Nintendo and Illumination are ready to send Mario and friends back into orbit. A sequel to the blockbuster Super Mario Bros. Movie has been confirmed, this time drawing direct inspiration from the beloved 2007 video game Super Mario Galaxy. Titled simply Super Mario Galaxy, the animated adventure is slated for release on April 3, 2026, and early buzz suggests it will be even more ambitious than its predecessor.
The original Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023 defied expectations, becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. Its success all but guaranteed a follow-up, but fans were left wondering what direction Nintendo would take. By choosing Super Mario Galaxy as the creative foundation, the filmmakers are tapping into one of Mario’s most celebrated adventures, one that combined innovative gameplay with a sweeping, cosmic storyline.
The movie is expected to introduce Rosalina, the celestial guardian who debuted in the game, along with her starry companions, the Lumas. Rosalina’s cosmic observatory is said to play a central role in the narrative, serving as both a home base and a gateway to otherworldly galaxies. While plot details are being kept under wraps, insiders suggest the film will follow Mario, Luigi, Peach, and other familiar faces as they embark on a space-faring quest that balances whimsical humor with emotional depth.
Visually, Illumination is reportedly aiming to raise the bar once again. The studio is using upgraded animation technology to render dazzling galaxy environments filled with colorful planets, surreal landscapes, and gravity-defying set pieces. Fans can expect sequences that recreate iconic moments from the game, such as Mario leaping between spherical worlds or gliding through star-filled skies.
The voice cast is expected to return, with Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Charlie Day reprising their roles as Mario, Peach, and Luigi, respectively. Rumors swirl that a major Hollywood actress has been cast as Rosalina, though official confirmation has yet to arrive. Jack Black, who voiced Bowser in the first film, has teased his possible return, hinting that the Koopa King may once again have a part to play in Mario’s galactic journey.
Beyond the spectacle, Nintendo appears committed to building a lasting cinematic universe for its iconic characters. With projects like the Legend of Zelda live-action film already in development, the Super Mario Galaxy sequel could cement the company’s broader expansion into storytelling across multiple mediums. Fans speculate that this installment may even plant seeds for future spin-offs, with Rosalina or even the mischievous Bowser Jr. taking on larger roles down the line.
For Nintendo, adapting Super Mario Galaxy is both a safe and daring choice. The original game remains one of the highest-rated titles in the series, praised for its creativity and music, but its cosmic setting presents new challenges for storytelling. Still, if Illumination can balance heart, humor, and spectacle, the film has the potential to resonate with audiences both young and old.
With its release date locked in for April 3, 2026, Super Mario Galaxy is poised to be one of the biggest animated films of the decade. For Mario, it’s another leap—this time, straight into the stars.
