How do you follow up a movie that raked in a staggering $1.36 billion globally, becoming the third-highest-grossing animated film of all time? You go to space, obviously! The first trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has officially landed, giving us an exciting look at Mario's next big-screen adventure and introducing some fan-favorite characters to the mix.
TL;DR: Here's the essential lowdown on the Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer!
- New Star Power: Brie Larson joins as the cosmic Princess Rosalina, and Benny Safdie voices Bowser Jr.
- Returning Favorites & Deep Cuts: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Charlie Day, Keegan-Michael Key, and Kevin Michael Richardson are back, plus nods to Super Mario Sunshine, Odyssey, and even Wonder.
- Set Your Calendars: Get ready to blast off when The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits theaters on April 3, 2026.
Picture this: Mario and Luigi, having just saved the Mushroom Kingdom and captured a pint-sized Bowser, are settling into their new lives. You'd think things would calm down, right? Not in the Mario universe! We last saw the evil Koopa King shrunk by a Mini Mushroom, seemingly imprisoned in a jar in Peach’s castle. The new trailer kicks off right there, with Mario and Luigi playfully (or perhaps a little smugly) taunting the miniature Bowser, who’s channeling his frustration into painting a rather "romantic" self-portrait with Princess Peach.
This playful truce is short-lived. Soon after, Mario and Peach witness dozens of shooting stars streaking across the night sky – a classic Star Festival from the games. This celestial event isn’t just for pretty visuals; it’s the catalyst for a whole new cosmic adventure. We see Mario, Peach, Luigi, and Toad venturing into space, hopping through shimmering Warp Stars and exploring fantastical new planets, promising an expansive, multi-world journey far beyond the Mushroom Kingdom.
Unveiling Exciting New Character Additions and Voice Talent
Hold onto your hats, because this sequel is bringing in some serious star power, both literally and figuratively. One of the biggest reveals from the trailer is the introduction of Princess Rosalina, the beloved guardian of the Lumas and the Comet Observatory. Stepping into her cosmic shoes is none other than Oscar winner and certified Nintendo superfan, Brie Larson. Her involvement feels like a natural fit, given her long-standing, very public passion for Nintendo games. The trailer shows Rosalina in her magnificent castle, then springing into action to face off against Megaleg, a giant robot that fans will recognize as a boss from the original Super Mario Galaxy game. This appearance firmly roots the film in its namesake's lore while promising thrilling action sequences.
But Rosalina isn't the only major new player. The trailer also confirmed the debut of Bowser Jr., Bowser's mischievous son, voiced by Benny Safdie, known for his work as a director and actor in films like Uncut Gems and Oppenheimer. Bowser Jr. arrives with his iconic magic paintbrush, an item first seen in Super Mario Sunshine. However, in a cool twist, the filmmakers have given his character design a modern update, modeling his powerful "Wonder form" from the more recent 2023 hit game, Super Mario Bros. Wonder. This means we'll see him with a menacing dark blue hue and a bib that glows with a jagged, bear-trap-like mouth, indicating a truly formidable foe.
A Stellar Ensemble Returns for the Galactic Adventure
The stellar voice cast from the first film is back, ensuring continuity and delivering those familiar, beloved performances. Chris Pratt returns as Mario, bringing his every-guy charm to the titular plumber. Anya Taylor-Joy is back as the resourceful Princess Peach, who, as we saw in the first movie, is far more than just a damsel in distress. Charlie Day reprises his role as the ever-anxious Luigi, while Jack Black is set to once again steal scenes as the fiery (even when miniature) Bowser.
Rounding out the returning cast are Keegan-Michael Key as the endearing Toad, and Kevin Michael Richardson as the cunning Kamek. Their combined talents helped make the first film a vibrant, humorous, and heartfelt journey, and their return promises the same magic for this cosmic sequel.
Weaving Together a Tapestry of Mario Game Lore
While the movie carries the "Galaxy" title, Illumination and Nintendo are clearly drawing inspiration from across the entire rich history of the Mario franchise. The trailer features visual cues and gameplay elements from several iconic titles, creating a definitive cinematic Mario universe rather than a direct adaptation of a single game. We glimpse a spherical aquatic planet teeming with Bloopers, and a desert world featuring the massive, inverted pyramids from Super Mario Odyssey, which Mario and Luigi traverse on motorbikes. Princess Peach herself shows off some impressive fighting skills, wielding her parasol against Ninjis, a move reminiscent of her own game appearances.
