Nintendo and Illumination are ready to blast Mario out of the Mushroom Kingdom and into orbit. The first full trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie debuted during Wednesday’s Nintendo Direct, offering a colorful preview of the next chapter in the plumber’s cinematic saga.
A Cosmic Upgrade
Following the record-breaking success of 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the sequel takes its cues from the beloved Super Mario Galaxy games for the Wii. This time, Mario, Luigi, and friends are heading into space, encountering new worlds, cosmic challenges, and, of course, an adorable army of Lumas.
But not all is starry skies and shooting stars. Bowser Jr., son of the King of the Koopas, is stepping up as the film’s next big villain. His debut teases a new kind of chaos for our favorite red-capped hero, one powered by shiny metal armor and a serious case of daddy issues.
A Star-Studded Cast (Literally)
The film brings back much of the original cast: Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek. But it’s the new additions that have fans buzzing.
Brie Larson joins as the celestial Princess Rosalina, marking her debut in the Mario film universe. Benny Safdie, known for co-directing Uncut Gems, lends his voice to Bowser Jr., promising a mix of comedy and menace.
Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri confirmed the casting during the trailer’s reveal, hinting that Rosalina’s character will play a major role in expanding the Mario cinematic universe, quite literally, to the stars.
Easter Eggs and Galaxy-Level Hints
Beyond the new characters, fans have already spotted nods to Super Mario Odyssey and Bowser’s Fury hidden throughout the trailer. Expect a blend of cosmic wonder and nostalgic callbacks that longtime fans (and queer gamers with impeccable taste) will no doubt appreciate.
Gaymers Go Galactic
The trailer’s release sparked immediate excitement in the queer gaming community. On Twitter and TikTok, hashtags like #GaymersUnite and #RosalinaRules started trending within hours. Fans praised Brie Larson’s casting, with many noting that Rosalina has long been a fan-favorite for her ethereal design and empowering backstory.
One user joked, “Finally, Rosalina is getting the spotlight she deserves. My heart is orbiting like a Luma!” Reaction threads quickly filled with GIFs, fan art, and playful debates over Bowser Jr.’s level of menace versus charm.
Mario’s Big Year Ahead
Nintendo isn’t slowing down after this interstellar adventure. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will coincide with the 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game. 2026 will also bring Mario Tennis Fever, a Super Mario Bros. Wonder edition for the rumored Switch 2, and a new Yoshi title, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book.
Whether you grew up with a GameCube controller or found solace in speedruns, the next Mario movie looks ready to deliver nostalgia with a cosmic twist.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie launches into theaters on April 3, 2026.
