Super Mario Galaxy Movie: Everything to Know

The Mushroom Kingdom is heading back to the big screen, and this time it is going galactic. With the Super Mario Galaxy movie set for release in April 2026, Nintendo and Illumination are doubling down on what made the first film a massive hit. Here is everything you need to know — plus a trivia quiz to test your Mario expertise.

The First Movie Was a Phenomenon

When The Super Mario Bros. Movie hit theaters in April 2023, it shattered expectations. The film earned over $1.36 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing video game movie of all time and the second-highest-grossing animated film of 2023.

Critics were mixed, but audiences loved it. The film nailed the colorful energy of the games, packed in fan-service Easter eggs, and proved that Nintendo's characters could carry a feature film. Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, and Charlie Day brought Mario, Peach, Bowser, and Luigi to life in a way that resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers.

What We Know About the Galaxy Sequel

The sequel takes inspiration from Super Mario Galaxy, one of the most beloved entries in the franchise. Originally released on the Wii in 2007, Super Mario Galaxy introduced gravity-defying platforming across planets, stars, and cosmic landscapes.

Here is what has been confirmed or strongly rumored for the movie:

Release date: April 2026 — following the same spring blockbuster window as the first film

Setting: The story moves beyond the Mushroom Kingdom into outer space, with Mario traveling across galaxies to rescue... well, that part is still under wraps

Returning cast: Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Jack Black as Bowser, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Keegan-Michael Key as Toad

New characters: Expect Rosalina and the Lumas to play major roles, given their importance in the Galaxy games

Music: The original Super Mario Galaxy soundtrack is considered one of the greatest in gaming history, so fans are hoping the movie delivers an equally epic orchestral score

Fun Mario Facts and Trivia

Think you know everything about the Mario franchise? Here are some facts that might surprise you:

Mario was originally called Jumpman — He first appeared in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong before getting his own name.

Mario's full name is Mario Mario — Confirmed by Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto himself, aligning with the "Mario Bros." title.

Super Mario Galaxy has a hidden message — The first letters of the galaxy names in the original game spell out "U R MR GAY," which Nintendo has never officially acknowledged.

Bowser has eight children — The seven Koopalings plus Bowser Jr. have been causing chaos since the NES era.

Mario has appeared in over 200 games — From platformers to racing to tennis to medicine, Mario has done it all.

The Super Star makes you invincible for exactly 10 seconds in most mainline Mario games — a timer that speedrunners know by heart.

Are You Ready for the Galaxy Movie?

Whether you grew up with the NES or discovered Mario through the 2023 film, the Galaxy sequel promises to be a visual spectacle. The source material gives Illumination incredible creative freedom — floating planetoids, cosmic boss battles, and one of gaming's most emotional storylines with Rosalina's storybook.

Test Your Mario Knowledge

Think you are the ultimate Mario fan? Our trivia quiz covers everything from classic game facts to movie details. See if you can get a perfect score before the Galaxy movie hits theaters.

Take the Super Mario Movie Trivia Quiz

More Quizzes for Nintendo Fans

Which Mario Character Are You? — Find out if you are Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Bowser

Emoji Meaning Quiz — Test your emoji knowledge in this fun challenge