Super Mario: An Entire Cinematic Universe Is Coming!
Peach, Donkey Kong, and others could get their very own movie adventure!
Big plans for the world of "Super Mario": Several film projects based on Nintendo's iconic universe are reportedly in development!
Reports about a standalone "Donkey Kong" movie have been circulating for quite some time. But according to one insider, that's just the beginning. Spin-offs based on "Luigi's Mansion" and Princess Peach are also said to be in the works. In addition, more characters from the Mario universe could be brought to life in their very own movie. The overall plan is to build an entire cinematic universe around Mario and his friends. Much like the MCU, everything will eventually lead up to one big crossover event – a "Super Smash Bros." movie!
However, the spin-off films have not been officially confirmed yet. The insider source has been right many times before – though not always. So time will tell whether all these projects will actually come to fruition. If there is one thing we know for sure, it's that "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" is getting a sequel. You can already find a first teaser for "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" in the KinoCheck app and on our YouTube channel. And Mario fans won't have to wait too long – the sequel is set to hit theaters on April 3, 2026!
Super Mario Bros. – From Video Game Classic to Box Office Hit
Few video game heroes are as well-known as Mario. For over 35 years, the likeable plumber has been jumping, running and leaping his way into the hearts of millions of players worldwide. With the "Super Mario Bros. Movie", Nintendo sent its most famous character on a new adventure in 2023 – and with overwhelming success.
From pixel hero to pop culture phenomenon
Mario's story began in 1981, when he first appeared in the game "Donkey Kong" – back then as a simple carpenter called "Jumpman". Two years later, "Super Mario Bros." was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and laid the foundation for one of the most famous video game franchises of all time. The simple but precise gameplay, combined with charming design and catchy music, made the game the benchmark for an entire genre.
Since then, the Mario universe has constantly expanded: "Super Mario 64" revolutionized 3D game worlds in the mid-90s, "Super Mario Galaxy" took us into space and "Super Mario Odyssey" marked Mario's triumphant return to the Nintendo Switch with its open world design and creative ideas. To this day, Mario is considered a symbolic figure of video game culture – and a figurehead for Nintendo's innovative strength.
The leap to the big screen
With the "Super Mario Bros. Movie" in 2023, Nintendo took the next big step in collaboration with production studio Illumination: the leap into cinema. The result: a brightly colored, action-packed adventure that brings the world of the game to life with modern animation. Success was not long in coming: the "Super Mario Bros. Movie" is one of the most successful video game films of all time. The film is one of the biggest box office hits of 2023, exceeding all expectations.
"Super Mario Bros." tells the story of how Mario and his brother Luigi battle the sinister Bowser together with Princess Peach. The filmmakers manage to integrate numerous elements and characters from the games into the plot.
The sequel: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
After the first teaser, one thing is certain: the sequel is called "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie"! The film is based on a particularly popular game in the franchise: "Super Mario Galaxy" was released for the Wii in 2007 and took players into space. There, Bowser abducts Princess Peach to the center of the universe. Mario has to travel to various planets, collect power stars and activate an observatory to rescue her. "Super Mario Galaxy 2" from 2010 was also able to build on the success of its predecessor – on Metacritic, both titles are considered the best Wii games of all time.
In the teaser, we already see a number of familiar characters – including Monty Mole, Cheep Cheep fish, and several Toads. Also featured is Luma: a star-like creature that accompanies Mario in the game and gives him special abilities. Find out all the other details about the sequel in our movie preview!
A pop culture legend
Whether in a video game or on the big screen, Mario remains a living legend of pop culture. "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" has proven that video game adaptations can not only delight fans, but also reach a global audience. What once began as a simple adventure has developed into a multimedia phenomenon that connects generations.