
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – Release Date, Cast & Everything We Know
Nintendo and Illumination are returning to the Mushroom Kingdom with a space-faring sequel. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie sends Mario and Luigi beyond the familiar pipes and castles into a cosmic adventure, and the first concrete details about its release, cast, and story have now been confirmed through official channels.
The animated film, directed once again by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, is set to arrive in theaters on April 1, 2026. With a star-studded voice cast that includes Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, and Jack Black reprising their roles, the sequel introduces new characters such as Rosalina, Bowser Jr., and a fully voiced Yoshi. Multiple trailers have already been released, offering a clear look at what the filmmakers have planned.
When is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Releasing? (Release Date & Schedule)
April 1, 2026
Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic
Post-production / trailers released
Theaters (April 1, 2026) & digital post-release
Nintendo’s official movie page and the film’s final trailer both state that the theatrical release date is April 1, 2026. Earlier development reports had mentioned April 3, 2026, but the studio has settled on the earlier date in all official promotional materials. The film is co-financed by Nintendo and Universal Pictures through Illumination, following the same model that made The Super Mario Bros. Movie a box-office success.
- The film is the direct sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023).
- Yoshi is confirmed in the cast, voiced by Donald Glover.
- The space-themed plot is directly inspired by the 2007 Nintendo game, Super Mario Galaxy.
- Returning directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic are joined by writer Matthew Fogel and composer Brian Tyler.
- Multiple trailers were released between November 2025 and March 2026.
- The official Nintendo page describes the story as a galactic adventure to stop Bowser Jr. and save Rosalina.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Title | The Super Mario Galaxy Movie |
| Release Date | April 1, 2026 |
| Directors | Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic |
| Writer | Matthew Fogel |
| Composer | Brian Tyler |
| Production Companies | Illumination, Nintendo |
| Distributor | Universal Pictures |
| Source Material | Super Mario Galaxy video game (Nintendo, 2007) |
| Predecessor | The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) |
Who Is in the Cast of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie? (Voice Actors & Characters)
Nintendo’s official movie page lists the confirmed voice cast with a mix of returning actors and new additions. Chris Pratt voices Mario, Charlie Day voices Luigi, and Anya Taylor-Joy returns as Princess Peach. Jack Black reprises his role as Bowser, and Keegan-Michael Key is back as Toad. The sequel introduces Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr. and Brie Larson as Rosalina. Donald Glover voices Yoshi, a character whose presence had been the subject of widespread speculation since a post-credits scene in the first film.
Which actors from the first Mario movie are returning?
All major voice actors from The Super Mario Bros. Movie are confirmed to return. This includes Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, and Keegan-Michael Key. The returning creative team also includes directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, writer Matthew Fogel, and composer Brian Tyler.
Is Yoshi confirmed in the cast?
Yes. Nintendo’s official synopsis states that Mario and Luigi meet a “new companion — Yoshi,” and the cast page credits Donald Glover as the character. The official movie site also features a “Yoshi First Look” section, removing any remaining uncertainty about the character’s inclusion.
A fan-maintained Mario Wiki page lists Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek and notes TBA entries for some characters, but those details are not as authoritative as Nintendo’s own confirmed cast list.
Is There a Trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie? (Trailer Status & Where to Watch)
Yes. Several official trailers and promotional clips have been released between November 2025 and March 2026. The full promotional campaign offers a detailed preview of the film’s story, characters, and visual style.
First trailer
An official trailer debuted in November 2025 during a Nintendo Direct presentation. It introduced the sequel’s space setting and confirmed major cast additions, including Brie Larson as Rosalina and Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr.
Game Awards teaser
A short teaser aired at The Game Awards on December 11, 2025, featuring Mario and Luigi in combat with Bowser Jr. The clip emphasized the film’s action-oriented direction.
Second and final trailers
A second trailer was released on January 25, 2026, during a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation. The final trailer followed on March 9, 2026, as part of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Direct 3.9.2026. The final trailer’s messaging includes the lines, “It takes a lot of star power to save the galaxy,” and, “Don’t miss The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. In theaters April 1.”
Where Can I Watch The Super Mario Galaxy Movie? (Streaming, Theaters & Digital)
The film is scheduled for theatrical release on April 1, 2026, with distribution by Universal Pictures. Showtimes and ticket availability will be announced closer to the release date. The official movie website currently displays a “Watch at Home on Digital Now” message, which indicates that a digital version will be available after the theatrical run. As of the time of reporting, no specific streaming service has been announced for the film.
The “Watch at Home on Digital Now” prompt on the official site may represent a placeholder or pre-order page rather than immediate availability. The theatrical window begins April 1, 2026, and digital release typically follows several weeks later.
Earlier development announcements referenced April 3, 2026, but all final official materials from Nintendo and the official trailers list April 1, 2026 as the confirmed theatrical release date.
