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Super Mario Bros. Movie 2: Release, Cast, Plot & Galaxy Theories

Last Updated: October 20, 2025

Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 logo with Mario, Luigi, Peach, and characters from Super Mario Galaxy, teasing a cosmic adventure for the upcoming 2026 sequel.

Following the warp-pipe-shattering success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1.36 billion worldwide, fans have been eagerly awaiting news of a sequel. On MAR10 Day 2024, Nintendo and Illumination officially powered up those expectations, confirming a new animated film set in the world of Super Mario Bros. is rocketing toward a Spring 2026 release.

While the official title and plot remain under wraps, the conversation among fans has overwhelmingly orbited one iconic title: Super Mario Galaxy. This article breaks down the official announcements, explores the compelling evidence for a cosmic adventure, and charts what we know about Mario's next trip to the big screen.

Official Release Date and Production Details

Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo and Chris Meledandri of Illumination jointly announced that the sequel is slated to hit theaters in the U.S. on April 3, 2026, with other territories receiving it throughout the same month.

The core creative team that made the first film a global phenomenon is returning. Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic are back in the directors' chairs, with Matthew Fogel once again penning the screenplay. This ensures a consistent tone and visual style, building upon the vibrant and faithful recreation of the Mushroom Kingdom that audiences loved.

Why a 'Super Mario Galaxy' Sequel Makes Perfect Sense

The title of the original, scrapped article was pure speculation, but it tapped into a powerful fan theory. While the post-credits scene of the first film clearly teased the arrival of Yoshi, many believe this is a subplot for a larger, more ambitious sequel. A "Super Mario Galaxy" adaptation offers the perfect way to expand the scale and scope of the cinematic universe.

  • Raising the Stakes: After defeating Bowser and saving the Mushroom Kingdom, the only way to go is bigger. A cosmic threat that forces Mario to travel across galaxies to new and imaginative worlds is a natural narrative escalation.
  • Introducing Key Characters: A Galaxy-themed plot would be the ideal vehicle to introduce Rosalina, the enigmatic and powerful protector of the cosmos, and her adorable star-like companions, the Lumas. Rosalina has become a core character in the Mario franchise, and her emotional backstory would add significant depth to the film's narrative.
  • Visual Spectacle: Illumination's animation in the first film was a visual feast. Imagine that same level of detail and creativity applied to the inventive, gravity-defying planets and celestial landscapes of the Galaxy games. From the Honeyhive Galaxy to the Ghostly Galaxy, the potential for breathtaking animated sequences is limitless.

What We Can Expect from the Plot

If the sequel does indeed follow the Galaxy storyline, we can anticipate Mario being launched into space to once again rescue Princess Peach from Bowser, who has harnessed cosmic power to build a galactic empire. This journey would see Mario team up with Rosalina and the Lumas aboard the Comet Observatory, a hub world that travels through space.

However, the filmmakers are also laying the groundwork for Yoshi's introduction. It's plausible that the film could cleverly weave these two elements together. Perhaps the search for Yoshi is the initial catalyst for the adventure, which then spirals into a larger, galaxy-spanning conflict.

Returning Cast and New Voices

While not officially confirmed, the entire main voice cast is expected to reprise their roles, including:

  • Chris Pratt as Mario
  • Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach
  • Charlie Day as Luigi
  • Jack Black as Bowser
  • Keegan-Michael Key as Toad
  • Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong

The most anticipated new casting would be for Rosalina. Fans have already fan-casted numerous actresses for the powerful and maternal cosmic guardian, but Illumination and Nintendo have given no hints as to who might take on the role.

The Road to 2026

The initial announcement in March 2024 kicked off a long and carefully managed promotional cycle. Nintendo and Illumination proved with the first film that they are masters of building hype, and we can expect a steady drip of information, character posters, and trailers as we approach the April 3, 2026, release date.

While a Super Mario Galaxy movie is not yet a certainty, it represents the most exciting and logical path forward for the franchise. The first film laid a near-perfect foundation by proving that a faithful, fun-filled adaptation of the Mario universe could succeed on a massive scale. Now, with a confirmed sequel, it's time for Nintendo's biggest star to reach for the cosmos. The countdown has begun.