Buckle up, Mario fans! The first full trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie just dropped, and it's packed with cosmic surprises, new characters, and a few head-scratching moments that have everyone talking.
TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on the Galactic Adventure
- Brie Larson joins the cast as the fan-favorite cosmic princess Rosalina, while Benny Safdie voices a determined Bowser Jr.
- The sequel will launch into theaters on April 3, 2026, promising another massive screen adventure from the Mushroom Kingdom crew.
- Expect a blend of iconic Mario game elements from Galaxy, Odyssey, Sunshine, and even Super Mario Bros. Wonder, showcasing a broad "sandbox" approach to the universe.
Imagine being Bowser, freshly defeated, miniaturized, and living in a shrunken castle. You spend your days cultivating plants and creating art, even if that art is a deeply trite painting of yourself with rippling abs being doted on by Princess Peach. You’re proud of your work, eager to share it. Then, Mario walks in, takes a look, and with a smug, closed-eyed expression, declares, "It's trash." If that opening scene from The Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer caught you off guard, you’re not alone. It's a bold start to what promises to be a wild, galaxy-spanning ride, one that takes the blockbuster success of the first film and propels it into uncharted cosmic territory, complete with new faces and familiar foes.
The Next Chapter in the Highest-Grossing Video Game Adaptation Saga
The original Super Mario Bros. Movie, released in 2023, was an absolute phenomenon. It didn't just break box office records; it annihilated them, becoming the highest-grossing video game adaptation of all time. It raked in an astounding $1.36 billion globally, making it the third-highest-grossing animated movie ever, according to Deadline. This monumental success cleared a whopping $559 million in profit after all downstream revenues, proving that audiences were more than ready for Mario on the big screen. Now, with the official title revealed as The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and a full trailer finally out, the anticipation for this sequel is understandably sky-high.
Say Hello to Rosalina and Bowser Jr.: The Galaxy's New Stars
The biggest news from the recent Nintendo Direct and the trailer reveal centers on two highly anticipated character introductions: Rosalina and Bowser Jr. Rosalina, the beloved cosmic princess from the Super Mario Galaxy games, will be voiced by none other than Marvel superstar Brie Larson. A released clip shows Rosalina in her Comet Observatory spaceship, reading a story about Princess Peach to a group of adorable Lumas. When the Lumas playfully interrupt, asking for the "plumber" story again, it’s a charming nod to Mario’s enduring legend.
On the villainous front, Benny Safdie, known for directing Uncut Gems and acting in Oppenheimer, steps into the role of Bowser Jr. His arrival promises a fresh challenge for our heroes. One clip features Bowser Jr. dramatically vowing to "restore his family's name," proclaiming, "From the ashes of his father's defeat rises a new conqueror. The Bowser name shall be feared once more." It's clear this pint-sized prince isn't messing around.
A "Wonder"-ful Twist for Bowser Jr. and a Broad Mario Universe "Sandbox" Approach
What truly stands out about Bowser Jr.'s appearance is his design. While he still wields his iconic magic paintbrush—a nostalgic callback to 2002's Super Mario Sunshine—he can transform into a menacing "Wonder form." This dark blue, glowing bib, jagged bear trap-mouthed appearance is a direct reference to Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a game released in 2023. This creative decision highlights the filmmakers' willingness to pull from the entire Super Mario franchise, not just the Galaxy games, to create a rich, expansive universe.
This "sandbox" approach, integrating elements from various Mario titles, was a key to the first movie's success and continues here. We see Mario and Luigi zooming on motorbikes through a desert with upside-down pyramids, a clear nod to the Sand Kingdom from Super Mario Odyssey. Princess Peach battles Ninjis in what appears to be a casino-inspired environment, reminiscent of Super Mario Sunshine's Casino Delfino or Mario Kart's Waluigi Pinball tracks. This mix-and-match strategy ensures there’s something for every generation of Mario fan.
For example: Imagine a long-time fan, who’s played every Mario game since the NES, sitting in the theater. They might initially expect a straightforward adaptation of the Galaxy games. But then they see Bowser Jr.'s Wonder form, or the Odyssey pyramids, and a ripple of excited recognition goes through the audience. It's a clever way to keep the story fresh while honoring the vast lore of the franchise, ensuring that the movie feels both deeply faithful and excitingly new.
One potential tradeoff of this wide-ranging approach is a risk of narrative dilution, where too many game references could pull the plot in too many directions, making it less focused than a direct adaptation. However, judging by the first film's success, Illumination has proven adept at weaving these disparate elements into a cohesive and entertaining whole.
Could Rosalina and Peach Share a Family Tree? Fan Theories Abound
Rosalina's introduction has reignited long-standing fan theories about her potential familial connection to Princess Peach. Their striking resemblance—both sporting blonde hair and blue eyes—has led many to speculate they could be sisters or otherwise related. Hints from the games, such as Rosalina's mother in an in-game storybook resembling Peach, and Nintendo's past plans to connect their genealogies, fuel these discussions. Furthermore, the first movie’s flashback of baby Peach adorned in stars and moons seemed to indicate a cosmic origin for the princess, perhaps even from the same celestial realm as Rosalina.
While Nintendo has never explicitly confirmed this relationship, the movie presents a golden opportunity to delve into their backstories and explore these intriguing possibilities. It adds a layer of depth to the Mushroom Kingdom lore that could truly resonate with fans. The balance here is to tease these connections without making them overly convoluted or detracting from the main adventure.
