The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Blasts Off: What the Trailer & Directors Reveal

Mario just called Bowser's heartfelt (if self-aggrandizing) painting "trash." Yep, you read that right. That surprising line from the latest trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has fans scratching their heads, offering a glimpse into a sequel that promises to be both familiar and wonderfully unexpected. Get ready to explore new worlds with the Mushroom Kingdom crew!

TL;DR: Your Quick Warp Pipe to the News

• The highly anticipated sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, lands in theaters in April 2026, building on the massive success of the first film.
• Brie Larson joins the star-studded cast as Princess Rosalina, with Benny Safdie voicing a magically enhanced Bowser Jr.
• The film blends elements from various Mario games, including Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Odyssey, and even Super Mario Bros. Wonder, creating a vast and interconnected universe.

A Controversial 'Trash' Talk: What's Up With Mario's New Attitude?

When the first trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie dropped, it wasn't the cosmic visuals or the new characters that had everyone buzzing quite as much as a single, unexpected line from Mario himself. Picture this: a miniature Bowser, still imprisoned from the events of the first film, proudly presents a painting of himself being adored by Princess Peach. Luigi offers a polite, if strained, compliment. But Mario? He leans in, closes his eyes, and simply declares, "It's trash."

This moment has proven to be quite a shocker for longtime fans. Across decades of video games, Mario is known for his unwavering positivity and heroic spirit, often expressing himself through exaggerated exclamations rather than cutting remarks. To hear him deliver such a smug, almost mean-spirited line to a vulnerable Bowser feels distinctly out of character. It sparked immediate debate: Is this a hint at a deeper plot, perhaps a possessed Mario, or is it merely an attempt at humor that missed the mark?

The film's creators, overseen by Nintendo and the iconic Shigeru Miyamoto, are unlikely to fundamentally alter Mario's core personality just for a cheap laugh. The prevailing theory among viewers is that this line is delivered entirely out of context in the trailer. Perhaps Mario has uncovered Bowser's true, nefarious intentions, which everyone else is missing. Or maybe, as one article suggests, Bowser is genuinely trying to reform, and Mario is just struggling to let go of past grievances, setting up a lesson about forgiveness. Source: [Kotaku, "Mario Sanctimoniously Insults Bowser in New Galaxy Movie Trailer," November 12, 2025]. Regardless, this brief, jarring moment ensures that fans will be dissecting every frame and anticipating the full context when the film arrives.

The Return of the Mushroom Kingdom's Favorite Crew and Exciting New Voices

The stellar voice cast that brought our beloved characters to life in 2023's The Super Mario Bros. Movie is back for this galactic adventure. Chris Pratt will once again lend his voice to Mario, with Charlie Day as the ever-nervous Luigi. Anya Taylor-Joy returns as the formidable Princess Peach, while Jack Black is back to belt out some tunes (we hope!) as the King of the Koopas, Bowser. Keegan-Michael Key reprises his role as Toad, and Kevin Michael Richardson is Kamek, Bowser's loyal advisor.

But a new journey calls for new heroes and villains! The sequel introduces two fan-favorite characters making their big-screen debut. Brie Larson steps into the role of Princess Rosalina, the protector of the cosmos and the Lumas. Joining her is Benny Safdie, who voices Bowser Jr., the Koopa prince determined to rescue his miniaturized father. This expanded cast promises even more dynamic interactions and plotlines.

Behind the Scenes: The Talented Team Steering the Cosmic Ship

Bringing the vibrant world of Mario to the big screen requires a team deeply attuned to the franchise's spirit. Thankfully, much of the creative force behind the first film's success is returning for the sequel. Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic are back in the director's chairs, ensuring a consistent vision. Matthew Fogel returns as the screenwriter, tasked with weaving a compelling narrative that honors the source material.

