Super Mario Odyssey Producer Hints at Future Plans for Pauline Character

Super Mario Odyssey Producer Teases Future Plans for Pauline Character Super Mario Odyssey remains one of Nintendo’s flagship titles for the Nintendo Switch, celebrated as a standout entry in the 3D Mario series since its release in 2017.

Developed by Nintendo’s EPD division under the leadership of renowned producer Kenta Motokura, the game has been praised for its innovation, globe-trotting adventure, and the reintroduction of classic characters such as Pauline.

Pauline made her triumphant return in Super Mario Odyssey as the mayor of New Donk City, a role that delighted longtime fans of both the Mario and Donkey Kong franchises. In a recent interview with Famitsu, Kenta Motokura was asked about the relationship between Pauline’s appearance in Super Mario Odyssey and her depiction in Donkey Kong Bananza, specifically whether these versions represent the same character within Nintendo’s universe.

While Motokura refrained from providing a definitive answer, he diplomatically encouraged fans to embrace the ambiguity, stating that it is up to their imagination to decide how the characters may or may not overlap.

Outside of speculation, Motokura did confirm that the development team at Nintendo does indeed have structured plans regarding Pauline, hinting at potential future developments for the beloved character.

In his words, "Naturally, the developers have a plan for it, but I would like you to use your imagination for now." When further questioned about the grandmother referenced by Pauline in Super Mario Odyssey, Motokura maintained his stance of discretion.

He politely declined to elaborate, reiterating, "Sorry, this too..." This careful approach keeps fan curiosity alive while signaling that Pauline’s story and role within Nintendo’s expanding universe may be further explored in future projects. Pauline originally debuted in the arcade classic Donkey Kong (1981), making her one of Nintendo’s earliest video game heroines.

Her pivotal role in Super Mario Odyssey—where she is not only a key NPC but also performs “Jump Up, Super Star!”, the game’s now-iconic musical number—shows the developer’s commitment to honoring its rich history while evolving its cast for modern audiences.

The game has sold over 25 million copies globally as of 2024, cementing its influence on both fans and the wider platforming genre. Super Mario Odyssey continues to thrive on the Nintendo Switch as a critical and commercial success.

With ongoing rumors about future Nintendo Direct presentations and potential new projects for the eShop, fans remain eager to see how legacy characters like Pauline will be woven into upcoming titles by Nintendo’s experienced development teams.

Until more details are officially revealed, enthusiasts can only speculate—and, as Motokura suggests, let their imaginations run wild regarding what the future may hold for Pauline and the ever-expanding Mario universe.

Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo Mario Pauline Super Mario Kenta Motokura Motokura Nintendo Switch Donkey Kong Bananza Famitsu