Jack Black is stepping back into the fiery role of Bowser for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2023 box office hit The Super Mario Bros. Movie. While sworn to secrecy about plot details, the actor teased that gamers familiar with the beloved Nintendo title will be delighted by the adaptation.
“I am sworn to secrecy, but there’s tons of Easter eggs, and anyone who loves that universe will be very pleased with the way that it’s been brought to the big screen,” Black told GamesRadar+.
Release Date and Returning Cast
The film is set to open in theaters worldwide on April 3, 2026, distributed by Universal Pictures in partnership with Nintendo. Illumination, the studio behind Despicable Me and Minions, is once again producing.
Returning voice actors include:
- Chris Pratt as Mario
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach
- Charlie Day as Luigi
- Jack Black as Bowser
- Keegan-Michael Key as Toad
- Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek
New Additions to the Galaxy
The sequel expands the Mushroom Kingdom universe with new characters. Brie Larson joins the cast as Princess Rosalina, a fan-favorite from the Super Mario Galaxy games, while Benny Safdie voices Bowser Jr., adding fresh dynamics to the villainous family.
Creative Team Behind the Sequel
The movie is directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the duo who helmed the first installment. Matthew Fogel, who penned The Super Mario Bros. Movie, returns as screenwriter. With Nintendo and Universal co-financing, the sequel promises to blend faithful game adaptation with cinematic spectacle.
Building on Box Office Success
The original Super Mario Bros. Movie was a global phenomenon, grossing $1.36 billion worldwide, making it the third-highest-grossing animated film of all time. Its Easter weekend debut earned $166.4 million domestically, second only to Batman v. Superman. The sequel aims to build on that momentum, expanding the franchise into new galactic territory.
What Fans Can Expect
While plot details remain under wraps, Black’s comments suggest a film packed with Easter eggs and nods to the Super Mario Galaxy gameplay experience. Fans can expect cosmic settings, new power-ups, and the introduction of Rosalina’s Lumas, which could play a central role in the storyline. With nostalgia, humor, and star power driving the project, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is positioned to be one of 2026’s biggest animated releases.
