Nintendo fans, get ready to warp back into the Mushroom Kingdom—The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 is officially hitting theaters on April 3, 2026. Following the staggering box office success of the first film, which grossed over $1.3 billion globally and became one of the top-grossing animated films of all time, anticipation for the sequel is sky-high.
Now, with the date locked in, the countdown begins for another cinematic adventure starring Mario, Luigi, Peach, and more.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2: Official Release Date, New Games, and the Future of the Franchise
A New Journey Begins on the Big Screen
The original movie—helmed by Illumination, the studio behind Despicable Me and Minions—was praised for its colorful animation, nostalgic references, and family-friendly fun. Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed that the sequel will dive deeper into the expansive Mario universe. While specific plot details are still tightly under wraps, Miyamoto hinted at “a bigger, bolder” world, possibly introducing fan-favorite characters like Daisy, Wario, or even the galaxy-hopping Rosalina.
The film will again feature a global release strategy, mirroring the first movie’s rollout that brought fans worldwide into theaters during opening weekend.
Rumors & Fan Theories About The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2
With the sequel confirmed but plot details still secret, the internet is overflowing with speculation. Here are some of the most popular—and plausible—theories making the rounds in the Mario fandom:
Wario and Waluigi Could Join the Cast
Fans have long demanded the inclusion of Wario and Waluigi, and the sequel seems like the perfect opportunity. Jack Black, who voiced Bowser in the first film, has openly stated he’d love to see Pedro Pascal as Wario. Given Illumination’s love for over-the-top characters, these chaotic anti-heroes could be a hilarious and powerful addition to the sequel’s villain lineup.
Rosalina and the Lumas: A Galaxy Expansion?
Many fans believe the sequel will expand beyond the Mushroom Kingdom and into outer space—introducing Rosalina and the Lumas from Super Mario Galaxy. Subtle hints, like the star-shaped power-ups and cosmic themes in Mario Wonder, have added fuel to this theory. If true, this could lead to stunning visuals and emotional storytelling, as Rosalina’s origin story is one of the most poignant in the Mario franchise.
Daisy’s Debut as a Rival or Ally
With Peach playing a central role in the first film, fans are betting that Princess Daisy will debut as her competitive foil. Daisy has a huge fanbase and her fiery personality contrasts sharply with Peach’s grace. Her introduction could lead to a “Peach vs. Daisy” moment—whether in racing, sports, or even leadership over their kingdoms.
A Deeper Origin Story for Mario and Luigi
Another theory gaining traction is a more serious look into how the Mario brothers came to the Mushroom Kingdom. The first film touched briefly on their origins in Brooklyn, but some expect the sequel to explore more of their family, heritage, or even the mechanics of world-travel between realms—perhaps via warp zones or dimensional rifts.
Baby Versions or Time Travel Shenanigans?
There’s also talk of Baby Mario and Baby Luigi appearing via a time-travel twist, echoing the Yoshi’s Island and Partners in Time games. While a longshot, Illumination has shown a knack for zany humor and visual gags—so a flashback or alternate timeline isn’t off the table.
Until Nintendo reveals more, fans will keep theorizing and dreaming up wild crossover possibilities. Whether we get galaxy-spanning adventures or mischievous new villains, one thing is clear: The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 is shaping up to be bigger, bolder, and even more beloved than its predecessor.
Returning Voice Cast & Celebrity Casting Rumors for The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2
With the release date locked in and production well underway, attention has now turned to the cast of The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2. While no official casting announcements have been made, several stars are expected to return—and rumors of new celebrity additions are gaining serious momentum.
Likely Returning Voice Cast
Based on the success of the first film and comments made in interviews and press junkets, the following actors are almost certain to reprise their roles:
- Chris Pratt as Mario – Despite initial fan skepticism, Pratt’s performance won over audiences and helped lead the film to box office glory.
- Charlie Day as Luigi – His comedic timing and anxious energy were a perfect fit for Mario’s younger brother.
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach – Her portrayal of a confident and capable Peach was widely praised.
- Jack Black as Bowser – A fan-favorite, especially after the viral success of his ballad “Peaches,” Black has openly expressed interest in returning.
- Keegan-Michael Key as Toad – Expect more rapid-fire comedy from the Mushroom Kingdom’s most loyal citizen.
- Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong – With a DK solo project possibly in the works, his return seems all but confirmed.
Rumored New Additions
While no new characters have been confirmed, here’s who fans—and some insiders—believe could be added to the cast:
- Pedro Pascal as Wario – Jack Black suggested this in an interview, and the internet went wild. Pascal’s mix of gruff charm and chaotic energy makes him an inspired choice.
