Published on: September 12, 2025
Nintendo and Illumination Unveil 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' for 2026 Release
In a major announcement during today's Nintendo Direct, Nintendo and Illumination confirmed that their next highly anticipated animated collaboration is titled 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.' This follow-up to the global success of The Super Mario Bros.
Movie draws inspiration from the beloved Super Mario Galaxy games and is set to debut in theaters worldwide starting April 3, 2026.
The project marks a significant milestone, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the iconic Super Mario Bros.
franchise.
Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario and longtime Nintendo visionary, addressed fans during the presentation.
He shared that the new film, 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,' is being produced in partnership with Illumination and will serve as the centerpiece of the Super Mario Bros.
40th anniversary celebration.
Miyamoto emphasized his daily involvement in production, expressing his enthusiasm for the creative process and promising a movie that lives up to the significance of the anniversary.
He encouraged fans to "look forward to its release" and thanked the community for their enduring support.
Chris Meledandri, CEO of Illumination, highlighted the legacy Mario has built over four decades, stating that this anniversary is an opportunity to honor the creativity, adventure, and imagination the franchise has brought to fans worldwide.
Reflecting on Mario's transformative impact on popular culture, Meledandri stated that Illumination feels privileged to expand Mario's story through cinema.
While the Super Mario Galaxy games form the narrative's core inspiration, the new film will include surprises for fans of various Mario eras.
The film is being directed by Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath, who previously helmed The Super Mario Bros.
Movie.
Illumination’s creative team in Paris is deeply engaged in production, aiming to create a film that earns its place in Mario’s storied history.
Renowned composer Brian Tyler reprises his role to craft a score that blends classic musical themes from Mario’s extensive game catalog.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie also features the return of Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek.
This continuity in voice talent builds on the successful formula that made the first film a box office hit.
With a scheduled release date of April 3, 2026, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is poised to deliver a new chapter in Mario’s cinematic journey, celebrating the legendary character and inviting audiences of all ages to experience his next adventure on the big screen.
Super Mario Galaxy Nintendo Mario Super Mario Illumination Super Mario Galaxy Movie Mario Galaxy Super Mario Bros Shigeru Miyamoto Chris Meledandri Michael Jelenic Aaron Horvath Brian Tyler Chris Pratt Anya Taylor-Joy Charlie Day Jack Black Keegan-Michael Key Kevin Michael Richardson