This creative approach was a huge part of the first film's success, which seamlessly integrated elements from Donkey Kong Country and thrilling Mario Kart sequences. By selectively picking the most iconic and visually interesting elements from various games, the filmmakers are crafting a world that feels both deeply faithful to the source material and excitingly fresh for new audiences. This allows for a richer experience, where longtime fans can spot Easter eggs from their favorite games, while newcomers are treated to a vibrant, diverse universe.
However, some purists might prefer a more direct adaptation of one specific game's narrative. The decision to mix and match elements from various titles, while creating a visually rich world, means the film won't be a one-to-one translation of the Super Mario Galaxy game plot. Instead, it offers a broad celebration of the franchise as a whole. For example, Bowser Jr.'s "Wonder form" design is a clear departure from the original Galaxy game, a deliberate choice to integrate newer game aesthetics. This blend demonstrates a creative tradeoff: sacrificing strict adherence to one game's lore for a broader, more imaginative interpretation of the Mario universe.
Quote Box: Brie Larson on Her Nintendo Love
"[Video games] are like the thing that’s connected me to my sister. My mom says her favorite sound is hearing me and my sister laughing while we’re playing video games together. I think I’ve probably played every Nintendo game that’s ever come out at this point, and so it’s just part of my life. It always has been."
— Brie Larson, to The Hollywood Reporter in 2024. Source: The Hollywood Reporter (via A.V. Club, "Rosalina comes out tonight in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer," November 12, 2025)
Brie Larson's Lifelong Journey to Become Princess Rosalina
For Brie Larson, landing the role of Rosalina isn’t just another acting gig; it's a dream come true for a self-proclaimed Nintendo superfan. As a Nintendo ambassador, her passion for gaming is well-documented. She's publicly stated she's played nearly every Nintendo game ever released and sees gaming as a fundamental part of her life, even connecting her to her sister. This isn't just paid promotion; it's genuine enthusiasm.
For example, in a truly relatable gamer moment recounted on her personal YouTube channel, Larson once kicked her first boyfriend out of the house because he was distracting her while she was trying to beat the final level of the original Super Mario Galaxy. That's dedication! Her deep-seated connection to the games suggests she brings an authentic understanding and respect to Rosalina, a character she's clearly loved for years.
The Case of Mario's "Trash" Talk: A Curious Character Twist
One moment in the trailer has sparked quite a bit of chatter: Mario's reaction to Bowser's painting. Our usually jovial hero, known for his upbeat "Wahoos!" and exaggerated expressions, takes a look at Bowser's admittedly cheesy (but seemingly heartfelt) artwork and simply sneers, "It's trash." This sharp, almost cruel line feels incredibly out of character for Mario, who rarely speaks beyond exclamations in the games, and even in the first movie, was never outright nasty. Source: Kotaku, "Mario Sanctimoniously Insults Bowser in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Trailer, And It's Very Weird," November 12, 2025.
So, what gives? This peculiar moment could be a major plot point. Perhaps Mario has seen through Bowser's "reformed" facade, realizing his attempts to be pleasant are just a ruse. Alternatively, it might set up a character arc for Mario, where he learns a lesson about forgiveness or empathy. It's a risk to portray Nintendo's iconic mascot in such an uncharacteristic light, but it hints at a deeper narrative at play beyond simple good-versus-evil antics.
Will the Super Mario Galaxy Movie Finally Explore Princess Peach and Rosalina's Connection?
Long-time fans of the Mario games have speculated for years about a potential familial connection between Princess Peach and Rosalina. The trailer's introduction of Rosalina has reignited this debate, with several hints from the games and the previous movie pointing towards a deeper relationship. Both characters share a striking resemblance: blonde hair, blue eyes, and regal bearing. In the first movie, Peach's origin story included a flashback of her as a baby, adorned in stars and moons, suggesting a cosmic lineage similar to Rosalina's. Source: ComingSoon.net, "Rosalina Debuts in Super Mario Galaxy Movie: 4 Hints She & Peach Are Related," November 12, 2025.
Furthermore, an in-game storybook from Super Mario Galaxy featured Rosalina's mother, who bore a strong resemblance to Princess Peach. Nintendo even had original plans to make them related within the same continuity, although this never officially came to fruition. The film now has a unique opportunity to explore these tantalizing hints and potentially offer concrete answers about their shared origins, which would undoubtedly be a huge moment for fans. This cinematic universe could finally bridge a gap that the games have left open for years.
