Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, written by Matthew Fogel, and produced by Nintendo and Illumination Entertainment, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is an American animated film scheduled for release in France on April 1, 2026. This new production follows on from the global success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
This time, Mario and Luigi leave the Mushroom Kingdom to explore the galaxies. Together, they face new enemies, discover strange planets, and attempt to save the universe from Bowser's plans. The story is inspired by the cult game Super Mario Galaxy (2007), while offering a brand-new plot and a cosmic adventure accessible to the whole family.
The project was made official on MAR10 Day and then confirmed during the special Nintendo Direct celebrating Mario's 40th anniversary. A first teaser revealed the film's space universe, featuring the colorful visuals and aesthetics of the original game. Production is supervised by Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo and Chris Meledandri for Illumination, ensuring artistic continuity with the previous installment.
On the voice front, you’ll find the same lineup that French audiences have grown to love, notably Pierre Tessier for Mario. If you watch the film in the original version, you’ll hear Chris Pratt (Mario), Charlie Day (Luigi), Anya Taylor-Joy (Peach) and Jack Black (Bowser), but also Brie Larson for the new character Harmony (Rosalina in English).
With over $1.3 billion in revenue for the first film, the Nintendo–Illumination partnership confirms the success of animated video game adaptations. This new space episode promises to be a family spectacle, combining humor, adventure, and fidelity to the Mario universe.
Our Take
Following the 2023 debut of Mario, the plumber and his brother plunge back into the far reaches of space. And honestly, it’s a genuine treat for anyone who knows the Super Mario Galaxy universe well and has logged countless hours on the console. The film revisits the various planetary worlds and galaxies, conjuring memories, with gravity flipping put to regular use that will delight kids—the gag potential is right in their wheelhouse, and it’s equally enjoyable for adults.
It also unveils Princess Peach’s family history, lending an emotional, even slightly melancholic edge at times. It isn’t hard to grow fond of the characters, since you already know them, watching Mario’s shy tenderness as he woos the princess, playfully teased by his friends.
If Harmonie and her Lumas bring a bit of magic, it’s Yoshi and his tongue-snapping antics right from the opening that are as adorable as they are funny. And those little star sprites are more than sidekicks—they actively participate in the plot. Bowser’s arc is another standout, delving into father-son dynamics; family themes run strong through this installment.
The soundtrack and sound design are pure delight for fans: every coin clink and brick crack is perfectly woven in, with the game’s mythic motifs reimagined. Notably, the cameo of a character from another Nintendo game outside the Mario license adds some twists, which may surprise newcomers who aren’t familiar with it.
On pacing, in a lean 1h40, the film rarely pauses for breath, sometimes feeling a touch noisier than necessary—a frenzied succession of colors and game mechanics, from penguin transformations to leaps over lava. The humor lands well, leaning into game-culture clichés, but be warned: while it’s a family-friendly ride you can enjoy without having played the games, you’ll likely get more out of catching all the references—and the movie is packed with them. Also, it helps to have seen the previous film, since this one functions as a true sequel.
Don’t miss the two post-credits scenes, which hint at many more galaxies waiting to be explored in the Mario universe. It’s a perfect dose of wonder for the youngest viewers and a nostalgic spark for adults. A heads-up: skip the sugar or coffee before you go—the movie is already plenty energetic!
Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie hits French cinemas from April 1, 2026.
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What films will you see in cinemas in April 2026?