The score, which played a huge part in the first film's charm, will again be handled by Brian Tyler. He’s set to blend musical themes from the games, promising a nostalgic yet fresh auditory experience. The film is produced by Illumination's Chris Meledandri and Nintendo's legendary Shigeru Miyamoto, a partnership that proved incredibly fruitful in establishing the "Mario-ness" of the first movie.

Shigeru Miyamoto himself expressed immense confidence in the sequel. He noted that many people involved in the first film wanted to work on the next project, a clear sign of success. He stated, "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)." Source: [VGC, "Shigeru Miyamoto on Super Mario Galaxy Movie," November 14, 2025]. This hands-on approach, ensuring the film remains "accessible and unique" (his definition of "Mario-ness"), bodes well for fans.

"The Super Mario Bros. Movie was possible because so many people took action and worked together... Many of the people involved said they’d like to work on the next project as well, so I guess that means we succeeded to some extent?"

— Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo Director and Producer

A Universe of Inspiration: Blending Iconic Game Worlds

While the title clearly points to Super Mario Galaxy as its primary inspiration, the new film isn't limiting itself to just one game. The initial poster and trailer have already given us glimpses into a broader "sandbox" approach to the Mario universe. The poster, for instance, shows Mario and Luigi amidst the Tostarenans in the striking Sand Kingdom, a memorable location from Super Mario Odyssey. This visual confirms that the filmmakers are pulling iconic elements from across the franchise, just as they did with the Donkey Kong Country cast and Rainbow Road from Mario Kart in the first film.

This creative strategy allows the movie to craft a definitive version of the Mario universe that feels both deeply faithful and excitingly new. It means audiences can expect a rich tapestry of references and environments, rather than a strict adaptation of a single game’s plot. This "mixing and matching" approach helps avoid the pitfalls of overly rigid adaptations, providing more freedom for storytelling while still hitting those nostalgic notes. The potential limitation is that strict purists might find deviations from individual game canons, but for most, it offers a richer, more expansive world.

Bowser Jr.'s Striking New Look: A Deep Dive into Game Design Choices

One of the most exciting reveals from the trailer is Bowser Jr.'s appearance. Not only does he wield his signature magic paintbrush, famously introduced in the 2002 classic Super Mario Sunshine, but his character design takes a surprising turn. Illumination has chosen to model Bowser Jr.'s appearance on his powerful Wonder form from the very recent 2023 hit, Super Mario Bros. Wonder. In this state, he sports a menacing dark blue hue and a jagged, glowing mouth on his bib. Source: [ComicBook.com, "Bowser Jr.’s Design in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Comes from Super Mario Bros. Wonder," November 12, 2025].

This decision to fuse elements from different games showcases the filmmakers' commitment to creative freedom. While Bowser Jr. transforms in Super Mario Bros. Wonder by absorbing "Wonder Energy," the movie's trailer shows him activating this powerful form directly with his magic brush. This streamlined explanation fits the cinematic narrative without needing to introduce an entirely new lore concept like Wonder Flowers. It’s a clever trade-off, reusing an inspired visual design while adapting its in-universe activation for the film’s specific story.

Brie Larson: A Lifelong Nintendo Fan's Dream Role Comes True

Casting Brie Larson as Princess Rosalina wasn't just a big-name acquisition; it was a dream come true for the actress herself, who is a self-proclaimed, lifelong Nintendo super fan. Larson's passion for the company's games runs deep, stretching back to the GameCube era. She's openly confessed her love for Luigi, even joking in a 2005 interview with IGN that she'd marry him if she could! Source: [Polygon, "Brie Larson joins Super Mario Galaxy Movie cast, bringing her career full circle," November 12, 2025].

Example: In a personal anecdote shared on her YouTube channel, Larson once recalled kicking her first boyfriend out of the house. Why? Because he was distracting her while she was trying to beat the notoriously challenging final level of the original Super Mario Galaxy. Now that's dedication! Her fandom isn't limited to Mario; she's played every version of The Legend of Zelda, uses unofficial Zelda cookbooks, and has even served as an ambassador for Nintendo Switch, appearing in ads for games like Ring Fit Adventure and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. With receipts like these, any questions about her "gamer cred" during movie promotions will surely be put to rest.

