The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Plot

Princess Rosalina, adoptive mother of the Lumas, is kidnapped by Bowser Jr., who plans to drain her powers for a universe-destroying cannon to honor his father Bowser. Mario and Luigi investigate a disturbance in Tostarena Town, befriend the dinosaur Yoshi, and protect the Mushroom Kingdom while Peach and Toad are away. Bowser Jr. lifts Peach's castle into space, but a battle causes it to drop into the Honeyhive Galaxy. Bowser offers to be arrested in exchange for the brothers and Yoshi being transported to the Gateway Galaxy, but is later abducted by his son.

In the Gateway Galaxy, Toad's backpack is stolen by Ukiki, leading Peach to force casino owner Wart to reveal Rosalina's location in the Space Junk Galaxy. Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi reunite with Peach and Toad, who have hired pilot Fox McCloud. After an attack by Bowser Jr., Mario and Luigi are turned into babies but are restored by Yoshi. The Lumas pick them up in the Comet Observatory, where Peach learns she is Rosalina's long-lost younger sister, both born from stardust.

Voice cast

Chris Pratt voices Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy voices Princess Peach, Charlie Day voices Luigi, Jack Black voices Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key voices Toad, Benny Safdie voices Bowser Jr., Donald Glover voices Yoshi, Glen Powell voices Fox McCloud, and Brie Larson voices Princess Rosalina.

Production

In May 2021, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa expressed interest in more animated films if the first Mario film succeeded. After the box office success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, a sequel was announced in March 2024, with Horvath and Jelenic returning as directors and Fogel as screenwriter. The film is inspired by Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2, among other Nintendo games.

Keegan-Michael Key said the sequel would be broader in scope with deep-cut characters. Miyamoto noted that the sequel was originally planned as a Yoshi movie, and that Princess Peach was given more emotional depth to make her relatable. The film's fast pacing was intentionally designed to keep children and parents engaged.

Reception

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie grossed $429.8 million in the US and Canada and $582.5 million internationally, totaling $1.012 billion worldwide. It became the fifth-highest-grossing film of 2026 and the second-highest-grossing video game film of all time.

The film set records for the biggest global opening of 2026 and the fourth-biggest Easter three-day opening. It earned an A− CinemaScore, down from the first film's A. Audience polling by PostTrak showed 79% positive reviews, with 62% saying they would definitely recommend it. Critical response was mixed to negative.

Did You Know?

• Brian Tyler composed the score, performing some pieces from the hospital without telling the staff.
• The film was released on video on demand on May 19, 2026.
• Jack Black inadvertently revealed plans for a third Mario film to be released in 2029.