Nintendo and Illumination Announce New Super Mario Bros. Animated Film Set for 2026 Release

Nintendo and Illumination Announce New Super Mario Bros.

Animated Film Set for 2026 Release In celebration of MAR10 Day 2024, Nintendo has officially announced a new animated film set in the world of Super Mario Bros., further expanding the franchise’s presence beyond video games and into blockbuster cinema.

The news arrived via Nintendo’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on March 10, 2024, accompanied by a special message from Mario’s legendary creator, Shigeru Miyamoto. Following the unprecedented success of The Super Mario Bros.

Movie in 2023—a film that grossed over $1.3 billion at the global box office and became the highest-grossing video game adaptation to date—Nintendo and animation studio Illumination are continuing their creative partnership.

The new film, which is described as being “based on the world of Super Mario Bros.,” is scheduled for release on April 3, 2026. Shigeru Miyamoto, the visionary developer behind Super Mario Bros., addressed fans in a video statement distributed alongside the announcement.

In his message, Miyamoto stated that a new animated film inspired by the beloved Super Mario Bros.

universe is currently in development, reaffirming Nintendo and Illumination’s commitment to bringing Mario and his friends to the big screen once again.

"We are working on a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros.," Miyamoto explained, highlighting the collaborative process with Illumination Studios and the creative excitement surrounding the project. This partnership follows the remarkable achievement of the first Super Mario Bros.

Movie, which debuted in theaters in April 2023 and quickly established itself as a pop culture phenomenon.

Developed exclusively for the big screen, The Super Mario Bros.

Movie introduced Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, and many more familiar faces from the iconic franchise to a new era of audiences, in part due to the collaboration between Nintendo and animation experts at Illumination, known for hits such as Despicable Me and Minions. While details regarding the plot or specific characters appearing in the new film remain under wraps, Nintendo’s official communication notes that it will be grounded in the vibrant and imaginative world of Super Mario Bros.

Given the franchise’s rich history and vast character roster, longtime fans and newcomers alike can anticipate another dazzling and faithful adventure when the film arrives in theaters in 2026. The announcement comes at a strategic time for Nintendo, as the company continues to leverage the popularity of classic franchises across multiple entertainment platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo eShop.

The involvement of Illumination once again signals Nintendo’s intent to deliver high-quality cinematic experiences that resonate with global audiences. With a release date set for April 3, 2026, the new Super Mario Bros.

animated movie promises to delight fans and continue Nintendo’s tradition of innovation in entertainment.

Stay tuned for future updates through official Nintendo Direct presentations and Nintendo’s social media channels.

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