When The Super Mario Bros. Movie became a global phenomenon in 2023, a follow-up was inevitable. The sequel, officially titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, reached theaters on April 3, 2026. Fans have been calling it “Super Mario Bros. Movie 2” ever since. Whether you have already seen it or you are planning a rewatch, this guide from Ultimate Fandom covers the story, the cast, the games behind it, the box office numbers, and where to watch.
Watch this Movie Trailer Below:
What Is the Movie About
The film takes Mario and Luigi far beyond the Mushroom Kingdom. The brothers head into outer space to rescue Princess Rosalina from Bowser Jr., Bowser’s son, who plans to use her to conquer the galaxy. The story starts on familiar ground, with the brothers solving everyday problems at home and getting ready for Princess Peach’s birthday. Then the action moves into the stars.
The tone stays light throughout, balancing slapstick humor with real emotional stakes for the two brothers, who must rely on each other far from home.
Along the way, Mario and Luigi make a new friend in Yoshi, and the film leans into both humor and heart. Mario’s nervousness around Peach also gets more attention this time. Without spoiling anything, expect big set pieces, a few surprising transformations, and plenty of laughs for kids and adults.
Cast and Characters
The sequel brings back the main voice cast from the first film:
- Chris Pratt as Mario
- Charlie Day as Luigi
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach
- Jack Black as Bowser
- Keegan-Michael Key as Toad
- Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek
Several new voices join them. Benny Safdie plays Bowser Jr., Donald Glover voices Yoshi, Brie Larson plays Rosalina, and Glen Powell voices Fox McCloud, the Star Fox pilot. The mix of returning favorites and new names is one of the film’s biggest draws. At Ultimate Fandom, the casting of Yoshi and Rosalina is one of the most discussed topics among Nintendo fans, since both characters have such devoted followings.
The Creative Team
Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic return as directors, and Matthew Fogel again wrote the screenplay. The film is produced by Nintendo, Universal Pictures, and Illumination, with Shigeru Miyamoto and Chris Meledandri producing. Having the same team back helps the sequel feel like a direct continuation, with the same bright, game-faithful look and the same comic energy. The film runs about 1 hour 38 minutes, so it moves quickly and never overstays its welcome.
Game Inspirations and Easter Eggs
The title points to Super Mario Galaxy (2007) and Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010), two of the most acclaimed games in the series. Their cosmic settings, floating planets, and the Comet Observatory with its Luma children all shape the movie’s world. The film also borrows from Nintendo’s Star Fox series, which explains why Fox McCloud and his Arwing show up in the story.
Fans watching closely will spot nods to classic Nintendo gear and creatures, including the Super Scope, which plays a role in the plot. Wart also appears, a deep cut from Super Mario Bros. 2 that longtime fans will enjoy. Rewatching is rewarding because the visual details are packed with references, and many of them are easy to miss the first time.
The music and sound design deserve a mention too. Familiar game melodies and sound effects are woven into the score, which gives the film the feel of a playable adventure. Each coin, power-up, and jump carries the unmistakable Nintendo sound, and those small touches make the whole experience feel authentic.
Box Office and Reception
The numbers were huge. The film opened with about $190 million over five days in the United States and roughly $370 million worldwide. It went on to cross the $1 billion mark globally, becoming the first release of 2026 to do so. It cost around $110 million to make, so it was also profitable for the studios involved.
It did not quite match the first film’s $1.3 billion, but it now sits as the second-highest-grossing video game adaptation ever, behind its predecessor. Together the two movies make the Mario franchise one of the strongest in modern animation.
Fans were mostly drawn to the visuals, the humor, and the nostalgia, which together make the film an easy crowd-pleaser for fans of every age and background.
Where to Watch
After its theatrical run, the film moved to digital and streaming platforms. Availability varies by country and changes over time, so check your local digital stores and streaming services for the current options. Picking the film up digitally is a good choice for family movie nights, and it lets you pause to catch those hidden details.
Tips for Watching With Family
The film is a family-friendly animated adventure, so it works well for a group outing. Younger viewers will enjoy the bright visuals and the cute Luma characters, while parents and older fans can enjoy the game references. Ultimate Fandom suggests watching the first film beforehand, then talking about your favorite moments afterward. Kids often love spotting characters they recognize from the games, and older fans enjoy pointing out the hidden nods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Super Mario Bros. Movie 2” the official title?
No. The official title is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. “Super Mario Bros. Movie 2” is the name many fans use for the sequel.
When was the movie released?
It premiered in the United States on April 3, 2026, with Japan following on April 24, 2026.
Who stars in the film?
Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, and Keegan-Michael Key return. Benny Safdie, Donald Glover, Brie Larson, and Glen Powell are new additions.
Do I need to watch the first movie before this one?
It helps, since the sequel builds on those characters and relationships. Still, the story is easy to follow, and Ultimate Fandom readers can pick it up quickly with a short recap.
How much money did the movie make?
It grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2026 at the time of that milestone.
 guide: story, cast, game easter eggs, and where to watch. Read on Ultimate Fandom.){kind=link}