Nintendo and Illumination Announce The Super Mario Galaxy Movie for 2026 Theatrical Release

Nintendo has officially unveiled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, a major animated feature film created in partnership with famed animation studio Illumination.

This highly anticipated film adaptation brings beloved characters and imaginative worlds from Nintendo’s storied Mario franchise to the big screen, with its global cinematic release scheduled for April 2026. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie marks Nintendo’s second collaboration with Illumination, the studio behind the box-office hit The Super Mario Bros.

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Building upon that film's massive commercial success and global appeal, this new venture promises to take audiences on another thrilling adventure, incorporating elements from celebrated Nintendo Switch titles Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Wonder.

Nintendo has confirmed that the movie’s creative direction blends the otherworldly allure of Super Mario Galaxy with the inventive gameplay and vibrant visuals of both Odyssey and Wonder. In a recently released official statement, Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo’s legendary game designer and Mario creator, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the project: “We are excited to once again team up with Illumination to create a film that honors the adventurous spirit and charm of the Super Mario universe.

The new movie will feature characters, worlds, and surprises drawn from across Mario’s most beloved games.” Illumination, renowned for their work on the Despicable Me and Minions franchises, brings world-class animation expertise to the project.

Both Nintendo and Illumination have highlighted their shared vision: to faithfully adapt the whimsical and imaginative worlds Mario fans love, while innovating with state-of-the-art animation techniques.

Bryan Cranston, CEO of Illumination, commented on the continuing partnership stating, “Our collaboration with Nintendo has been creatively rewarding, and we look forward to bringing another chapter of Mario’s adventures to life on the silver screen.” The announcement was accompanied by a vibrant trailer, showcasing dazzling visuals and a taste of the interstellar escapades fans can expect.

Early reactions from the gaming community have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the film's dedication to capturing the spirit of the games. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is slated for a worldwide premiere in April 2026, with distribution through major international cinema chains.

As anticipation builds across both gaming and film audiences, Nintendo’s foray into cinematic storytelling continues to expand the reach of one of the industry’s most iconic franchises.

Further updates regarding voice cast, soundtrack, and exclusive eShop tie-ins are expected to be revealed in upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations. Stay tuned to our site for the latest on The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and all future developments in Nintendo’s growing multimedia universe.

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