Super Mario Galaxy Le Film hits the big screen in France on April 1, 2026. Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, written by Matthew Fogel, and produced by Nintendo and Illumination, this follow-up extends the momentum of Super Mario Bros. Le Film with a far more space-focused vibe, directly inspired by the Super Mario Galaxy games. The premise is simple: the Nintendo plumber leaves the Mushroom Kingdom for a cosmic adventure that broadens the universe set in 2023.
Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie
Animated feature | 2026
In theaters: April 1, 2026
Adventure, comedy, animation | Running time: 1h40
Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic | Starring Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Brie Larson
Original title: Super Mario Galaxy Le Film
Country: United States
This new adventure sends Mario and Luigi across galaxies, featuring strange planets, reversed gravity, and Bowser’s universe-spanning threat. The film thus revisits one of Nintendo’s most recognizable playgrounds, already explored in two major games released in 2007 and 2010, while shaping it into an original plot conceived for the big screen.
The project was announced on MAR10 Day and later confirmed during the Nintendo Direct anniversary devoted to Mario. Production remains overseen by Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo and Chris Meledandri for Illumination, maintaining the creative continuity of the first installment. That same stability also carries behind the camera, with Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic and Matthew Fogel all returning after the 2023 film.
The original-language voice cast returns the main voices already on board, with Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, and Jack Black as Bowser. This sequel also brings in several fan-favorite figures from the Galaxy universe, notably Harmony, the Lumas, Bowser Jr., and Yoshi, which anchors the film more firmly in the Nintendo games’ exploration-first imagination.
This scale-up comes on the heels of the first film’s blockbuster success. Super Mario Bros. The Movie racked up 7.3 million admissions in France and $1.36 billion in worldwide box office, cementing the adaptation as one of the biggest recent triumphs for animated cinema. Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie thus reads less as a mere sequel and more as a natural expansion of a franchise that has become central to Nintendo’s cinematic ambitions.
The final trailer confirms this pivot toward a broader universe, filled with nebulae, tiny worlds, and gameplay-inspired mechanics. The directors have even positioned Super Mario Galaxy as a creative space far wider than the first film, underscoring the visual potential of miniature planets and gravity’s role in the narrative. The movie also promises a reorchestrated score with a full symphony orchestra, drawing on the franchise’s iconic themes.
Our Take on Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie
Following the 2023 first big-screen outing for Mario, the plumber and his brother venture back to the edge of the cosmos. And it must be said, it’s a pure delight for anyone who knows the Super Mario Galaxy universe inside out and has spent countless hours on the console. We revisit the diverse planets and galaxies that trigger nostalgia, with inverted gravity used to great effect, a treat for younger audiences as it yields plenty of gags that should charm kids just as much as adults.
The film peels back the family saga of Princess Peach, adding an emotional — almost bittersweet — dimension at times. It’s easy to grow fond of the characters since they’re familiar, especially Mario’s shy tenderness as he fumbles to approach the princess, gently teased by his friends.
While Harmony and her Lumas bring a touch of magic, it’s the presence of Yoshi and his tongue licks from early on that feel as adorable as they are funny. And those little star-pieces remain charming, far from mere sidekicks, they truly participate in the plot. Bowser’s narrative arc stands as one of the film’s strengths, delving into father-son dynamics, with family as a central theme in this outing.
The soundtrack and sound design are pure joy for fans: every coin clink and brick smash is perfectly integrated, and the film borrows the game’s iconic themes. Notably, a cameo from a Nintendo character outside the Mario license injects a few twists that may surprise viewers unfamiliar with that universe.
In terms of pace, at 1 hour 40 minutes the movie barely lets up, occasionally trading silence for a frantic burst of color and game mechanics, from the famous penguin transformations to jump sequences over flames. The humor hits, leaning into video-game conventions, but a heads-up: while the movie is family-friendly and works as a standalone fun ride even if you haven’t played the games, you’ll get more out of it if you catch all the references — and there are plenty. It also helps to have seen the previous film, since this one naturally acts as a sequel.
Don’t miss the two post-credits scenes, which hint at many more galaxies awaiting exploration in Mario’s world! It’s a perfect treat to spark wonder in younger viewers and offer a nostalgic kick for older fans. A word of caution: skip the sugar or coffee beforehand — the energy level is already sky-high!
Super Mario Galaxy Le Film is set to hit French cinemas from April 1, 2026.
To extend the in-theater experience, explore the April 2026 cinema releases, the films currently in theaters, and our pick of the year’s family-friendly titles.
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