Published on: March 10, 2024
Nintendo and Illumination Announce Second Super Mario Bros.
Movie for 2026 Release
During the highly-anticipated MAR10 Day presentation on March 10, 2024, Nintendo delivered significant news for fans of the iconic Super Mario franchise.
The event, which is celebrated annually on March 10th in honor of Mario (MAR10), provided the official confirmation of a second Super Mario Bros.
animated movie.
Once again, Nintendo is joining forces with Illumination, the animation studio renowned for titles such as Despicable Me and Minions, to bring the beloved Mushroom Kingdom back to the big screen.
Expanding Mario's Cinematic Universe
The announcement came directly from Shigeru Miyamoto, legendary creator at Nintendo, and Chris Meledandri, CEO and founder of Illumination.
Both industry leaders discussed their goals and the collaborative spirit behind the upcoming film.
Miyamoto emphasized the team’s dedication to expanding Mario’s world, promising that the new movie will "further explore Mario's universe" and deliver a story that is "bright and filled with fun for all ages." Meledandri reinforced the strong working relationship between Illumination and Nintendo, noting that the partnership is once again combining the creative strengths of both companies to bring Mario's adventures to life in animation.
Official Release Date and Production Details
According to the details shared during the MAR10 Day Nintendo Direct, the second Super Mario Bros.
movie is slated for release on April 3, 2026.
This timeline gives the creative teams ample opportunity to refine the film and build upon the foundation laid by the original 2023 blockbuster, which achieved significant box office success and introduced new fans to the ever-expanding Mario universe.
Reflecting on the announcement, a statement shared by Nintendo of America emphasized their intention to deliver another exciting chapter for cinema-goers and Mario fans alike: "We’re preparing to share more details when they're ready.
The teams at Illumination and Nintendo are working closely once again.
Our vision is to broaden Mario's world even more, promising audiences a story that is both lively and enjoyable."
Super Mario on the Big Screen and Beyond
The original Super Mario Bros.
Movie, launched in April 2023, experienced remarkable commercial acclaim, quickly surpassing $1 billion in global box office sales.
Its success demonstrated both the nostalgic and enduring appeal of the franchise and Nintendo’s ability to reach audiences beyond gaming through multimedia adaptation.
The return of Illumination as the animation partner further reassures fans of the high production values and entertaining storytelling to come.
As development on the new project progresses, fans can expect updates via official Nintendo channels and future Nintendo Direct presentations.
With the movie confirmed for a worldwide release and the creative powerhouses of Nintendo and Illumination at the helm, the second Super Mario Bros.
animated film stands poised to broaden the franchise’s legacy on the cinematic stage.
Stay tuned to our site for the latest Nintendo news, MAR10 Day highlights, and forthcoming details about the next Super Mario Bros.
movie launching April 3, 2026.
Nintendo Mario Super Mario Bros. Movie Super Mario Super Mario Bros MAR10 Day Illumination Mario Bros Super Mario Bros. movie Shigeru Miyamoto Chris Meledandri Nintendo of America