Brian Tyler Discusses Scoring The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: Over 300 Musical Easter Eggs for Nintendo Fans

Brian Tyler, acclaimed film composer and lifelong Nintendo fan, has opened up about his ambitious work on the soundtrack for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The film, developed in collaboration with animation powerhouse Illumination, expands the iconic Super Mario universe into a full-length cinematic experience and delivers a score that is as vibrant and memorable as its visuals. Released to eager audiences worldwide, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is not only attracting attention for its groundbreaking animation and faithful portrayal of beloved characters, but also for its meticulously crafted music. Brian Tyler was entrusted with adapting and expanding upon decades of legendary Super Mario Bros. music while delivering a cinematic sound worthy of the big screen. Tyler’s previous credits include scoring blockbuster hits such as Fast & Furious, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Iron Man 3, making him a seasoned expert in marrying narrative with memorable music. In a recent interview with Men’s Journal, Tyler reflected on the unique challenges and joys of composing for a franchise as storied as Super Mario. "As a genuine fan myself, being part of this project was both exciting and daunting. The real challenge was to breathe new life into the music, making it feel grand and epic for movie audiences, while still remaining authentic to the spirit of the games. To do this, I created brand-new, cinematic themes for key characters—including Mario, Princess Peach, Bowser, Yoshi, and Rosalina—that seamlessly complement the familiar world of Super Mario Bros.," Tyler said. Tyler revealed a remarkable attention to detail, noting that the score is laced with over 300 musical references from the series’ storied history. These Easter eggs reward devoted fans who know the franchise’s music inside and out and serve as a loving nod to the franchise's enduring legacy. "You’ll find references everywhere in the score," Tyler explained, underlining his commitment to creating a soundtrack as rich as the on-screen action. In an emotional reveal, Tyler shared that portions of the film’s main and character themes were composed while he was in the hospital. His dedication to the project never wavered, as he explained, "I didn’t want to let anyone down—so I kept composing even while in the hospital. During that time, I wrote several of the film’s main themes, wanting to ensure every moment lived up to the audience’s expectations." In related Super Mario news, Nintendo recently announced a limited-time offer for the upcoming Switch 2 hardware, bundling the critically acclaimed Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 for fans eager to experience these classics on the next generation of Nintendo systems. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’s soundtrack, alongside Tyler’s commitment and creativity, exemplifies the ongoing collaboration between game music heritage and modern cinematic storytelling, ensuring the Mario legacy continues to thrive both on screen and through speakers around the world.