Nintendo Announces Sequel to Blockbuster Super Mario Bros. Movie and Upcoming Game Releases

Super Mario Bros. Movie Sequel Set for April 2026

Following the resounding success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which amassed over $1 billion in global box office revenue, Nintendo has green-lit a sequel. In a recent video, Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto and Illumination Entertainment’s Chris Meledandri revealed that the next installment is currently in development, with a targeted release date of April 3rd, 2026.

Illumination Studios Paris, the team behind the first film, is diligently storyboarding the sequel under the guidance of returning directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic. Meledandri confirmed that animation will commence shortly, and the movie will debut in the United States and various international markets on April 3rd, with a staggered release in select territories throughout the remainder of the month.

“[The sequel] will have a bright and fun story that expands on the world established in the first movie.”

Live-Action Legend of Zelda Film in the Works

In addition to the Super Mario Bros. sequel, Nintendo has also confirmed the development of a live-action adaptation of another beloved franchise, The Legend of Zelda. While details are scarce, it has been announced that Wes Ball, known for directing the Maze Runner trilogy and the forthcoming Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, will be at the helm of this project. Avi Arad and Shigeru Miyamoto are set to produce the film.

Upcoming Nintendo Switch Game Releases

Nintendo also shared exciting news for gaming enthusiasts, announcing the release dates for several highly anticipated titles:

• Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, a Switch remake, will be available on May 23rd.
• Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, a remastered version of the 3DS game Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon, will launch on June 27th.

Furthermore, the Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy collection will expand on March 12th, introducing Dr. Mario for the original Game Boy, as well as Mario Golf and Mario Tennis for the Game Boy Color.

Update March 10th, 2024, 10:20AM ET: Added context about the in-development Legend of Zelda film.