Nintendo delighted fans on Mario Day by unveiling exciting news about the beloved 'Super Mario Bros. Movie.' A highly anticipated sequel, scheduled for release on April 3, 2026, is set to continue the animated adventure that captivated audiences in the original film released in 2023. Co-directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the creative minds behind the first installment, will once again helm the sequel, promising a continuation of the fantastical journey in the Mushroom Kingdom.
During a special Mario Day video celebration on March 10, Nintendo game director Shigeru Miyamoto and Illumination’s Chris Meledandri revealed the exciting news of the upcoming sequel. The announcement sparked anticipation among fans, eagerly awaiting the return of the iconic characters to the big screen.
Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the talented co-directors who successfully brought the Mushroom Kingdom to life in the first 'Super Mario Bros. Movie,' are confirmed to be at the helm once again for the sequel. Meledandri expressed the team's dedication, stating that they are already hard at work storyboarding scenes and developing set designs for new environments, promising a fresh and visually captivating continuation.
The first 'Super Mario Bros. Movie' made a monumental impact at the box office, crossing the $1 billion mark less than a month after its initial release in 2023. Breaking numerous records, it became the highest-grossing animated film in Universal history at the domestic box office, securing its place as the third-highest-grossing Universal movie behind 'Jurassic World' and 'E.T. The Extraterrestrial,' without adjusting for inflation.
The original film followed the origin story of Mario, brilliantly voiced by Chris Pratt, and his younger brother Luigi, portrayed by Charlie Day. The brothers, initially plumbers in Brooklyn, embark on an extraordinary journey to the Mushroom Kingdom through a mysterious pipe. The star-studded cast, including Keegan Michael-Key, Jack Black, Sebastian Maniscalco, and Anya Taylor-Joy, contributed to the film's immense success.
With the announcement of the sequel, fans can anticipate a continuation of the fantastical and imaginative storyline that made the first film a global hit. The directors and animators are poised to explore new environments and deliver another visually stunning and entertaining cinematic experience for audiences worldwide.