Larson's genuine enthusiasm for Nintendo's universe brings an authentic layer of appreciation to her role. It's a testament to the film's commitment to respecting the source material when even the actors are deeply invested fans themselves.

The Original Film's Massive Success: Paving the Way for a Galactic Sequel

The original The Super Mario Bros. Movie wasn't just a hit; it was a phenomenon. It defied skepticism about video game adaptations, captivating audiences worldwide and shattering box office records. The film grossed an astounding $1.361 billion globally, making it the second-highest-grossing film of 2023, the third-highest-grossing animated film of all time, and the eighteenth-highest-grossing film ever. Source: [Dark Horizons, "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie - New Poster," November 14, 2025].

This immense financial and critical success (even winning over skeptics like Ars Senior Gaming Editor Kyle Orland, who called it "everything that a 10-year-old version of me could ever have dreamed a Mario movie could be") provided a clear mandate for a sequel. The first movie skillfully reintroduced Mario and Luigi, setting them up in the Mushroom Kingdom after their adventure. The post-credits scene, teasing a Yoshi egg, left fans eager for more. The sequel's existence isn't a surprise, but its galactic scope and eclectic blend of game elements are what's truly exciting.

Looking Ahead: The Road to April 2026

The journey to The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has already been quite the ride, with early leaks via Pillsbury cookie packaging even teasing Yoshi, Rosalina's Comet Observatory, and Bowser Jr. before the official trailer. This shows just how intertwined the Mario brand is with everyday life and how eager fans are for any scrap of information.

With a release date set for April 2026 (April 3rd in the US, April 24th in Japan, according to some reports), the countdown is on. The film's ambitious approach to world-building, combining iconic elements from various games, suggests a cinematic universe truly dedicated to celebrating everything Super Mario. It’s not just a sequel; it’s an expansion of a beloved cultural touchstone.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie

When does The Super Mario Galaxy Movie come out?

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is set to release in theaters in April 2026, with some reports specifying April 3, 2026, in the US and April 24, 2026, in Japan.

Which new characters are introduced in the sequel?

Princess Rosalina, voiced by Brie Larson, and Bowser Jr., voiced by Benny Safdie, are the major new characters joining the cinematic Mario universe.

Is the movie based solely on the Super Mario Galaxy games?

While the core story draws from the Super Mario Galaxy games, the film also incorporates elements and locations from other titles, such as the Sand Kingdom from Super Mario Odyssey and Bowser Jr.'s Wonder form from Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

What was the box office success of the first Super Mario Bros. Movie?

The 2023 film grossed $1.361 billion worldwide, making it the second-highest-grossing film of 2023 and the third-highest-grossing animated film of all time.

Practical Takeaways for Fans

• Mark Your Calendars for April 2026: Get ready for a new cinematic adventure with Mario and friends.
• Expect a Broader Mario Universe: The film is drawing from multiple games, so prepare for a rich tapestry of characters and locations.
• Keep an Eye on Mario's Character: That "It's trash" line is likely a clever plot device, not a permanent personality shift.
• Brie Larson's Rosalina is a Labor of Love: Her deep fandom promises an authentic portrayal of the cosmic princess.
• Anticipate More Details: As production wraps up, more trailers and reveals will surely clarify plot specifics and character motivations.

Sources

• Dark Horizons - "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie - New Poster"
• Kotaku - "Mario Sanctimoniously Insults Bowser in New Galaxy Movie Trailer"
• ComicBook.com - "Bowser Jr.’s Design in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Comes from Super Mario Bros. Wonder"
• Polygon - "Brie Larson joins Super Mario Galaxy Movie cast, bringing her career full circle"
• VGC - "Shigeru Miyamoto discusses Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the future of Super Mario games"