Super Mario Galaxy Movie Leaps Beyond the Wii Classic — With Big Inspiration from Super Mario Odyssey

Quick update from the Mushroom Kingdom: the new trailer for the Super Mario Galaxy Movie dropped during the November 12 Nintendo Direct, and it looks like the film is not just pulling from Galaxy. There are some pretty clear nods to other Mario eras too, Odyssey especially.

Wait, was that the Sand Kingdom?

There is a blink-and-you-miss-it sequence where Mario and Luigi tear across a desert on motorbikes with upside-down pyramids looming in the background. If your brain yelled 'Inverted Pyramid,' you are not alone. It sure looks like the Sand Kingdom from Super Mario Odyssey.

Here is the wrinkle: bike racing is not a thing in Odyssey. So this could be a mash-up moment, maybe even borrowing a little from Mario Kart. It is a small scene in the trailer, but it says a lot about how wide the film might be casting its net.

"While the Super Mario Galaxy games are the core inspiration for our story, this next film holds surprises for fans of every Mario era," Illumination's Chris Meledandri said.

Trailer highlights (aka the fun stuff)

• Bowser Jr. shows up, and yes, he is rocking his Super Mario Wonder look. He also kind of leaked early in a weird way, which is very on-brand for modern trailers.
• Princess Rosalina finally appears, which makes sense if Galaxy is the backbone here.
• There is a miniaturized Bowser doing some painting. The creations are... choices. Curious to see what that subplot is.

Voices behind the new faces

Nintendo used the Direct to confirm a couple of big casting moves: Brie Larson is voicing Rosalina, and Benny Safdie (Oppenheimer, The Odyssey) is bringing Bowser Jr. to life. Solid fits for both, and also a nice reminder that this sequel is swinging just as big as the last one.

When you can see it

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits theaters on April 3, 2026. Plenty of time to revisit Galaxy, Odyssey, and maybe brush up on your Kart skills, just in case.