Illumination and Nintendo reunite the original cast to explore galaxies, power stars, and new worlds in the sequel inspired by the beloved 2007 video game
After the immense success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023, Nintendo and Illumination have officially unveiled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the sequel set to expand the Mushroom Kingdom universe far beyond its terrestrial borders. Officially announced during a Nintendo Direct in September 2025, the film is set to hit theaters on April 3, 2026, and will draw heavily from the beloved Super Mario Galaxy (2007) video game.
What We Know: Cast & Crew
- Directors: Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic return to helm the sequel.
- Writer: Matthew Fogel is back as screenwriter.
- Producers: Chris Meledandri (Illumination) and Nintendo leadership, including Shigeru Miyamoto, are involved.
- Music: Brian Tyler returns to compose the score, reputed to incorporate themes from Mario’s game history.
Confirmed Voice Cast:
- Chris Pratt as Mario
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach
- Charlie Day as Luigi
- Jack Black as Bowser
- Keegan-Michael Key as Toad
- Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek
Release Date & Teaser
- Release Date: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is slated for theatrical release on April 3, 2026, in the United States.
- First Look / Teaser: The announcement came with a brief teaser shown during Nintendo Direct on September 12, 2025. The teaser opens with Mario asleep under a tree, accompanied by a butterfly journeying through the Mushroom Kingdom — past Monty Mole, Cheep Cheep, and Peach’s Castle — and eventually into outer space.
(Photo Credit: Nintendo)
Plot / Game Inspiration
While a full official synopsis has not yet been released, what is known and expected:
- The sequel draws inspiration from Super Mario Galaxy (2007), a game which sends Mario into outer space to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser, navigate galaxies, collect Power Stars, and ultimately restore the Comet Observatory.
- Illumination and Nintendo have stated that although the Galaxy games form the core inspiration, this film will include surprises and features to appeal to fans across all Mario eras. So there may be new or deep-cut characters, new settings, and creative liberties.
Potential & Expectations
With The Super Mario Bros. Movie having grossed over US$1.361 billion globally and breaking records for video-game film adaptations, expectations are high.
Mario’s move into outer space is not just about spectacle — the Galaxy games are beloved for their imaginative level design, gravity mechanics, lush visuals, orchestral soundtrack, and emotional undercurrents (the themes of rescue, exploration, loss, hope). Fans are anticipating how these elements will be translated to film.
Questions That Remain
- Which additional characters will appear? Rumors suggest Rosalina, Yoshi, maybe Wario or Bowser Jr.
- How closely will the film follow the game’s plot? Will there be nods to Comet Observatory, Lumas, Power Stars, etc., and how much creative license will be taken?
- What new worlds, galaxies, or novel gameplay mechanics (in animated form) will be adapted or re-imagined?
- What will the new musical themes or songs be, and how will the score build on Mario’s legacy?
Conclusion
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie promises to be a major event for both longtime fans and newcomers. With its scheduled April 3, 2026 release, the return of the core cast and creative team, and inspiration from one of Mario’s most lauded game entries, it aims not just to recreate nostalgia but to expand the universe. As the Mario franchise celebrates its 40th anniversary, this sequel may well become a milestone in how video game adaptations are made — for fun, heart, adventure, and imagination.
