Super Mario Galaxy Movie Smashes $1 Billion Box Office, Sparks Franchise Future

June 7, 2026
Super Mario Galaxy Movie Smashes $1 Billion Box Office, Sparks Franchise Future
  • The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, a joint Nintendo-Illumination sequel, surpassed $1 billion at the global box office after ten weekends, becoming the first 2026 release to reach that milestone.

  • Domestically, the film has earned about $428.5 million with $571.5 million coming from international markets, as of this weekend.

  • Overall, the Mario franchise has grossed roughly $2.3 billion globally across The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and its 2023 predecessor, cementing its status as one of Hollywood’s most lucrative animated franchises.

  • Early reviews note the film leans on nostalgia and visual spectacle, with a thinner plot and numerous Nintendo references.

  • There remains strong interest in more Mario content across film and games, with official channels and newsletters encouraging fan engagement.

  • Industry watchers expect the next Nintendo-Illumination collaboration around 2028, with momentum from the current film shaping future releases.

  • Universal’s near-term slate continues with high-profile animation and hybrid projects, including Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, and Illumination’s Minions & Monsters.

  • Nintendo and Illumination may explore standalone Mario character films or spin-offs, potentially focusing on Star Fox or Pikmin given Galaxy’s expanded roster.

  • A live-action Legend of Zelda film is set for release on April 30, 2027, directed by Wes Ball.

  • The Galaxy Movie features a star-studded cast led by Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, with returning and new voices bringing characters like Bowser, Luigi, Yoshi, Rosalina, and more to life.

  • With the strong box office, a third Mario film is likely, with an untitled project planned for 2028 that could be a direct sequel or a spin-off.

  • Beyond theaters, the film reached digital platforms and will receive a physical release mid-June, completing its current cycle.

Summary based on 11 sources


Get a daily email with more Tech stories

More Stories