Everything We Know About Super Mario Bros. Movie 2: Release Date, Cast, and Plot Details

When Is Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 Coming Out?

After the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023, which became one of the highest-grossing animated films in history, fans have been eagerly awaiting news about a sequel. Fortunately, Nintendo and Universal Studios officially confirmed that Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 is in development, bringing even more of the beloved video game universe to the big screen.

The announcement was made on March 10, 2024, during the annual Mario Day celebrations, a day dedicated to honoring the legendary video game character. With an official release date set, excitement continues to build as details emerge about what fans can expect from this highly anticipated sequel.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 Release Date

Mario and friends are set to return to theaters on April 3, 2026, in the United States, with an international rollout expected on the same day. However, Japan will receive the film a few weeks later on April 24, 2026. While specific release schedules for other regions have not yet been confirmed, it is likely that most major markets will see a simultaneous worldwide release.

This announcement gives the animation team at Illumination Studios ample time to perfect the sequel and ensure it delivers an unforgettable experience for both longtime Nintendo fans and newcomers to the franchise.

What to Expect from Super Mario Bros. Movie 2

Storyline and Plot Details

While official plot details remain under wraps, hints from the first film’s post-credits scene provide some insight into where the story might be headed. The final moments of The Super Mario Bros. Movie teased the arrival of Yoshi, the beloved green dinosaur who has been a fan-favorite character since his debut in Super Mario World in 1990. His inclusion suggests that the sequel may explore more elements of Mario’s vibrant universe, potentially drawing inspiration from games like Super Mario World or Yoshi’s Island.

Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, who is producing the sequel alongside Illumination’s Chris Meledandri, has promised a “bright and fun story” that will expand the world of Mario even further. Given the vast and colorful lore of the Super Mario franchise, the possibilities are endless. Could we see Wario and Waluigi make their big-screen debut? Will Bowser hatch another nefarious scheme? And what about the mysterious Mushroom Kingdom realms that remain unexplored?

Returning Cast and New Additions

Although an official cast list has not been announced, it is widely expected that most of the original voice actors will reprise their roles, including:

Chris Pratt as Mario
Charlie Day as Luigi
Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach
Jack Black as Bowser
Keegan-Michael Key as Toad
Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong

Given Yoshi’s teased appearance, a new voice actor may join the cast to bring the character to life. Fans are also speculating about whether Wario and Waluigi could appear, potentially voiced by comedic actors who could match their over-the-top personalities.

Directors and Writers

The directorial duo of Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic are returning to helm Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, ensuring continuity with the first film’s visual style and tone. Additionally, Matthew Fogel, who wrote the screenplay for the original movie, is back on board, which suggests that the sequel will retain the humor and heart that made the first installment so successful.

Potential New Characters and Worlds

With the Super Mario universe spanning decades of video games, there is an abundance of material to draw from for Super Mario Bros. Movie 2. Some possibilities include:

The Introduction of Wario and Waluigi – These mischievous counterparts to Mario and Luigi have been fan favorites for years and could add a humorous, chaotic element to the sequel.
Bowser Jr.’s Arrival – As Bowser’s son, Bowser Jr. has appeared in numerous games, often causing trouble for Mario and his friends.
More Donkey Kong Universe Characters – With Donkey Kong playing a major role in the first film, characters like Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, or King K. Rool could make their cinematic debut.
Galaxy-Inspired Adventure? – Given the popularity of Super Mario Galaxy, there’s a chance that the sequel could introduce intergalactic elements, including Rosalina and the Lumas.

**The Impact of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and What It Means for the Sequel**

The first Super Mario Bros. Movie shattered expectations, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful animated films of all time. Its success proved that video game adaptations, when done correctly, can captivate audiences across all age groups.

Nintendo’s careful involvement in the production was a key factor in the movie’s triumph, and the same collaborative approach is being applied to Super Mario Bros. Movie 2. By maintaining high-quality animation, a compelling story, and humor that appeals to both children and nostalgic adults, the sequel has the potential to surpass even the original’s achievements.

**Will There Be More Super Mario Bros. Movies After the Sequel?**

Given the massive success of the first film and the anticipation surrounding Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, it’s highly likely that Nintendo and Universal will continue expanding the Mario cinematic universe. Spin-offs focusing on characters like Donkey Kong or Luigi’s adventures in Luigi’s Mansion could be possible, along with a potential third installment in the main series.

Nintendo’s growing interest in film adaptations—combined with their vast catalog of iconic franchises—suggests that we could see even more projects in the future, perhaps even leading to a Super Smash Bros. crossover movie featuring characters from different Nintendo universes.

Final Thoughts on Super Mario Bros. Movie 2

The wait for Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 may feel long, but the promise of a bigger, more expansive adventure filled with beloved characters makes the anticipation worthwhile. With a confirmed release date of April 3, 2026, fans can mark their calendars for what is sure to be another record-breaking animated blockbuster.

As more details emerge about Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, excitement will only continue to grow. Whether you’re a lifelong Mario fan or new to the world of the Mushroom Kingdom, this sequel is shaping up to be an unforgettable cinematic journey.

Stay tuned for updates as Nintendo and Universal reveal more about what’s next for Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and the rest of the beloved characters from the Super Mario universe!