The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: First Trailer Details & New Cast Revealed

Prepare for liftoff! The Mushroom Kingdom crew is heading to space, and the first official trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie just gave us a stellar peek. From new faces voiced by Hollywood heavyweights to familiar worlds getting an animated glow-up, there's a lot to unpack before its 2026 launch.

TL;DR: The Cosmic Highlights You Need to Know

• Brie Larson joins the cast as the beloved cosmic princess Rosalina, while Benny Safdie voices Bowser Jr., on a quest to rescue his miniature dad.
• The sequel draws inspiration from across the Mario universe, including Super Mario Galaxy, Odyssey, Sunshine, and even Wonder.
• Mario's surprisingly sassy line in the trailer has sparked discussions, leading fans to wonder about his character's arc this time around.

A Controversial "It's Trash!" Moment Kicks Off the Galactic Adventure

Imagine this: Bowser, fresh off his defeat in the first movie and now comically miniature and imprisoned, proudly unveils a painting of himself doting on Princess Peach. It's an earnest, if a bit deluded, piece of art. Then Mario, with a straight face and closed eyes, simply sneers, "It's trash." This unexpected moment from the trailer, delivered by Chris Pratt's Mario, immediately caught the attention of fans and critics alike.

It's a stark departure from the usually cheerful, stoic Mario most gamers know. This brief, almost uncharacteristic display of rudeness has some wondering if it hints at a deeper plot point, perhaps Mario seeing through a facade or even a different side of our hero altogether. Could our dependable plumber be facing a personal challenge as big as saving the galaxy?

Star-Studded Voices Return and Newcomers Join the Cosmic Crew

Good news for fans of the first film's cast: many beloved voices are returning to their roles. Chris Pratt is back as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek. This ensemble delivered a blockbuster performance the first time around, and their return promises more of the same dynamic chemistry.

But the galaxy is vast, and new characters are essential for a fresh adventure. This sequel introduces two major players, both voiced by notable talents. Brie Larson, known for her role as Captain Marvel, lends her voice to Princess Rosalina, the ethereal protector of the Lumas. Joining her is Benny Safdie, acclaimed director and actor from films like Uncut Gems and Oppenheimer, who takes on the role of Bowser Jr., Bowser's ambitious son.

Unveiling Princess Rosalina: Guardian of the Cosmos

Brie Larson's casting as Princess Rosalina is a dream come true for many fans of the Super Mario Galaxy games. The trailer offers quick glimpses of Rosalina inside a grand castle, adjacent to her iconic Comet Observatory spaceship. We also see her in action, confidently dispatching Megaleg, a giant robot boss familiar to players of the original game, with her magic wand.

Rosalina's role as the guardian of the Lumas, those adorable star-shaped creatures (one of whom made a cameo in the first movie), suggests a deeply enchanting and pivotal part in this cosmic journey. Her presence also opens the door for exploring the deeper lore of the Mario universe, something fans have speculated about for years regarding her and Peach's origins.

Bowser Jr.'s Grand Entrance and His Unexpected Design Inspiration

The trailer wastes no time introducing Bowser Jr., who storms Peach's castle with a mission: to free his miniature, imprisoned father. He arrives wielding his signature magic paintbrush, an iconic weapon from his debut in the 2002 classic Super Mario Sunshine. This paintbrush now seems to double as a spiked club, oozing a metallic version of the paint from that game.

What's truly fascinating is Bowser Jr.'s character design. Instead of a straightforward adaptation, Illumination has opted for a "Wonder form" transformation, inspired by his menacing dark blue hue and jagged, bear-trap-like mouth from the 2023 hit game Super Mario Bros. Wonder. This is a clever "deep cut" that shows the filmmakers are not afraid to pull from the entire rich history of the Mario franchise.

A Journey Through Diverse Mario Worlds Beyond Just the Galaxy

While titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the trailer makes it clear that the filmmakers are treating the entire Mario franchise as their sandbox. We see Mario and Luigi zooming through a desert landscape on motorcycles, a direct callback to the Sand Kingdom (Tostarena) with its massive inverted pyramids from Super Mario Odyssey. Princess Peach is also shown battling Ninjis with her parasol in a sparkly, casino-like environment, reminiscent of Casino Delfino from Super Mario Sunshine or even Waluigi Pinball tracks from Mario Kart.

This "mixing and matching" approach was a key to the first movie's success, which seamlessly integrated elements like the extended cast of Donkey Kong Country and a thrilling Rainbow Road sequence. By cherry-picking iconic and visually interesting elements from various games, the sequel aims to create a definitive, yet fresh, cinematic version of the Mario universe for both long-time fans and new audiences.

Shigeru Miyamoto's Confidence in the Sequel's Fun Factor

"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, Representative Director, Fellow of Nintendo (Source: VGC, Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the future of Super Mario games, November 12, 2025)

Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto, who is producing the film alongside Chris Meledandri, expressed strong confidence in the upcoming movie. His playful yet reassuring words suggest that the creative team is pouring their hearts into ensuring the sequel delivers on the promise of its galactic setting. Given the first film's overwhelming success, which grossed $1.36 billion globally (Source: Deadline, ‘The Super Mario Bros Movie’ Levels All The Way Up To Win Deadline’s 2023 Most Valuable Blockbuster Tournament, 2023), this confidence bodes well for the next installment.

