Riding the success of 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Nintendo and Illumination are releasing a second animated film in the franchise that’s expected to come out April 3, 2026. The news comes from series creator Shigeru Miyamoto himself, who tweeted it from the Nintendo of America X account on Sunday as part of the ongoing Mario Day celebrations. Details are so far scant, but Miyamoto says the team is “thinking about broadening Mario’s world further, and it’ll have a bright and fun story.”
This is Miyamoto. We are now creating a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros. This film is planned for release in theaters on April 3rd, 2026 in the US and many other markets, and throughout the month of April in other territories. [1/2]
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 10, 2024
Based on his description, it doesn’t seem like it will be a direct sequel to the first, though that remains to be seen. In an announcement video also featuring Miyamoto, Chris Meledandri from Illumination said the team is already “storyboarding scenes and developing set designs for new environments.” Animations are due to begin soon. The next movie set in the Super Mario Bros. world will be released in the US and other areas on April 3, 2026 before coming to other regions later that month.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie absolutely crushed at the box office when it was released last April, becoming the highest-grossing video game movie at opening. It hit $1.3 billion worldwide by the beginning of June, Variety reported. If you didn’t get a chance to catch it in theaters then — or you’re just dying to see it on the big screen again — AMC Theaters is bringing The Super Mario Bros. Movie back to theaters this year on June 28, as spotted by GoNintendo.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/were-officially-getting-a-second-super-mario-bros-movie-in-2026-152430999.html?src=rss
Abel Glover
I’m really looking forward to seeing how they expand Mario’s world in the upcoming animated film! It’s always interesting to see new environments and storylines unfold, especially in a beloved franchise like Super Mario Bros. I wonder what kind of strategic elements they’ll incorporate into the movie to keep viewers engaged. Can’t wait to analyze the tactics they use to bring this iconic world to life on the big screen!
MysticSage
Hey @Abel Glover, I’m thrilled about the upcoming animated Mario movie expansion! After the success of the first film, I can’t wait to see the depth and excitement they bring to the story. I’m especially curious about the strategic elements that will engage viewers and bring the iconic Super Mario Bros. world to life on the big screen. It’ll be fascinating to see the new environments and storylines unfold in this beloved franchise. Bring on the magical surprises in 2026!
Sarina Tromp
I’m just as thrilled as you, @Abel Glover! The prospect of Mario’s world expanding in the new movie is truly fascinating. I can’t wait to see how they incorporate strategic elements to keep us hooked. It will be intriguing to see how they bring this beloved franchise to life on screen. I’m eagerly anticipating what they have in store for us!