There will be some kind of new Super Mario Bros. movie in 2026

But will the focus truly remain on Mario?

A sequel of sorts is in the works for The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Nintendo and animation studio Illumination have announced their collaboration on a second film “based on the world of Super Mario Bros.” slated for release on April 3, 2026.

Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario and now a movie producer, hinted at a broader scope for the new film, stating, “We’re thinking about broadening Mario’s world further, and it’ll have a bright and fun story.”

There will be some kind of new Super Mario Bros. movie in 2026

There will be some kind of new Super Mario Bros. movie in 2026

The wording suggests that the sequel may explore beyond the original movie’s emphasis on Mario and Luigi, potentially bringing other characters into the spotlight. However, details are scarce, aside from a post-credits scene in The Super Mario Bros. Movie strongly indicating Yoshi’s significant role in the sequel.

Nintendo, Illumination, and Universal Pictures, the distributor, seem to be sticking to the winning formula that propelled the first movie to over $1.3 billion at the worldwide box office in 2023, making it the second biggest release of the year after Barbie. The core creative team remains unchanged: directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, along with screenwriter Matthew Fogel. The release strategy mirrors that of the original movie, which also premiered in early April (specifically, on April 5, 2023).

There will be some kind of new Super Mario Bros. movie in 2026

There will be some kind of new Super Mario Bros. movie in 2026

While casting details are yet to be revealed, it’s likely that Chris Pratt will reprise his role as Mario, assuming Mario is indeed featured prominently in this installment.

In a video commemorating March 10 (“MAR10 day”), Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri shared that the company’s Paris studio is deeply engaged in storyboarding and set-building for the movie, with animation set to commence soon.

Before the Mario sequel hits screens, however, audiences can anticipate Despicable Me 4, the sixth installment in Illumination’s immensely popular Minions franchise, arriving on July 4.

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