The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is officially set to launch in theaters across the United States on April 1, 2026, distributed by Universal Pictures. The animated adventure comedy, produced by Illumination and Nintendo, is the highly anticipated sequel to 2023’s blockbuster The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic with a screenplay by Matthew Fogel, the film follows Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and their new companion Yoshi on an outer space adventure against Bowser’s son, Bowser Jr. The voice cast brings back Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, and Keegan-Michael Key as Toad. New additions include Benny Safdie and Brie Larson. Shigeru Miyamoto returns as producer alongside Illumination’s Chris Meledandri.
Super Nintendo World: The Park Experience Is Already Here
What makes this movie release especially exciting for theme park fans is that the world of Super Mario is already a reality you can walk through. Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood opened on February 17, 2023, bringing the Mushroom Kingdom to life on the park’s lower lot. The land’s centerpiece, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, uses augmented reality technology to put guests in the driver’s seat of an actual Mario Kart race.
On the East Coast, Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando opened on May 22, 2025, as one of five immersive worlds at Universal’s newest theme park. The Epic Universe version expands the experience with additional attractions, including Mine-Cart Madness in the Donkey Kong Country area and Yoshi’s Adventure — making its U.S. debut. The land also features Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
Why the Movie and Parks Are a Perfect Pairing
The first Super Mario Bros. Movie earned over $1.3 billion worldwide in 2023, and Super Nintendo World attendance surged in tandem. Universal has consistently used its film releases to drive park traffic, and the Galaxy Movie’s April release lines up with spring break season — peak time for both Hollywood and Orlando.
With the new film focusing on Yoshi and space-themed adventures, expect Universal to lean into themed merchandise, character meet-and-greets, and potential seasonal overlays at both Super Nintendo World locations. Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad already roam the lands for character encounters, and Yoshi’s heightened role in the new film could mean increased visibility for the character at the parks.
What to Expect
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie opens in U.S. theaters on April 1, 2026. Whether you catch it on the big screen or experience the Mushroom Kingdom firsthand at Super Nintendo World in Hollywood or Epic Universe in Orlando, the Mario universe continues to expand across every platform. Stay tuned for any park-specific tie-in events as the release date approaches.
Image credit: Universal Pictures / @universalpictures on Instagram
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