- Bill Hader as Waluigi – If Wario shows up, his lanky counterpart isn’t far behind. Hader’s ability to play eccentric, offbeat characters has fans hoping he’ll be part of the sequel’s cast.
- Zendaya as Rosalina – Rumors suggest the sequel may take us into space, and Zendaya has been a top fan-cast for Rosalina thanks to her ethereal presence and proven voice work in animation.
- Stephanie Beatriz as Daisy – Known for her bold and fierce characters (Encanto, Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Beatriz could bring fiery energy to the much-requested Princess Daisy.
- Danny DeVito as a surprise villain – Some fans are still pushing for DeVito to join the franchise in any capacity—whether as a cranky power-up vendor or a comic-relief villain like Fawful or Wart.
As with the first film, Nintendo and Illumination are likely to mix A-list star power with playful nods to the franchise’s history. Voice cameos from longtime Nintendo voice actors or legacy Mario cast members—like Charles Martinet—could also return in some form, continuing the tradition of blending old and new.
What’s Happening in the Mario Universe Beyond the Big Screen?
Nintendo isn’t just betting on movies—they’re building a full-blown Mario renaissance across games, merchandise, and theme parks.
Recent and Upcoming Mario Games
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Released: October 20, 2023
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Highlights: Introduced the Flower Kingdom and the transformative Wonder Flower, which creates unpredictable, surreal changes in gameplay. Critics praised its fresh art style and innovative level design, making it one of the most exciting 2D Mario titles in over a decade.
Super Mario RPG (Remake)
- Released: November 17, 2023
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Highlights: A modern reimagining of the 1996 classic with updated 3D visuals, revamped battle systems, and the ability to toggle between original and new soundtracks. It brought one of Mario’s most beloved RPG outings to a new generation.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
- Releasing: November 7, 2024
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Highlights: The return of the fan-favorite RPG duo in a brand-new story featuring tag-team combat, clever puzzle mechanics, and the quirky humor the series is known for. This marks the first new entry since AlphaDream’s closure, developed under new creative direction.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
- Released: October 17, 2024
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Highlights: The biggest Mario Party yet, with dozens of new minigames, multiple themed boards, and expanded multiplayer options. It’s a celebration of the franchise’s party roots with modern flair.
Mario Kart World & The Nintendo Switch 2
One of the biggest upcoming titles is Mario Kart World, slated to launch exclusively alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. This marks the franchise’s evolution into a semi-live-service format, rumored to include regular seasonal updates, online championships, and cross-play capabilities.
The game will be bundled with limited-edition versions of the Switch 2, and insiders suggest it could become a system-seller much like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe did for the original Switch.
Mario’s Inner Circle: Nintendo’s Fascinating Character Relationship Map
In a quirky update, Nintendo’s Play Nintendo website now publicly displays character friendship dynamics. Among the highlights:
- Mario lists Luigi, Peach, and Toad as friends—but surprisingly not the Mii characters, who list Mario as their only friend.
- Pauline, the original damsel from Donkey Kong, is referenced by others but curiously absent from their friend lists.
- Waluigi remains the series’ most controversial outsider, mostly unacknowledged by main characters except for Rosalina and Baby Luigi, who list him as a friend.
This lighthearted take gives fans a new way to engage with character lore and has already sparked heated debates across online forums.
With The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 now officially dated, a flood of new games, and the next-gen console on the horizon, Nintendo is positioning Mario as not just a mascot—but the face of a multimedia empire. Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia, the platforming, or the movie magic, there’s never been a better time to be a Mario fan.
Key Takeaways
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 will arrive in theaters on April 3, 2026, giving Nintendo and Illumination three years to develop the sequel.
- Following the record-breaking success of the first film, the sequel is expected to continue expanding the animated Mushroom Kingdom universe.
- Both Nintendo and Illumination are returning to collaborate on the project, maintaining the partnership that made the original film successful.
Official Release Date and Announcement
Fans of the first Super Mario Bros. Movie can now mark their calendars for the highly anticipated sequel. Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment have confirmed the exact date when Mario, Luigi, and friends will return to theaters worldwide.
April 2026 Debut
The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 has been officially scheduled to hit theaters on April 3, 2026. This release date positions the film for a prime spring launch, nearly three years after the first movie’s tremendous success at the global box office.
Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri personally confirmed this timeline during a recent industry presentation. The studio has allocated this extended development period to ensure the sequel maintains the high quality standards established by the original film.
The April 2026 release date also aligns with school spring breaks in many regions, maximizing the potential audience for this family-friendly adventure.
Mario Day Reveal
The announcement of the sequel’s release date strategically coincided with this year’s Mario Day celebrations. For those unfamiliar, Mario Day occurs annually on March 10th (Mar10, resembling “Mario” when written).
