Super Mario Galaxy Movie Review: Donald Glover as Yoshi and Glen Powell as Fox McCloud Bring Magic to This Fun Sequel
Mario and Luigi, alongside an ensemble of beloved characters, embark on an intergalactic adventure in the upcoming film, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. This sequel extends the familiar universe established in the 2023 film, introducing new challenges and characters in a playful homage to the Nintendo gaming legacy.
In this latest installment, Mario and his brother Luigi (voice of Charlie Day) team up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) to rescue Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson), who has been kidnapped by the villainous Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie). The film seamlessly blends imaginative worlds, echoing the expansive settings that fans of the franchise have cherished for decades.
The animation studio Illumination enhances the viewing experience with vibrant visuals and clever nods that capture the essence of gameplay, enticing viewers to feel as if they are part of the adventure. A standout feature of this film is Yoshi, voiced by Donald Glover, who is introduced to the plumbing duo during a routine job. Glover’s performance offers a fresh take that distinguishes the character amid the exciting backdrop.
Glen Powell adds another layer to the voice cast as Fox McCloud, personifying the playful spirit of his character. However, there are points of contention regarding Chris Pratt’s portrayal of Mario. Critics have raised questions about Pratt’s interpretation, shifting away from traditional Italian representations to a more Brooklyn-flavored character. This change prompts inquiries about the rationale behind this artistic choice.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is described as a fun sequel filled with nostalgic elements, star-studded voices, and dynamic animation. The narrative also explores themes of redemption through the stories of Bowser (Jack Black) and Princess Peach, hinting at a future of engaging video game adaptations.
The film is produced by Chris Meledandri and Shigeru Miyamoto.
Title: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Release Date: April 1, 2026
Directors: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic
Screenwriter: Matthew Fogel
Cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Benny Safdie, Donald Glover, Issa Rae, Luis Guzmán, Kevin Michael Richardson, Brie Larson, Glen Powell
Rating: PG
Running Time: 1 hour and 39 minutes
