Nintendo and Illumination have expanded the voice cast of the upcoming animated sequel The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, adding several high-profile actors to the film’s already star-studded lineup. The announcement was made during a recent Nintendo Direct, where Illumination CEO and producer Chris Meledandri also unveiled a brand-new trailer for the highly anticipated movie.
Among the biggest additions to the cast is Donald Glover, who will voice the beloved green dinosaur Yoshi. The character is one of the most recognizable companions in Nintendo’s Mario universe and has long been a fan favorite since debuting in the Super Mario World video game. Yoshi’s appearance in the sequel had been widely expected after the character was teased at the end of the first film, and Glover’s casting brings another major name to the franchise’s expanding ensemble.
The new cast announcements also include Luis Guzmán, who will voice the villain Wart, and Issa Rae, who will play Honey Queen. Wart first appeared as the antagonist in the classic video game Super Mario Bros. 2, while Honey Queen originates from Nintendo’s Super Mario Galaxy games, which serve as the primary inspiration for the upcoming sequel.
The film already features a returning ensemble of voice actors who appeared in the previous installment. These include Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor‑Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser and Keegan‑Michael Key as Toad. The sequel also introduces new characters to the cinematic universe, including Princess Rosalina and Bowser Jr., expanding the story into the cosmic world introduced in Nintendo’s Super Mario Galaxy games.
Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the film is written by Matthew Fogel and continues the collaboration between Illumination and Nintendo that began with the global hit The Super Mario Bros. Movie. That film became one of the most successful video game adaptations ever made, grossing more than $1 billion worldwide and paving the way for a larger cinematic universe based on Nintendo’s iconic characters.
The upcoming sequel shifts the story beyond the familiar Mushroom Kingdom setting and into outer space, drawing heavily from the gameplay and visual style of the Super Mario Galaxy series. In the film, Mario and his allies embark on a cosmic adventure across multiple planets, where they encounter new allies and enemies while confronting a larger threat that could reshape the balance of their universe.
The new trailer released during the Nintendo Direct presentation offered audiences their first extended look at this expanded setting, showcasing vibrant planetary worlds, fast-paced action sequences and the arrival of characters like Rosalina and Honey Queen. Yoshi’s debut also features prominently in the footage, hinting at a larger role for the character in the story.
The film is scheduled to arrive in theaters on April 1, 2026, distributed by Universal Pictures. With the addition of Glover, Guzmán and Rae to its voice cast, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie continues to build anticipation as Nintendo and Illumination expand one of gaming’s most enduring franchises into a major animated film series.
Following the enormous success of the previous movie, expectations for the sequel are high. By blending beloved characters, new storylines and a star-driven voice cast, the filmmakers are aiming to deliver another crowd-pleasing adventure that brings the colorful universe of Mario to an even larger cinematic scale.
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