Nintendo and Universal used the special occasion to build excitement among fans by revealing not only the release timeframe but also dropping hints about potential new characters joining the cast.
The Mario Day announcement included a special animated teaser featuring the iconic plumber’s silhouette alongside a calendar highlighting the 2026 date. This generated immediate buzz across social media platforms and gaming communities worldwide.
Global Release Strategy
The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 will follow a global theatrical release pattern similar to its predecessor. Universal Pictures plans to debut the film simultaneously in most major markets on April 3, 2026.
Select territories may receive early preview screenings, while some international markets might see the film arrive a week earlier or later due to local holiday schedules and competing releases.
Japan, as Nintendo’s home country, will receive special attention in the release strategy with exclusive promotional events featuring the original voice actors. North American and European theaters will likely offer premium viewing options including IMAX and 3D formats to enhance the viewing experience.
Digital and streaming release dates will follow approximately 45 days after the theatrical premiere.
Creative Team and Production Details
The sequel to the blockbuster Mario film brings together leading talents from both Illumination and Nintendo. Production is being handled by the same core team that delivered the first film’s massive success, with some exciting additions to the creative lineup.
Illumination Team and Key Creators
Illumination founder Chris Meledandri returns as a key producer for the sequel. The animation studio has maintained most of the creative team from the first film, ensuring continuity in style and storytelling approach.
The writing duo of Matthew Fogel and Evan Goldberg, who crafted the well-received script for the original, are back to develop the sequel’s story. Their ability to balance Nintendo character lore with fresh narrative elements proved successful with audiences worldwide.
Several key animation directors from Illumination’s previous projects, including “Despicable Me” and “Sing,” have joined the production team. These additions bring valuable experience in creating visually dynamic animated worlds.
Nintendo’s Involvement
Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary creator of Mario, continues his role as executive producer and creative consultant. His involvement ensures the film remains faithful to the beloved Nintendo characters and universe.
Nintendo’s development team is providing more extensive input on character designs and world-building elements. This deeper collaboration aims to include more authentic gameplay references that fans will recognize.
The gaming company has established a dedicated film division to work directly with Illumination. This specialized team includes veteran Nintendo artists and designers who understand the Mario universe’s unique aesthetic and charm.
Animation Techniques
The sequel employs advanced animation technology that builds upon techniques developed for the first film. Illumination has invested in new rendering software to enhance visual details in complex environments like the Mushroom Kingdom.
Character movements have been refined to better capture the distinctive physics of the Mario games. The animation team studied classic Mario gameplay extensively to accurately translate jumping mechanics and character-specific movements to the film.
Special attention is being given to action sequences, with new particle effects systems creating more dynamic visuals. This technology is particularly important for rendering power-ups and special abilities that will feature prominently in the sequel.
Directors and Producers
Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, who directed the first film, return to helm the sequel. Their background in animation and previous work on projects like “Teen Titans Go!” brings valuable experience in balancing humor with action.
The production team includes several veterans from both companies. Illumination’s CEO Chris Meledandri confirmed the sequel’s production timeline, with animation work having begun in mid-2024.
Brett Hoffman joins as co-producer, bringing his expertise from working on other successful animated franchises. His specialization in voice actor direction will be particularly valuable as the cast expands to include more characters from the Mario universe.
Storyline and New Characters
The sequel to the wildly successful Super Mario Bros. Movie is bringing exciting expansions to the story universe with new locations, characters, and villains. Several familiar faces will return alongside fresh additions that fans have been eagerly anticipating.
Expanding the Mushroom Kingdom
The upcoming sequel will take viewers deeper into the Mushroom Kingdom than ever before. New environments will include lush jungles inspired by Donkey Kong Country and the mysterious Boo Mansions that add a spooky element to the adventure.
Yoshi is expected to play a prominent role, with rumors suggesting the beloved dinosaur companion will have his moment to shine in the sequel. His abilities to eat enemies and flutter jump will likely create unique action sequences not seen in the first film.
The filmmakers have hinted at underwater worlds where Mario and friends will encounter Cheep Cheeps and Bloopers. These aquatic levels promise to recreate the challenging yet exciting underwater gameplay from the video games.
Introduction of Wario and Princess Daisy
Two fan-favorite characters making their movie debut are Wario and Princess Daisy. Wario will serve as a complex anti-hero, introducing his trademark greed and mischievous personality that contrasts with Mario’s heroism.
Princess Daisy, ruler of Sarasaland, brings her tomboyish and athletic character to the franchise. Her addition creates a perfect counterpart to Princess Peach and adds dynamic feminine energy to the cast.
The relationship between Daisy and Luigi is expected to mirror the Mario-Peach dynamic but with its own unique chemistry. This pairing will likely provide both comedic moments and emotional depth to Luigi’s character arc.
