Illumination is currently working on a new movie based on Nintendo's Super Mario Bros for Universal, and it is in the pre-production stage.Super Mario Bros. The film is set to be released on April 3, 2026.
The The announcement of the new film was made. Legendary Nintendo game director and Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto and Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri revealed the new film during 'Mario Day', an annual event hosted by Nintendo on Mar. 10.
While details about the plot were not disclosed, Miyamoto and Meledandri emphasized that the upcoming film will take place in the world of 'Super Mario Bros.' without being a direct sequel to 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie.' Meledandri mentioned that work on storyboarding and set design has commenced, with animation scheduled to start later this year.
Following the success of 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' which grossed $1.36 billion worldwide last year and ranked second only to 'Barbie' on the yearly charts, Mario was expected to return to Universal and Illumination's release schedule. The movie broke the record for the highest-grossing film based on a video game in box office history, surpassing the $1.15 billion earned by 'Minions' to become Illumination's highest-grossing film ever.
'Super Mario Bros.' has also become a key aspect of Universal's theme park plans, with the launch of 'Super Nintendo World' at Universal Studios in Osaka and Hollywood. Developed with direct input from Miyamoto and Nintendo, the new theme park areas include an augmented reality ride based on 'Mario Kart' and various mini-games across the park. 'Super Nintendo World' will also be part of Universal's new theme park, Epic Universe, which is set to open in Orlando in 2025.
The new 'Mario' project will be added to Illumination's release schedule, which includes 'Despicable Me 4' in July, as well as the third installments of the 'Sing' and 'Secret Life of Pets' franchises.
