The upcoming animated film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is shaping up to be an exciting cosmic adventure. It is the sequel to the hit 2023 film The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and its first full trailer has now been released.
What’s new in the trailer?
In the trailer, we see some major new characters and a shift in setting. The film takes Mario and his friends into outer space — travelling across planets and encountering new threats.
The villainous Bowser is still present, but in a shrunken form: at the end of the first movie he consumed a “Mini Mushroom” and became tiny. The trailer shows him in a small castle under the watch of Mario and Luigi.
Enter his son, Bowser Jr.. He is introduced in the trailer as a new big threat. He uses a magical paintbrush-weapon and wants to free his father and wreak havoc.
Also, a new ally arrives: Rosalina, a powerful cosmic princess who apparently has magical powers and will aid Mario’s team in space. She is voiced by Oscar winner Brie Larson.
The cast & creative team
Many of the key voices from the first film are returning:
- Chris Pratt as Mario.
- Charlie Day as Luigi.
- Anya Taylor‑Joy as Princess Peach.
- Jack Black as Bowser.
New additions include:
- Brie Larson as Rosalina.
- Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is produced by Illumination in partnership with Nintendo and is directed by the same team behind the first movie: Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic
What’s the story (based on the trailer)?
While full plot details are still under wraps, the trailer gives us a strong idea of the film’s direction:
- Bowser is small and contained, yet still a threat. Mario and Luigi are keeping watch, but things escalate when Bowser Jr. appears with a plan.
- Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad and others launch into space. They travel to different planets and environments — water-worlds, desert zones, and cosmic settings. This gives a “galaxy exploration” feel reminiscent of the game Super Mario Galaxy.
- Rosalina appears powerful and important; in one scene from the trailer she uses magic to defeat a large robot. Her role seems more significant than a side character.
Why this sequel is different
Compared to the first movie, this sequel is bigger in scope. It moves from the Mushroom Kingdom to space. It also introduces a more expansive villain plan (Bowser Jr.’s rescue mission) and new characters that expand the universe.
The fact that it draws inspiration from the Super Mario Galaxy video games means fans of the games will recognize the settings, the style of travel between planets, and the cosmic stakes. But it also appears to blend in elements from other Mario games (e.g., paintbrush weapons, desert planets) for a richer experience.
Release date & expectations
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is scheduled to hit theatres on April 3, 2026.
Because the first Mario film earned over $1 billion worldwide and became one of the most successful animated video‐game adaptations, expectations are high.
What fans should look forward to
Here are some of the big highlights and questions to keep in mind:
- The space setting: Given the “Galaxy” in the title, the shift to planets, stars, and galaxies is a major change. The trailer gives a taste of the visual spectacle.
- The role of Rosalina: She looks very strong in the trailer. Fans will want to see what her place is in the story.
- Bowser Jr.’s plan: How will Mario and his team deal with this new threat? What will Bowser Jr. do?
- The blending of Mario games: The film seems to pull from many Mario titles. This could make it fun for long‐time fans and new viewers alike.
- The big cast: With returning voices and new stars, the character ensemble is strong.
- Will there be more surprises (like Yoshi, or other game characters) unannounced yet? Some outlets note Yoshi wasn’t in the trailer but might appear later.
A bit of context
The original Super Mario Galaxy game (2007) had Mario travelling through galaxies to collect Power Stars and save Princess Peach from Bowser. This storyline informs what the movie might be doing — but the movie is not expected to be a direct game adaptation; it will take its own path.
The Super Mario Galaxy movie franchise has become a major cinematic property for Nintendo and Illumination. The announcement of this sequel was made with purpose: to build on the success of the first film and expand the world.
Final thoughts
The trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie gives fans a glimpse of a big, bold adventure. Mario and his friends are heading into space, facing new villains, meeting powerful allies, exploring strange planets, and living up to the “Galaxy” promise.
With a strong voice cast (returning favourites plus new key players), a creative team that knows the Mario universe, and a story that aims for both fun and spectacle, this movie has many reasons to be excited about. The April 2026 release date means we’ll have to wait a bit, but the trailer already sets the tone: colourful, action‐packed, with heart and nods to Mario’s decades-long history.