Addressing Mario's Character Twist and Other Fan Speculation

The trailer's "It's trash" line from Mario has certainly generated buzz. Is our hero becoming more cynical, or is there more to the scene? One plausible scenario is that Mario has seen through Bowser’s feigned reform, understanding that the Koopa King’s pleasantries are just a façade. Everyone else might be falling for Bowser's "changed man" act, while Mario alone recognizes the true intent. This would give Mario a more astute, rather than simply rude, characterization, allowing him to be the one who truly understands Bowser’s nature.

On the flip side, some might worry this moment suggests a more unlikable Mario, a "Power Star-Lord" as one article put it, echoing perceived criticisms of Chris Pratt's voice acting in the first film. However, considering Miyamoto's hands-on involvement in ensuring "Mario-ness" (Source: VGC, Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the future of Super Mario games, November 12, 2025) in all Mario projects, it's highly unlikely they would intentionally make Mario an "unpleasant jerk" without significant plot justification. This moment is almost certainly setting up a character arc or revealing a deeper layer to the ongoing rivalry between Mario and Bowser.

Another point of discussion among fans is the absence of Yoshi in this initial trailer. The character was notably teased in the post-credits scene of the first movie and even hinted at in leaked cookie dough packaging. While not shown in this first look, it's reasonable to assume Yoshi will make an appearance later, perhaps in a subsequent trailer or as a surprise during the main event. It's a testament to the vastness of the Mario universe that even with so many reveals, fans are still eager for more familiar faces.

Example: The Morning Commute That Led to a Mario Fan Theory

Just this morning, my coworker, Sarah, who's usually glued to her phone scrolling through market reports, was instead excitedly dissecting the Mario trailer frame by frame during our commute. "Did you see Bowser Jr.'s eyes?" she asked, pointing to a paused screenshot on her tablet. "They're totally different from his original design! And what was up with Mario calling Bowser's art 'trash'? It's so unlike him. My theory is that Mario has some kind of empathy-dampening power-up or he's seen through Bowser's 'reformed' act before anyone else." This casual chat highlights how deeply invested fans are in every detail and how quickly these trailers spark discussions and theories, even among those outside the usual gaming circles.

Final Thoughts on This Cosmic Blockbuster

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is shaping up to be a sprawling, ambitious sequel that aims to capture the magic of its namesake game while expanding the cinematic Mario universe. With a talented returning cast, exciting new additions, and a clear commitment to drawing from the rich tapestry of Nintendo's games, it's poised to be another massive hit.

The filmmakers are clearly balancing fan service with creative interpretation, bringing beloved characters and worlds to life in new and unexpected ways. The blend of familiar melodies, iconic locations, and fresh plot twists suggests an adventure that will resonate with both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers.

Practical Takeaways for Mario Movie Fans

• Mark Your Calendars: The movie hits US theaters on April 3, 2026, and Japan on April 24, 2026.
• Prepare for a Galaxy-Spanning Adventure: Expect a mix of elements from various Mario games, not just Galaxy, making it a true celebration of the franchise.
• Watch for Character Arcs: Mario's "trash" comment and Bowser's miniature state hint at interesting developments for both protagonists and antagonists.
• Keep an Eye on the Lumas: With Rosalina's introduction, the Lumas will likely play a significant, adorable role in the storyline.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Super Mario Galaxy Movie When does The Super Mario Galaxy Movie release? The movie is set to release in U.S. cinemas on April 3, 2026, and in Japan on April 24, 2026. Who are the new voice actors in the sequel? Brie Larson joins the cast as Princess Rosalina, and Benny Safdie will voice Bowser Jr. Which video games inspired The Super Mario Galaxy Movie? While primarily based on the 2007 game Super Mario Galaxy, the film also draws inspiration from other titles like Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and even includes musical callbacks to Super Mario 64. Was Yoshi revealed in the trailer? No, Yoshi was not shown in the first trailer, although the character was teased in the first movie's post-credits scene and through marketing leaks. Sources

• Deadline: ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Trailer: Mario Heads to Space, Meets Brie Larson’s Rosalina and Benny Safdie’s Bowser Jr. (Nov 12, 2025)
• IGN: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Nintendo Direct: Everything Announced (Nov 12, 2025)
• Variety: ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Trailer: Mario Heads to Space, Meets Brie Larson’s Rosalina and Benny Safdie’s Bowser Jr. (Nov 12, 2025)
• Mashable: Brie Larson's Rosalina, Benny Safdie's Bowser Jr. revealed in Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer (Nov 12, 2025)
• Kotaku: Mario In The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Is A Jerk, And I Hate It (Nov 12, 2025)
• ComicBook.com: Bowser Jr.'s Design in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Comes from Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Nov 12, 2025)
• Ars Technica: Nintendo drops first trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, due out spring 2026 (Nov 12, 2025)
• VGC: Shigeru Miyamoto discusses The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the future of Super Mario games (Nov 12, 2025)
• PC Gamer: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer is here, showing off Rosalina, Bowser Jr, and more (Nov 12, 2025)
• Polygon: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer is full of deep cuts for Nintendo fans (Nov 12, 2025)