Returning and New Villains
Bowser will return as a main antagonist, but with a more nuanced approach following his character development in the first movie. His army of Koopas and Goombas will be expanded with elite units featuring distinct personalities.
Piranha Plants will play a larger role, potentially as guardians of important locations or items. The film may introduce variations like Fire Piranha Plants and Jumping Piranha Plants to create diverse threats.
New villain speculation includes Kamek the Magikoopa, who could serve as Bowser’s strategic advisor, and potentially Wario as an initial antagonist who later allies with Mario. The film’s April 3, 2026 release date gives creators ample time to develop these complex character dynamics for a more mature storytelling approach.
Cast, Voice Talent, and Themes
The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 will see the return of beloved voice actors along with potential new additions that will help develop the characters further while exploring deeper themes of brotherhood and sacrifice that weren’t fully explored in the first film.
Confirmed Voice Cast
Chris Pratt will reprise his role as Mario, bringing his energetic interpretation back to the mushroom kingdom. Charlie Day is set to return as Luigi, whose character may have a more prominent role in the sequel following the events of the first film.
Anya Taylor-Joy will again voice Princess Peach, likely continuing her portrayal of the character as a strong and independent ruler rather than a damsel in distress.
Though not officially confirmed in the search results, it’s widely expected that Jack Black will return as Bowser, given his popular performance and the character’s importance to the franchise.
Keegan-Michael Key is also listed in the cast lineup, presumably returning as Toad.
Character Development
The sequel is expected to delve deeper into the relationship between the Mario brothers, expanding on their backgrounds and motivations. After establishing their personalities in the first film, the second installment will likely explore how their experiences have changed them.
Luigi’s character arc might receive particular attention, especially if the film incorporates elements from the Luigi’s Mansion games as some fans have speculated. This would provide opportunities to show his growth from being in Mario’s shadow to becoming a hero in his own right.
Bowser’s character could also see further development, potentially exploring new dimensions beyond his villainy and unrequited love for Princess Peach that was highlighted in the first movie.
Themes of Brotherhood and Sacrifice
The sequel is expected to emphasize the bonds between Mario and Luigi, highlighting how their relationship has evolved since the events of the first film. Their brotherhood will likely be tested through new challenges that require them to rely on each other’s unique strengths.
Themes of sacrifice may emerge as the brothers face more complex moral dilemmas, possibly having to choose between personal desires and the greater good of the Mushroom Kingdom. This would add emotional depth to what could otherwise be a straightforward adventure story.
The moral message of working together is likely to remain central to the film’s narrative, reinforcing the idea that cooperation and teamwork can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This theme resonates with audiences of all ages while staying true to the franchise’s core values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans have been eagerly awaiting details about the sequel to the massively successful Super Mario Bros. Movie. Here are answers to the most common questions about the upcoming animated film.
What is the planned release date for ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2’?
‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2’ will hit theaters in the United States on April 3, 2026. This release date was confirmed by Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri.
The production companies have strategically chosen this date, likely to capitalize on the spring movie season similar to the successful release window of the first film.
When can we expect the trailer for ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2’ to be released?
Based on typical marketing timelines for animated features, the first teaser trailer for ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2’ will likely debut approximately 12-14 months before the release date.
This suggests fans might see the first footage around February or March 2025. A full trailer would then follow several months later, possibly in late summer or fall 2025.
Will there be a follow-up to ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2’, and if so, what is its projected release timeline?
No official announcement has been made regarding a third Mario movie. However, given the enormous success of the first film, a trilogy is certainly possible.
If ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2’ performs well at the box office, a third installment would likely follow 2-3 years later, putting a potential release date around 2028-2029.
Is ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2’ going to be available on Netflix after its official release, and when?
Streaming distribution deals for ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2’ have not yet been announced. The first film eventually made its way to streaming platforms several months after theatrical release.
Based on industry patterns, the sequel would likely follow a similar path with a streaming release approximately 4-6 months after hitting theaters, placing it around August-October 2026.
Are there any new characters, like Yoshi, expected to appear in ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2’?
While official character announcements haven’t been made, there are strong indications that the second film will expand the roster of Nintendo characters.
Interestingly, reports suggest the sequel may not be a direct continuation of the first film’s story, potentially allowing for new character introductions like Yoshi, who was noticeably absent from the first movie.
How does ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2’ release date compare with the original release date of ‘Super Mario Bros. 2’?
The original ‘Super Mario Bros. 2’ video game was released in North America in October 1988, about three years after the first game.
Similarly, ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2’ will arrive approximately three years after its predecessor, which was released in April 2023, showing a comparable timeline between the game and film franchises.