What Is the Timeline of Trailer and Announcement Releases?
The promotional campaign for the sequel unfolded over several months, beginning with a teaser in the first film and building toward the final pre-release marketing push.
- April 2023 — The Super Mario Bros. Movie releases with a post-credits scene teasing Yoshi and a potential space adventure.
- November 2025 — First official trailer debuts during a Nintendo Direct, revealing Rosalina (Brie Larson) and Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie).
- December 11, 2025 — A teaser airs at The Game Awards, showing Mario and Luigi fighting Bowser Jr.
- January 25, 2026 — Second trailer released during a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation.
- March 9, 2026 — Final trailer released as part of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Direct 3.9.2026, confirming the April 1 release date.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
While Nintendo has provided substantial official information, some details are more firmly established than others.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The film is titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and releases April 1, 2026. | Exact runtime and official rating have not been announced. |
| Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic direct; Matthew Fogel writes; Brian Tyler composes. | Whether the full game soundtrack or specific musical themes will be adapted. |
| Yoshi appears in the film, voiced by Donald Glover. | The extent of Yoshi’s role and screen time relative to other characters. |
| Main cast includes Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Benny Safdie, Brie Larson, and Donald Glover. | Which additional supporting characters may appear (e.g., Kamek, other Mushroom Kingdom figures). |
| The plot involves Mario and Luigi travelling into space to stop Bowser Jr. and save Rosalina. | How closely the story follows the narrative structure of the 2007 game. |
How Does the Movie Fit Into the Broader Landscape of Video Game Adaptations?
The sequel arrives during a period of strong performance for video game movies. The first Super Mario Bros. Movie grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, and the Sonic the Hedgehog series has demonstrated sustained audience demand for family-friendly game adaptations. With the same creative team at the helm, the Galaxy sequel is positioned to continue that momentum. The title’s reference to the 2007 Nintendo game signals an expanded universe that could introduce characters such as Rosalina and Luma to a wider audience. The official Nintendo page references Luma as part of the film’s world. Upcoming projects such as a Legend of Zelda film also indicate that Nintendo is investing heavily in its cinematic presence.
What Are the Official Sources Saying? (Quotes & Source Credibility)
The most authoritative source for the film is Nintendo’s official movie page, which provides the confirmed title, release date, cast list, and synopsis. Additional context comes from the promotional trailers released through official channels.
“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a 2026 animated adventure comedy film based on Nintendo’s Mario video game franchise directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.”
— Wikipedia, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
“Mario ventures into space, exploring cosmic worlds and tackling galactic challenges far from the familiar.”
— IMDb plot summary
“Mario and Luigi, the twin plumbers, apply their ‘let’s-a-go’ attitude to solve everyday problems all over their new home of the Mushroom Kingdom.”
— Official Nintendo page
What Do We Know About the Film Overall?
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is the animated sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, and releasing in theaters on April 1, 2026. The cast includes Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Benny Safdie, Brie Larson, and Donald Glover. The story follows Mario and Luigi as they travel into space to stop Bowser Jr. and save Rosalina, with Yoshi joining them as a companion. Multiple trailers have been released, and the official Nintendo page confirms the key details. For a more detailed breakdown of the confirmed facts and timeline, see our detailed researched summary of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and confirmed facts about The Super Mario Galaxy Movie cast and release.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie a direct sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie?
Yes. The first film ended with a post-credits scene teasing Yoshi and a space adventure. The official title and synopsis confirm a direct continuation.
Do I need to play the Super Mario Galaxy game before watching the movie?
No. The film is designed as a standalone animated feature. Familiarity with the game may add context, but it is not required to follow the story.
Will the original voice actors from the first movie return?
Yes. Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, and Keegan-Michael Key are all confirmed to reprise their roles from the first film.
Why does the official site say “Watch at Home on Digital Now” if the movie isn’t out yet?
That message is likely a placeholder or pre-order prompt. The theatrical release is April 1, 2026, and digital availability typically follows after the theatrical window.
Are there any spin-offs planned?
No official spin-off announcements have been made, though Nintendo and Illumination have discussed expanding the Mario cinematic universe in unnamed future projects.
Who voices Yoshi in the movie?
Donald Glover voices Yoshi, as confirmed on Nintendo’s official cast page.
What is the main conflict of the film?
Mario and Luigi travel into space to stop Bowser Jr. from carrying out a scheme and to save Rosalina. The story begins with a birthday party that leads to a galactic adventure.
Has a trailer been released?
Yes. Multiple trailers have been released: a first trailer in November 2025, a teaser at The Game Awards in December 2025, a second trailer in January 2026, and a final trailer in March 2026.
Who are the directors of the film?
The film is directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, who also directed the first Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Is the movie based on the Super Mario Galaxy game?
The title and synopsis indicate that the film draws heavily from the 2007 Nintendo game, including the space setting and characters such as Rosalina and Luma.