Nintendo, Illumination, and Universal Pictures have unveiled the first trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, giving fans a thrilling glimpse at the next big adventure in the world of everyone’s favorite plumber duo. The reveal came during a special Nintendo Direct livestream, confirming that the sequel to 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie will arrive in theaters on April 3, 2026.
The trailer opens on a playful note as Mario and Luigi tease their old nemesis Bowser — now hilariously miniaturized after swallowing a Mini Mushroom at the end of the first film. Still determined to win over Princess Peach, the tiny Bowser paints a romantic self-portrait, only to be swiftly rejected by Mario in a scene that sets the film’s comedic tone. But the lighthearted banter soon gives way to awe as dozens of shooting stars streak across the sky, pulling Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad into a brand-new intergalactic adventure.
Just like the beloved Super Mario Galaxy video games, the trailer teases a vast cosmic journey across strange and beautiful worlds. Fans catch glimpses of a planet made entirely of water, a mysterious desert realm with upside-down pyramids (a nod to Super Mario Odyssey), and high-speed bike chases across floating asteroids. The visual spectacle is matched by the film’s sweeping orchestral score and signature humor, promising a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun for audiences of all ages.
Returning to voice their iconic roles are Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Jack Black as Bowser, and Keegan-Michael Key as Toad. Kevin Michael Richardson reprises Kamek, while reports suggest that Brie Larson may join the cast as Rosalina, the celestial guardian from the original Galaxy games — though her involvement remains unconfirmed. The film is directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the duo behind the first Super Mario Bros. Movie, with Chris Meledandri of Illumination and Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo returning as producers.
While specific story details remain under wraps, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie appears to expand the franchise’s universe beyond the Mushroom Kingdom. This time, Mario and his friends venture into deep space, confronting new challenges and discovering what it means to stay united when separated by galaxies. The film promises to blend Illumination’s family-friendly humor with the awe-inspiring wonder of Nintendo’s classic space-setting adventure.
The first Super Mario Bros. Movie was more than just a box-office hit — it became a cultural event. Released in April 2023, the film opened to massive global demand, eventually grossing over $1.36 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing video game adaptation of all time and the second-highest-grossing animated film in history at the time.
Directed by Horvath and Jelenic, the movie marked Nintendo’s triumphant return to the big screen after nearly three decades, blending dazzling animation, humor, and emotional beats that appealed to both lifelong gamers and new audiences. It revived iconic characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and Donkey Kong, while cleverly integrating music, power-ups, and level designs that paid homage to the franchise’s decades-long legacy.
The film’s global success not only cemented Illumination as a powerhouse in family entertainment — alongside hits like Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets — but also reignited Nintendo’s cinematic ambitions. Following its record-breaking run, the company confirmed plans to expand its universe of films, with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie now standing as the next major step in that strategy.
Following the trailer drop, social media erupted with excitement. Fans praised the film’s stunning visuals, charming tone, and potential introduction of Rosalina — a long-awaited character from the Mario universe. Many also highlighted Illumination’s faithful recreation of the Galaxy series’ spirit, from its gravity-defying worlds to its heartwarming themes of teamwork and discovery.
As anticipation builds toward its 2026 release, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is shaping up to be one of next year’s most anticipated animated blockbusters — a cosmic adventure that reunites the beloved crew for their most dazzling journey yet.
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