The Stellar Cast Returns for a Galactic Encore
Alongside the exciting new additions, the familiar voices that brought our beloved characters to life in the first film are all returning. Chris Pratt is back as Mario, with Anya Taylor-Joy reprising her role as Princess Peach. Charlie Day returns as Luigi, and Jack Black will once again lend his unique voice to Bowser, even if he's starting out miniature. Keegan-Michael Key is back as Toad, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek. This consistency in casting ensures that the established dynamics and humor from the first movie carry seamlessly into the sequel.
- Mario: Chris Pratt
- Princess Peach: Anya Taylor-Joy
- Luigi: Charlie Day
- Bowser: Jack Black
- Toad: Keegan-Michael Key
- Kamek: Kevin Michael Richardson
- Rosalina (New): Brie Larson
- Bowser Jr. (New): Benny Safdie
Miyamoto's Confident Vision for Mario's Cosmic Journey
Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto, who is producing the film alongside Illumination's Chris Meledandri, expressed strong confidence in the sequel. He shared insights in a recent interview, noting that the team behind the first movie was eager to work on the next project, which he sees as a sign of their success. Miyamoto revealed that the film is "in the final stages of production" and that he believes "it's going to be fun." His dedication to "Mario-ness"—ensuring the games (and presumably the movies) are easily accessible and unique—is a guiding principle.
"The setting for the next movie is, just as the title says, the galaxy — that's all I can really say. We're in the final stages of production now, but I think it's going to be fun. I usually just say, 'I'll keep working on it until it becomes fun,' so that alone should tell you how confident I am (laughs)."
— Shigeru Miyamoto
Miyamoto also reflected on Mario's 40th anniversary and his shifting role from direct game development to more of a "bystander," looking forward to how Mario will evolve in the future. His personal involvement, even if it's playing the first 30 minutes of games to check the "interface," underscores the commitment to maintaining the core spirit of Mario.
Plot Teases and Curiosities: What Does That Mario Line Mean?
The trailer opens with a miniature Bowser, still caged after the events of the first film. He's hilariously depicted painting a portrait of himself and Princess Peach, humming the Super Mario 64 theme. It's during this scene that Mario delivers his seemingly out-of-character line, "It's trash," about Bowser's artwork. This moment has sparked much discussion, as it portrays Mario as unusually harsh. One counterpoint is that this could indicate a deeper plot beat: perhaps Mario sees through a facade of reformation from Bowser, while others, like Luigi (who compliments the "colors"), are more trusting.
Alternatively, it could be a humorous moment designed to trigger Bowser's infamous temper, or even a hint at a more complex character arc for Mario himself. Given Miyamoto's oversight, it's highly improbable that Mario would simply become a "jerk" without significant narrative justification. Perhaps it sets up a lesson about forgiveness or skepticism. The context will surely be revealed in the full film, but for now, it's a tantalizing mystery.
Another intriguing detail from the trailer is the absence of Yoshi, despite the character being teased in the first movie's post-credits scene and even having leaked character designs via Pillsbury cookie dough packaging. While the "sandbox" approach is great, a limitation could be that some highly anticipated characters or direct plot adaptations from Super Mario Galaxy might take a backseat to incorporate other game elements. However, knowing Illumination and Nintendo, they likely have a plan to introduce Yoshi in a future trailer or even save the surprise for the movie itself.
Sources for Our Cosmic Journey
- Deadline: ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Trailer: Mario Heads to Space, Meets Brie Larson’s Rosalina and Benny Safdie’s Bowser Jr. (November 12, 2025)
- Variety: ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Trailer: Mario Heads to Space, Meets Brie Larson’s Rosalina and Benny Safdie’s Bowser Jr. (November 12, 2025)
- VGC: Shigeru Miyamoto discusses the Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the future of Super Mario games in a new interview
- Kotaku: That One Mario Line In The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Trailer Is So Wildly Out Of Character (November 12, 2025)
- ComicBook.com: Bowser Jr.'s Design in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Comes from Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- ComingSoon.net: Rosalina Debuts in Super Mario Galaxy Movie: 4 Hints She & Peach Are Related
Frequently Asked Questions About The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
- When does The Super Mario Galaxy Movie release?
The film is set to release in U.S. cinemas on April 3, 2026, followed by its Japanese premiere on April 24, 2026.
- Who are the new characters in the sequel?
The movie introduces Princess Rosalina, voiced by Brie Larson, and Bowser Jr., voiced by Benny Safdie.
- What Mario games will the movie draw inspiration from?
Beyond the core Super Mario Galaxy storyline, the movie will incorporate elements and designs from Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Odyssey, and even Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
- Is Yoshi in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer?
While Yoshi was teased in the first movie's post-credits and leaked art, he does not appear in the initial trailer or clips from the Nintendo Direct.
Practical Takeaways for Your Galactic Anticipation
- Mark your calendars for April 3, 2026: It’s going to be a big theatrical event for Mario fans.
- Get ready for a visually diverse adventure: The movie’s “sandbox” approach means delightful callbacks to many beloved Mario games, not just Galaxy.
- Keep an eye out for Rosalina and Peach lore: The film might finally address long-standing fan theories about their relationship.
- Expect deeper character moments: Even Mario's seemingly harsh line could hint at more nuanced storytelling ahead for our heroes and villains.
- Stay tuned for more reveals: With over a year until release, there's plenty of time for additional trailers to show off more characters (Yoshi, perhaps?) and plot details.