Super Mario World Movie Sequel Announced: Nintendo and Illumination Set 2026 Release Date

Following the blockbuster success of The Super Mario Bros.

Movie, Nintendo and Illumination have officially announced the sequel as Super Mario World, with the film scheduled for theatrical release on April 3, 2026.

This news comes after the original movie shattered box office records in 2023, reinforcing Mario’s enduring legacy across gaming and entertainment media. Super Mario Bros.

Movie, the first-ever full-length Nintendo IP animated feature, grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, positioning itself as one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time.

Nintendo’s strategic partnership with Illumination, the acclaimed animation studio behind the Despicable Me franchise, has set a new standard for video game adaptations in Hollywood. While Nintendo and Illumination previously teased a sequel was in early development, concrete details remained scarce until now.

According to a recent slate announcement from NBCUniversal, the next installment is officially titled Super Mario World—a direct homage to the 1990 SNES classic that introduced Yoshi, Mario’s loyal dinosaur companion, into the mainline series.

The connection to the beloved Super Nintendo game is fitting as the sequel teaser, revealed in the original film’s post-credits scene, hinted that Yoshi would take on a major role in the upcoming storyline. An NBCUniversal spokesperson described the project as an exciting continuation of the Mario cinematic universe, highlighted by the much-anticipated debut of Yoshi.

The spokesperson stated that fans can expect "a thrilling new adventure that celebrates familiar elements while expanding upon the worlds and characters Nintendo enthusiasts cherish." The film will reunite key creative leads from the first movie, building on the proven success of their collaboration. Super Mario World’s legacy extends beyond its original release on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), becoming one of the console’s highest-selling titles and consistently ranking among the greatest games of all time.

Since then, Yoshi has been a fixture throughout the Mario franchise, appearing in games on the Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and beyond. With the film confirmed for an April 3, 2026 release, anticipation is mounting for more details to be unveiled in upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations and official press communications.

Until then, both long-time fans and new audiences alike can look forward to witnessing Nintendo and Illumination bring the vibrant world of Mario and Yoshi to the big screen in Super Mario World.

Yoshi Nintendo Mario Super Mario Super Mario World Illumination