The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has nearly arrived, and first reactions are giving audiences a taste of what’s to come.
In 2023, Nintendo’s iconic gaming franchise featuring some equally memorable characters arrived in theaters, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, despite having divisive reviews, dominated the box office. The movie features a star-studded cast including Chris Pratt, Jack Black, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, and more. However, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will include even more classic video game characters with even more stars joining the adventure.
First reactions from early screenings are arriving for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and already, they are beginning to cause discourse amongst fans eager to see the sequel featuring some fan-favorite characters. The animated movie is set to release on April 1, as early reviews are trickling out, giving fans an insight into what to expect.
Andy Robinson’s early review got a lot of backlash due to one comment stating, “largely the same issues with the first movie remain.” However, Robinson did clarify that “it definitely felt toned down,” and also added, “One caveat is there’s undeniably a lot of heart in Galaxy, and every character is likeable. Loved the cast.”
Luiz Fernando’s review emphasizes the inclusion of “surprises and Easter Eggs,” as well as claiming that the movie is “overflowing with stunning visuals, lots of fun and action, which will especially please Mario and Nintendo fans.”
Matt Ramos’ review included a video as well as replying to some fan questions and comments, including a fan asking if there’s more romance shown between Princess Peach and Mario, to which Ramos replied, “You will be happy.” “This honestly might be Illumination’s most beautiful-looking movie. Every frame is a piece of art. The color, the worlds, and the scale of this film are just on another level,” Ramos stated. The creator also revealed there are “two post-credits scenes” that you’re going to want to see.
ImaginagoTV on Instagram simply put “what a film” when speaking about attending the Super Mario Galaxy Movie premiere in Japan, and also added, “it was better than you can imagine.”
Just the Nobodys Podcast duo stated that the movie is “incredible,” and also hinted at even more fun surprises: “if you thought Fox McCloud was a surprise, wait until you see the whole movie.”
iJustine, known for tech reviews, also attended the premiere of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in Kyoto and stated that she “loved the movie” as well as its “iconic throwbacks.”
While a lot of the early reviews are positive, there are some highlighting similar issues that fans had problems with for the first installment of the revamped movie franchise. With the divisive first movie still causing discourse, it’s unclear if the sequel can provide audiences with the most satisfying Super Mario movie or if it will lead to even more division.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will be soaring into theaters on April 1.
Release Date
April 1, 2026
Runtime
98 Minutes
Director
Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc, Fabien Polack