Where is Yoshi, Our Favorite Green Dinosaur?Despite the excitement, one prominent character remains conspicuously absent from the first trailer: Yoshi. Fans will remember that Yoshi was tantalizingly teased in a post-credits scene from The Super Mario Bros. Movie, hinting at his eventual arrival. Many expected him to be a shoo-in for the sequel. While some leaks (like those from Pillsbury cookie dough packaging!) hinted at his appearance, he was nowhere to be seen in the official footage or poster. It seems we'll have to wait for a future trailer or perhaps the film itself to see if Mario's loyal dinosaur companion will join this cosmic journey. Source: IGN, "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Nintendo Direct: Everything Announced," November 12, 2025.
Final Thoughts and Practical Takeaways for FansThe first trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie promises an ambitious, visually stunning, and character-rich sequel. It aims to expand the cinematic Mario universe significantly, taking audiences beyond the familiar Mushroom Kingdom and into the vastness of space. With beloved returning voices and exciting new additions, the film seems poised to capture the same magic that made its predecessor a global phenomenon.
Whether you're a long-time Nintendo fan eager to see your favorite characters brought to life, or just looking for a fun, family-friendly adventure, this movie looks like it's going to deliver. Just prepare for some unexpected twists, like Mario's surprising "trash" talk, and keep an eye out for those cleverly integrated game references.
- Get Ready for a Cosmic Adventure: Expect Mario and friends to travel through multiple fantastical planets and environments.
- Meet New Iconic Characters: Princess Rosalina and Bowser Jr. are officially joining the big screen, voiced by Brie Larson and Benny Safdie.
- Spot the Game References: The movie blends elements from various Mario games, from Galaxy to Odyssey and Wonder.
- Mark Your Calendars: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie arrives in U.S. theaters on April 3, 2026, and in Japan on April 24, 2026.
When does The Super Mario Galaxy Movie come out? The film is scheduled to be released in U.S. theaters on April 3, 2026, and in Japan on April 24, 2026. Source: Ars Technica, "Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer reveals Brie Larson as Rosalina, Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr.," November 12, 2025.
Who are the new voice actors in the sequel? Brie Larson joins the cast as Princess Rosalina, and Benny Safdie voices Bowser Jr. They join returning stars Chris Pratt (Mario), Anya Taylor-Joy (Princess Peach), Charlie Day (Luigi), Jack Black (Bowser), Keegan-Michael Key (Toad), and Kevin Michael Richardson (Kamek). Source: Deadline, "'Super Mario Galaxy Movie' Trailer: Mario And Luigi Return In Animated Sequel As Brie Larson & Benny Safdie Join Voice Cast," November 12, 2025.
Will the movie be a direct adaptation of the Super Mario Galaxy game? While the movie is based on the 2007 Nintendo game Super Mario Galaxy, it draws inspiration from several Mario games, including visual cues from Super Mario Odyssey and character design from Super Mario Bros. Wonder. It aims to create a broader cinematic Mario universe rather than a direct, one-to-one adaptation. Source: ComicBook.com, "Bowser Jr.'s Design in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Comes From Super Mario Bros. Wonder," November 12, 2025.
What is the runtime and rating for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie? Official runtime and rating details have not yet been released. However, given its predecessor's PG rating and family-friendly appeal, the sequel is expected to fall into a similar category.
Sources- A.V. Club: "Rosalina comes out tonight in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer" by Mary Kate Carr, November 12, 2025.
- Deadline: "'Super Mario Galaxy Movie' Trailer: Mario And Luigi Return In Animated Sequel As Brie Larson & Benny Safdie Join Voice Cast" by Zac Ntim, November 12, 2025.
- IGN: "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Nintendo Direct: Everything Announced" by Tom Phillips, November 12, 2025.
- ComingSoon.net: "Rosalina Debuts in Super Mario Galaxy Movie: 4 Hints She & Peach Are Related," November 12, 2025.
- Variety: "'Super Mario Galaxy Movie' Trailer: Mario Heads to Space, Meets Brie Larson’s Rosalina and Benny Safdie’s Bowser Jr." by Jack Dunn, November 12, 2025.
- Kotaku: "Mario Sanctimoniously Insults Bowser in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Trailer, And It's Very Weird" by John Walker, November 12, 2025.
- Space.com: "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer blasts off: Watch" by Jeff Spry, November 12, 2025.
- Ars Technica: "Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer reveals Brie Larson as Rosalina, Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr." by Jennifer Ouellette, November 12, 2025.
- Polygon: "Brie Larson’s journey to Super Mario Galaxy Movie’s Rosalina was years in the making" by Emily Zwieback, November 12, 2025.
- ComicBook.com: "Bowser Jr.'s Design in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Comes From Super Mario Bros. Wonder," November 12, 2025.