Following the success of Super Mario Bros. The Movie (2023), which became the most profitable video game adaptation in history with a global gross of $1.36 billion, Nintendo confirmed the production of its sequel: 'Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie'.

The announcement, made during a live stream on social media, sparked a wave of enthusiasm among fans around the world.

The new film, produced once again by Illumination Entertainment — the studio behind 'Despicable Me', 'Sing' and the 2023 hit film — is slated for an April 2026 release.

This release coincides with the 40th anniversary of the release of the first Super Mario Bros., a milestone that executive producer Chris Meledandri described as “an opportunity to reflect on the four decades of imagination, creativity and adventure that Mario has inspired for generations around the world.”

“Super Mario Bros. has already left an indelible mark on our culture,” said Meledandri, who assured that the sequel will not only honor the character’s legacy, but also elevate him to new levels of visual and narrative innovation.

The new film inspired by Super Mario Galaxy (2007)

Unlike the first film, which was mainly based on the classic Super Mario Bros. universe, this new installment will take as its main inspiration the iconic title Super Mario Galaxy (2007), considered one of the best games in history for its orbital design, cosmic setting and revolutionary mechanics.

The plot promises to take Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Bowser through unknown galaxies, floating planets and surreal gravitational fields, where each world will be a unique setting full of dangers, secrets and visual wonders.

Although specific details of the plot have not yet been revealed, it is expected that Mario will have to undertake an intergalactic mission to rescue Peach,who could be trapped in a galaxy dominated by a threat even more powerful than Bowser.

Meledandri teased that while the film is inspired by Super Mario Galaxy, “there will be surprises.” This suggests the story won’t be a literal adaptation, but rather a creative fusion that combines elements of the game with new plots, characters, and original worlds designed specifically for the big screen.

And the cast?

One of the biggest draws for fans is the confirmation that the original cast will be returning to bring their characters to life:

In addition, other classic characters from the saga, such as Toad, Yoshi, and even new allies from the Galaxy universe, are expected to make an appearance.

Without a doubt, this film has a big challenge to meet, since the first film surpassed 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' as the highest-grossing video game adaptation and also ranked 18th among the most successful films of all time, surpassed only by Barbie (1.447 billion) in 2023.

With this background, Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie has all the cards to become an even bigger cultural phenomenon, especially by taking advantage of the nostalgia of the 40th anniversary and the growing popularity of Nintendo's multiverse.