Featured Image: (Pacer Graphic / Sophia Phillips)

Recently, the long-anticipated sequel to the 2023 “Super Mario Brothers Movie” made its theatrical debut. The “Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” released on Apr. 1, 2026, saw the most successful feature of Nintendo’s iconic characters on the big screen. While we only saw Donkey Kong briefly in a flashback sequence, there were more than enough other characters to satisfy all kinds of Nintendo fans.

Some characters that fans got the chance to see included Yoshi, Rosalina, Bowser Jr., Fox McCloud and Birdo. These are some of the classic characters seen in all sorts of Nintendo media. Having them brought into the film, no matter how short the duration, was some great fan service on Nintendo’s part. Bringing in characters from other franchises that are not directly connected to the Mario brothers, such as Rob, Fox and Mr. Game & Watch, was a great way to also acknowledge the plumbing pair’s fame and infamy in Nintendo’s popular fighting game series “Super Smash Bros.” The Pikmin also received a few seconds of screen time , just enough to remind everyone that they existed.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

In this film, we get to see some of the character progression for the loveable ultra-villain Bowser. However, Bowser has had a change of heart and soul and initially dedicates himself to the rescue of Rosalina. While this mindset is quickly overturned upon some quality father and son time, it was nice to see that not every bone in Bowser’s body is evil. Despite the inherent goodness of quality family time, it was sad to see the ever sophisticated and matured Bowser fall back into his evil ways.

Another piece of lore that got depicted in the film was the origin of Peach and Rosalina. Peach mentions in the beginning of the film how the birthday celebration that was taking place wasn’t even her real birthday, but instead it celebrates when the Toads found her. Later, the film showed a bedtime story book that goes over the beginnings of the princesses. The notion that Rosalina had been describing the real happenings of the Mushroom Kingdom as bed-time stories was comical, especially when watching the sprites’ reactions to their heroes.

Now onto the film itself. It was a quality picture with good pacing, story and art. Bowser Jr.’s animation style, especially during combat scenes, was especially impressive. The soundtrack was particularly enjoyable in its recreation of some iconic Mario Bros. tracks while also fitting them with the action of the movie. Just like its predecessor, there were plenty of callbacks to Mario games from all eras, highlighting some of the different environments and characters that players of the game series have passed and defeated over the years. It was well paced and left the viewer constantly engaged without any needless surprises or lulling montages.

In the end, evil was thwarted, sisters were reunited and the whole ordeal was sealed with a kiss for one lucky plumber. If Princess Daisy’s post credit cameo is anything to go by, Luigi might be getting lucky soon, too. Should there be a third movie, it would already have some very enticing elements to it. For now, all that can be said is that only time can tell.