Nintendo just gave fans exactly what they’ve been waiting for. This morning’s trailer reveal for Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie has confirmed what many suspected—this sequel is going big, going cosmic, and bringing along some beloved faces we’ve been dying to see on the big screen.
The animated film, set to hit theaters on April 3, 2026, picks up where the first movie left off and launches Mario’s crew straight into the stars. And if you thought the Mushroom Kingdom was impressive, wait until you see what Illumination and Nintendo have cooked up this time around.
The gang’s all here, plus some new faces
Chris Pratt returns as Mario, alongside Charlie Day’s Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy’s Princess Peach, Jack Black’s scene-stealing Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek. The chemistry from the first film clearly worked, so why mess with a good thing?
But here’s where things get interesting. The trailer confirms two major additions to the cast that have fans buzzing: Rosalina and Bowser Jr. are officially joining the adventure.
What the trailer shows us
During this morning’s Nintendo Direct presentation, legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto took the stage to introduce the footage. He thanked fans for their patience and support, while producer Chris Meledandri praised the collaborative effort between Nintendo and Illumination.
The trailer itself reveals some pretty wild stuff. Bowser’s still locked up in the Mushroom Kingdom, but he’s found a new hobby—painting. Who knew the King of the Koopas had an artistic side? Meanwhile, Mario and Peach stumble upon a mysterious star that appears in her castle, kicking off an adventure that spans multiple worlds.
If you’re a fan of Super Mario Galaxy or Super Mario Odyssey, you’re going to recognize a lot of what’s on screen. The visual nods to these games are everywhere, and it’s clear the filmmakers are pulling from the best material in Mario’s gaming history.
Rosalina and Bowser Jr. take center stage
Rosalina’s inclusion makes perfect sense—she’s basically the heart and soul of the Super Mario Galaxy games. As the cosmic observer and adoptive mother to the Lumas, her presence was practically guaranteed once they announced the movie’s direction.
Bowser Jr., on the other hand, adds an interesting dynamic. The little troublemaker’s appearance was actually spoiled a few days ago through toy leaks and a cookie commercial (of all things), but seeing him in action is still exciting. According to the official details, he’ll be going head-to-head with Mario and Luigi in an attempt to rescue his imprisoned father.
The voice cast gets bigger
Brie Larson steps into the role of Rosalina, which feels like a natural fit. The Oscar-winning actress has been a longtime Nintendo fan and has worked with the company on various promotional campaigns over the years. Her credits include Room, Captain Marvel, and Avengers: Endgame, so she knows a thing or two about bringing powerful characters to life.
Bowser Jr. will be voiced by Benny Safdie, an actor and filmmaker known for his work in Licorice Pizza, Oppenheimer, and producing films like Good Time and Uncut Gems. It’ll be interesting to hear how he brings the mischievous koopa prince to life.
One notable absence
Eagle-eyed fans might notice someone’s missing from the trailer—Yoshi. The lovable dinosaur was teased at the end of the first movie and even showed up in recent toy leaks, but he’s nowhere to be seen in this footage. Whether Nintendo’s saving him for a surprise or he’ll have a smaller role remains to be seen.
Either way, Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie is shaping up to be another colorful, action-packed adventure that should appeal to longtime fans and newcomers alike. April 2026 can’t come soon enough.