Nintendo and Illumination aimed for the stars with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie—and they hit their mark. Released on April 1, the sequel to 2023's blockbuster has earned over $968 million globally, making it the highest-grossing film of 2026. As the space-faring adventure lands on digital platforms and prepares for a June 16 physical release, the team behind the movie is celebrating what makes Nintendo's iconic plumber so beloved. In an exclusive sneak peek shared with ShowtimeSpot, cast and crew—including Chris Pratt and Charlie Day—open up about Mario's enduring appeal.
Chris Pratt and Charlie Day on Mario's Everyman Spirit
For Chris Pratt, voicing Mario is more than just a gig—it's a chance to embody a character who represents the best of us. "He's an everyman," Pratt says in the featurette. "He cares about his friends, never gives up, and always tries to do the right thing." Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic echo that sentiment, noting how Mario's relatability drives the story. Charlie Day, who voices Luigi, feels lucky to be part of that connection. "Being his brother on screen, you feel that bond that players have had for decades," Day adds.
From Game to Screen: Capturing the Joy of Mario
Nintendo character designer Shigehisa Nakaue explains how the film recreates the thrill of Mario's gameplay. "We wanted viewers to feel the joy of running and jumping, to cheer him on through every obstacle," he says. The sneak peek also touches on Mario's vulnerabilities, particularly his awkward dynamic with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy). Writer Matthew Fogel and Pratt break down how Mario struggles to express his feelings—even accepting a hug from Peach proves challenging. This contrasts with Nintendo's official stance that the two are just friends in the games, but the movies lean into a more romantic tension.
What's in the Home Release?
The home release is packed with special features, including a behind-the-scenes documentary on how Nintendo and Illumination expanded the Mario universe while adapting 2008's Super Mario Galaxy. There are deep dives on main characters, tours of creative settings, power-ups, relationships, and music, plus a look at Easter eggs that invite fans to revisit the film from a new perspective. For more on how legacy sequels can hit the mark, check out our list of 8 Legacy Sequels That Actually Got It Right.
The Story: Mario and Luigi Go Galactic
After defeating Bowser in their last adventure, Mario and Luigi are back to solving problems in the Mushroom Kingdom. But peace is short-lived when Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie) arrives to rescue his father (Jack Black) and restore the family legacy. Along with new pal Yoshi (Donald Glover), the brothers are thrust across space, meeting bizarre galaxies, surprising allies, and intimidating foes. They must save Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) from Bowser Jr.'s disastrous plan that threatens all reality. The sequel also introduces Glen Powell as Fox McCloud from Star Fox, marking a Nintendo crossover that surprised fans.
What's Next for Nintendo's Cinematic Universe?
With an "Untitled Illumination/Nintendo Event Film" slated for April 2028 and a Legend of Zelda live-action adaptation next year, Nintendo is clearly building out its cinematic universe. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is now available on digital platforms and arrives on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD on June 16. For more on how the film performed at the box office, see our report on Super Mario Galaxy Movie Misses $1B, Hits Digital in May 2026. And if you're curious about other superhero films that aren't for kids, check out Superhero Movies That Are Absolutely Not for Kids: A Parent's Guide.
