The Mushroom Kingdom was just the beginning. After the 2023 original shattered box office records with a staggering $1.36 billion haul, Nintendo and Illumination are officially taking the plumber where no warp pipe has gone before: outer space.

Titled ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’, the highly anticipated sequel is currently scheduled for a global theatrical release on April 1, 2026. While the official premiere is still months away, the “Galaxy-mania” has already begun. Select IMAX screens are currently hosting limited “re-runs” of the first film and exclusive sneak peeks of the sequel, fueling a level of anticipation rarely seen for an animated franchise.

The Plot: A Cosmic Leap for Nintendo

Drawing direct inspiration from the 2007 Wii masterpiece Super Mario Galaxy, the sequel expands the scope of the Mario Cinematic Universe (MCU—the other MCU) exponentially.

The story picks up with Mario and Luigi encountering the fan-favorite Yoshi, who makes his long-awaited full debut. However, the peace is short-lived as a new cosmic threat emerges. The brothers must team up with Princess Peach and Toad to venture into the “deep blue” of space to rescue the Lumas—star-like creatures—and face a formidable new antagonist: Bowser Jr. (voiced by Benny Safdie), who is determined to outshine his father’s legacy.

Star-Studded Cast: Old Favorites and New Icons

Illumination has pulled out all the stops for the voice cast, blending the returning stars of the first film with massive new talent:

  • Chris Pratt as Mario: Returning with his “Brooklyn-cool” take on the heroic plumber.

  • Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach: Now a seasoned leader of the Mushroom Kingdom, Peach takes her diplomacy and combat skills to the stars.

  • Charlie Day as Luigi: No longer just a damsel in distress, Luigi’s bravery is put to the ultimate test in the zero-gravity vacuum of space.

  • Jack Black as Bowser: Even though he was shrunken and imprisoned, you can’t keep a good Koopa King down. Expect more “Peaches”-style musical brilliance.

  • Brie Larson as Rosalina: In the most talked-about casting of 2026, the Captain Marvel star joins as the ethereal protector of the Comet Observatory.

  • Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr.: Bringing a mischievous, high-energy villainy to the heir of the Koopa throne.

Why the IMAX “Re-runs” are Selling Out

In an ingenious marketing move, Universal and Nintendo have begun “The Road to Galaxy” screenings this January. Select IMAX and RealD 3D theaters are playing the original Super Mario Bros. Movie paired with a 7-minute exclusive prologue of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

This preview reportedly showcases the “Gravity Mechanics” of the film—stunning sequences where Mario leaps between spherical planetoids, perfectly recreating the disorienting, magical feel of the original game. The orchestral score by Brian Tyler (working alongside legendary composer Koji Kondo) has also been a major talking point, featuring a sweeping, space-opera arrangement of the “Overture.”

Why 2026 is the “Year of Mario”

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Super Mario franchise, and Nintendo is pulling out all the stops. Between the opening of Super Nintendo World expansions and the movie’s release, Mario is more culturally relevant than ever. Analysts are already predicting that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie could potentially surpass the first film’s earnings, with a projected $1.5 billion global box office run.

The move to an April 1 release date (shifted forward from April 3) ensures the film dominates the Easter weekend, mirroring the successful release strategy of its predecessor.