearly leaning into the Galaxy theme as a key influence for the sequel. 

What the Teaser Reveals

  • The teaser opens with Mario napping under a tree in the Mushroom Kingdom, and Peach’s castle in view. 
  • There are familiar environmental touches: Toads, Cheep-Cheeps swimming, and Monty Mole are visible. 
  • A butterfly floats up toward space, signaling the movie will move beyond the Mushroom Kingdom into more cosmic territory. 
  • The Super Mario Galaxy theme music plays over the trailer, further reinforcing the “galaxy” inspiration. 

Super Mario Galaxy Games: Relation & Legacy

The Galaxy video games—especially Super Mario Galaxy (2007) and its sequel Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010)—have been fan favorites for their gravity-defying levels, inventive galaxy designs, and sweeping musical scores. Fans have long speculated on a Galaxy-themed movie adaptation, and this appears to be that moment. 

Adding to the excitement: Nintendo also announced Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 are coming to Nintendo Switch. 

What’s Still Unknown

  • The full plot is not confirmed beyond broad strokes (Mario heading into space, more galaxy adventures). 
  • Which additional characters will appear (like Rosalina or other Galaxy-era favorites) is speculative. 
  • Details on how the story will weave in elements from Super Mario Galaxy vs Super Mario Galaxy 2, or whether it will adapt parts literally or just use inspiration, have not been disclosed. 

Why This Matters

For fans of Super Mario Galaxy, this is a big moment: the game’s distinctive style—planets, galaxies, music, and interstellar journeys—has rarely been translated beyond the games. A movie could bring those visuals and emotions to life in new ways.

Related: ‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’ Review — A Gentle Goodbye to a Stately World

Also, the announcement ties directly into Nintendo’s ongoing celebration of its legacy. 40 years of Super Mario means drawing on game titles like Super Mario Galaxy (and its sequel), which have shaped the franchise’s creative identity. 

What to Watch For

  • Which Galaxy characters show up—Rosalina? Lumas? Others from Super Mario Galaxy 2?
  • How much of the game mechanics (gravity, planetoids, branching galaxies) will make it into the film’s visuals and story?
  • Connections to the first movie: Will the Mushroom Kingdom remain central? Will characters introduced via post-credits scenes return?
  • The musical score: whether it uses the original Super Mario Galaxy themes, new arrangements, or entirely new music.

Conclusion

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is shaping up to be a passionate love letter to Nintendo’s Galaxy era. Along with a returning cast & crew and a thematic shift into outer space, the teaser leans into what fans have long dreamed of: Mario among the stars. Set to hit theaters on April 3, 2026, this film could very well stand as *the* Mario Galaxy movie fans have waited for. But only if it delivers on the promise of adventure, visual spectacle, and heart.

Buddy TV

With a collective experience in film analysis and entertainment journalism, our team, comprised of avid movie buffs, has always been on the frontline of exploring cinematic universes, from the enchanting realms of Disney to the action-packed scenes of the MCU.

Our passion has led us to exclusive interviews with notable figures, early access, and active participation in the industry.

Recognized by the press, we dive deep into various genres, including drama, cartoons, comedy, and foreign films, always eager to bring fresh insights to our readers.

Connect with us or explore our journey to learn more about our adventures in unraveling the magic of the big screen.